What Is a Software Developer: Skills Required to Become One

Containerization, microservices architecture, and serverless computing will remain the mainstays of software development. These technologies are perfect for developing and implementing cloud applications because they provide scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. To manage and orchestrate their cloud-native apps, developers will depend increasingly on platforms like Kubernetes. However, selecting a niche area of software development can help you sharpen your focus to hone your skills. The next few sections outline a few different types of software development and how to start with each one.

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There’s a lot of strategic planning that goes into creating software programs, and a ton of figuring out the fastest or most efficient path from point A to point B. Software development can be a lot like trying to solve a new mystery every day. If you’re someone who likes looking at the big picture as well as analyzing smaller steps along the way, you’ll be right at home developing software. In order to power these technologies, we need one critical component – software.

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These top-three programming languages are the same as developer analyst firm RedMonk’s rankings, which are based on data from GitHub and Stack Overflow. A developer – also known as a programmer, coder or software engineer – is an IT professional who uses programming languages to create computer software. Whether you opt for formal education or take a Software Developer self-taught track, you need to devote time to trying your hand at development. If you have a passion for app design, you could choose to develop your skills by practicing building mobile apps. If you’d rather work on the infrastructure of computers and servers, you might specialise as a DevOps engineer instead. There are many areas in which you can use your skills as a software developer.

If you’re starting fresh in software development with no prior experience, don’t worry—it’s entirely possible to build your skills from the ground up. Software development combines technical skills with essential soft skills, so it’s helpful to approach your learning with both technical training and personal development in mind. Some people start with a foundation of technical skills or a little knowledge of coding.

However, you might be able to secure an entry-level position after completing a coding bootcamp. If you hold a bachelor’s degree in a field unrelated to computer science or technology — or do not have a college degree — a software engineering bootcamp can offer an alternative pathway to a career in this field. Some software engineers learn programming and computer science essentials through self-study and practice. While independent learners can access a wealth of free programming resources online, acquiring these skills on your own takes a significant amount of time. To accomplish these goals, software engineers assess current products and look for ways to make them better, cheaper, or more efficient. They typically need to be able to code in a programming language such as Python, PHP, Go, or Ruby.

Everyone is different, and everyone starts at a different level, which is great news because it means there are various paths you can take to reach the same destination. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developer jobs are expected to grow 25% over the next decade, much higher than the national average of 5%. Many reputable platforms offer courses, tutorials, and resources to help you acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become a software developer. The versatile nature of this field promotes lateral moves and the freedom to change course at any time. Right now, JavaScript is the most popular programming language with 13.8 million developers, according to SlashData.

Offers interactive coding lessons on various programming languages and technologies. While there is no minimum education requirement to become a software engineer, most employers expect to see a bachelor of computer science or a degree in a related field. You may also need professional certifications, which require continuing education credits to maintain. “Low-code won’t kill the demand for developers but rather will mean that they need multiple skills,” says Harvey Nash’s Grimsey. Skills shortages were bad enough before the pandemic – and Harvey Nash reports demand continues to outstrip supply today, especially in software development, cybersecurity, and data.