How to become a software developer and the skills required to excel in this field.

With a widespread prevalence of computers and digital devices in our daily life, it will not be an exaggeration to say that the time we are living in is the digital age. Information technology is creating a knowledge-based society surrounded by a high-tech global economy influencing how all the major economic sectors operate conveniently in an efficient way. Apart from easing the life, inventors are also striving hard to make the virtual dreams a reality.

All digital devices comprise of two components- Hardware and Software. The physical components of any device-howsoever are sophisticated, are nothing without the software applications. With various kinds of software required for different purposes ranging from executable applications, back-end software and embedded programs, web-based applications, etc. the software industry is fast developing in India and currently being a 8.1 Billion USD one is expected to become 80-90 Billion USD by 2025.

This details the scope of Software Engineering and the need of software developers. Among the private sector IT is the biggest employer mainly with the software developers and largest contributor to service exports.

 

Software Engineering/Developers:

The most dynamic and financially rewarding sector of software engineering is the process of analyzing the requirement and then applying engineering principles to design, develop, and implement the programming to get software for the need.   Such a technology-driven vast-scope profession requires special training and enables one to work in the field of web-applications, software jobs, video games, android development, and many more.

 

Becoming a Software-Engineer:

There is no single path to get into this field as continuous technological evolvements create multiple entry points. Learning a programming language to work part-time and freelancing to pursuing post-graduation- the vast field has a variety of options to all as follows:

 

1. Getting Education:

The first step into any field is getting the best-suited education and IT developers have a plethora of choices from conventional to convenient programming knowledge:

➤Coding Camps:

It refers to the short-term training sessions ranging from 5-12 weeks and give an in-depth specialized knowledge regarding programming languages for a specific field. They can be about a special programming language like Java, Python, or for a specific field like web-development, android development, etc. They give first-hand experience and an entry into the IT Developer world. They are suitable to enhance the skills, appealing CV, and for part-time/Freelancing works and the entry level software jobs.

➤Associate Degree:

After any course, the specialization in the field of software engineering or the related systems can be obtained facilitating the path for software developers into the lucrative profession. The associate degree courses range from 2-3 years and focus more on core principles of software engineering and modern 

➤Bachelor’s degree

The most preferred course and the traditionally minimum degree mandated by all the large businesses and firms for hiring the core-professionals. The full-time course exposes students to a broad curriculum related to programming skills & languages, software architecture, and testing with a strong foundation of mathematics. This degree may lead to specializations like Embedded systems, Networking, and many more.

 

2. Specialization in a field:      

After a formal education, the candidates must look for specializations in software engineering which are of two main categories:

a) Software Applications

b) System Development

However distinct practices are there in both areas. Specialties to consider are

i) Getting an expert in a programming language: Mastering one language has multiple benefits as it is easier to learn others as well. Every language has unique usage but Java & Python are the universal ones finding applications everywhere. The software engineering world is highly dynamic in nature with several languages, devices, technologies coming every year. It has been observed that a technology on it boom is completely outdated by the advent of a new one. So if one has mastery over a programming language like Java, Python then one is on the safe side in all situations.      

ii) Web-Development: Online quizzes, events, offer, games are some of the examples of web-applications, which instead of being installed on the device are executed on cloud technologies. They are on the high-side with bright prospects.

iii) DevOps

iv) Mobile Development

v) Technical Stacks    

 

3. Internship:

No matter how much one studies and gain bookish knowledge, they can never be at par with the exposure gained with an internship. Better programming experience in a real, professional environment, access to a variety of tasks & departments, better mentorship, assistance in career goals, a strong resume, impressive references and recommendations, and a great professional network are some benefits associated with the internship.  

 

There is no limit for anything and especially in case of learning something. Knowledge is your biggest asset so keep on increasing it as much as you can. Accessing better resources, gaining experience & getting certificates, attending conferences, seminars, and webinars are some great options for software developers to gain more exposure.  

 

Notorious Myths regarding Software Engineering:

i) Coding is very boring and a hard thing

Reality: It is not even close to the truth. Coding is simply writing the process in an algorithmic way, emphasizing greatly on your thinking skills.

ii) Getting a long-term formal degree with lots of studies is required.

Reality: As mentioned above, a simple 5-6 week session can land you an entry level software job. Programmers without formal degrees are working more and earning more in the field.

iii) One has to learn many languages and to keep pace have to learn the latest one

Though many languages work together in software development and nothing is like the best language, still one will require working with a single language at a professional level. Mastering a single language can yield wonderful results.

iv) It’s too late for me to get into the IT Developer field.

The most common myth but nothing closes to reality. You are not late because it’s a simple task of thinking and writing the same as per the prescribed protocol and syntax. If one is supposed to create a right-triangular pattern, using stars (*) then you will start with tarts at base and stars perpendicular to it and will keep one star at the top and will keep on increasing one unit till end.

For displaying the same thing on program output, one has to exactly write the same thinking patterns like selecting base and adding one unit.

 

Simple thinking skills only improve with time so it’s never late to get into the field.

 

Software Engineering is a wonderful world of unlimited possibilities in all aspects. Being the largest employer of the private sector it is also the best paying one as well. The interactive and the dynamic discipline is greatly interesting and if someone is still having any doubt regarding software development as a career then one is free to contact us through any media for clarification.