Essential Skills Needed to Become a Software Developer

Last Updated on March 8, 2022

What is Software Development?

The process by which programmers create computer programs is referred to as software development. The procedure, also regarded as the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), includes several steps which provide a framework for making products that meet technical specifications as well as user requirements. The SDLC offers a global standard for software companies to use when developing and improving their computer programs. It provides a specific framework for development teams to abide to when designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality software. The primary objective of the IT software development process is to create high-quality product and services within a set budget and time frame.

The sequence of instructions or programs that tells a computer what to do is referred to as software. It is hardware-independent and allows computer systems to be programmed. There are three basic types:

1. System software that performs key functions such as hardware and software, disk management, utilities, hardware management, as well as other operational requirements.
2. Text editors, compilers, linkers, debuggers, and other tools for creating code are provided by programming software.
3. Application software (also known as apps) is used to assist users in carrying out tasks. Examples include business productivity suites, data management software, media players, and security applications. Web and mobile applications, such as those used to shop on Amazon, socialize on Facebook, or upload photos to Instagram, are also examples of applications.

Programmers, software engineers, and software developers are the main people who work on software development. These roles interact and overlap, and their dynamics differ widely across development departments and communities.

The Importance of Software Development

It is critical for businesses because it allows them to differentiate themselves from their competing companies and become more competitive. Software development can enhance customer experience, bring more feature-rich and creative product to the market, and make configurations safer, more productive, and efficient. Digitalization and online storage of information not only saves space, but also incorporates and centralizes it, making it easily accessible to those who require it. It’s also simple to keep your data safe from prying eyes. As the company grows, the collection of data grows in size, and efficiently storing this data will become a priority. Companies need to implement and upgrade their digital organizations in order to continue providing consistent performance to those who use this data. In addition, software development is required for data analysis. Businesses can use the data collected from day-to-day activities, when combined with proper software, to keep up with the developments among their clients.

What Does a Software Developer Do?

Software developers are the creative minds behind all types of computer programs. They design and write the code that is used to create everything including operating systems to apps to video games. In this role, they may very well be engaged in every phase of the software development process, from determining what consumers need and how they will use the software to spinning out a finished application. Although many software developers do all of the coding themselves, they may occasionally work collaboratively with computer programmers. Software developers have a somewhat less formal role than software engineers and it can be heavily involved in particular project areas, such as code writing. At the same time, they ultimately drive software development lifecycle, which involves working along through functional departments to convert specifications into features, managing development teams and procedures, and performing software testing and general upkeep.

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a process used by developers that consists of six stages: analysis, design, development and testing, implementation, documentation, and evaluation. They work in teams at IT companies or in the IT department of a wide range of technology–driven organizations, and they interact with computers on a daily basis. They may also work as independent contractors for a variety of clients. Software developers typically work as part of a team of information technology professionals, collaborating with development managers, software engineers, user experience designers, and systems analysts to ensure that software projects are functional and effective. Software developers are analytical people with strong skills in mathematics, engineering, and electronics.  A software developer’s day-to-day tasks may include:

• Assessing software consumers’ requirements
• Creating, testing, and developing software programs to satisfy consumer needs
• Developing models and diagrams that describe the code required to develop software and applications
• Maintaining and testing software in order to keep it running efficiently
• Documenting the process in order to get the necessary relevant data for improvements and general upkeep.

Essential Skills Needed to Become a Software Developer

Software developer skills are the technical abilities that a person acquires in order to develop effective programs and applications. They usually entail using understanding of mathematics and problem-solving skills to write program code, which is the sequence of words and symbols that makes it possible a program to run. There are many different kinds of skills to learn, such as digital technologies and computer systems. Many software developers learn them in college courses as part of a computer science degree program or as part of a certificate program. Here are the essential skills that are needed to become a software developer.

1.      Coding Languages

The various types of source code that can be written for a software program are referred to as coding languages. It is critical for software developers to specialize in at least one coding language in order to increase the number of job opportunities available to them, as hiring managers frequently expect candidates to have expertise. If someone is choosing a language to learn, they should consider what type of program best fits their interests. Some options, for example, may be better suited to mobile application development, whereas others may be better suited to video game design. Here are some of the common coding languages that beginners can learn:

JavaScript: This choice assists developers in creating a system for an interactive website application, such as a webpage that displays specific information after a user clicks on a button.

• HTML (HyperText Markup Language): This standardized option can be used to visualize text and image content on a website or application, such as sentences, paragraphs, bulleted lists, and charts.
• Cascading Style Sheets (CSS): This method allows developers to add fonts, colors, and punctuation to text content on a website or application. As a result, many developers understand HTML and CSS and can work in both languages at the same time.
• Python: This is a multifaceted programming language that allows developers to complete a variety of software development tasks, such as writing code for the whole program or monitoring errors in the language. It has a simple structure, so it may be simpler to study than other choices available.
• C++: This programming language can assist developers in developing programs that enhance features and capabilities, such as medical equipment software. Many video game developers use C++ because it allows them to create complicated gaming systems with high-quality computer graphics.
• Java: This programming language enables developers to build programs and applications that can run on a variety of computer systems. Java is also used by video game developers to make high-quality video games because it has a similar format to C++ but with fewer complexities.

2.      Database Knowledge

Databases are electronic systems that enable users to manage and structure information, specifically company documentation. Software developers must be able to look for information, enter new data lines in a table format, and keep updating a system with new materials. They also know how to safeguard a database and backup data in order to keep a company’s information safe in the event of an emergency. To function a database, it may be beneficial to learn Structured Query Language (SQL), a standardized source code that allows developers to operate a variety of systems for various companies.

3.      Data Structure and Algorithms

Data structures are diverse corporate methods for archiving information in a database, whereas algorithms describe the process that must be followed to complete tasks. Many data structures and algorithms are often known by software developers in order to identify which combination can help them utilize information in a program’s code. A finished array structure, for example, can store various variations of the same type of data, such as a writing program that stores font information. Users can select a type of font and its size if the developer used the proper algorithm.

4.      Source Control

Source control management (SCM) refers to a system that assists a software development team in monitoring changes and updates to the coding language of a program. It gives each developer the chance to work on the code independently before combining their efforts into a single version. SCM systems can produce a list of code revisions and, if necessary, assist developers in restoring a language to a previous state. Because companies frequently necessitate software developers to work together as a team on the same coding projects, learning how to use a type of SCM system may be beneficial. Companies and individual developers frequently use Git, an SCM app that lets developers to keep different versions of a program code in a single folder system. It organizes each project using a branch system, which means that a primary branch represents the original version of the code, while any extra added branches that attach to it represent variations or modifications. Git is also an open-source program, which means it can be used by anyone.

5.      Testing Procedures

Before a business can release a software program to the public, it must go through an extensive testing process. It entails using a number of digital tools to make sure the product works properly and meets its design specifications. It also involves testing a program’s ability to run on various computer hardware and store sensitive data. Because companies frequently rely their testing procedures on a few essential aspects, it may be beneficial for a software developer to grasp basic aspects before applying for job positions. Developers are familiar with the following three aspects of software testing:

 

• Unit testing: This method of testing entails evaluating specific lines or areas of code to see if they need to be modified. To make sure that they evaluate a program’s key elements, developers frequently make a new unit test for each project they wrap up.
• Integration testing: This process is used by software developers to determine whether they can successfully merge different areas of a program’s code. They can also use integration testing to see how one software program communicates with the code of another.
• System testing: Following the completion of integration testing, an external testing professional will usually conduct this process for determining whether or not a product satisfies consumer expectations. It’s critical for a software developer to fully comprehend the steps of this process because testing professionals frequently interact crucial suggestions for improvement.

6.      Debugging Knowledge

Debugging is the process of addressing and fixing bugs in a program’s coding language during the software development process. It entails running a program through specialized software, carefully inspecting each error, and then applying problem-solving skills to identify which part of the code affected it to occur. Several software developers fix the error of their code as they write it in order to make sure that it works properly during testing. It is critical to learn how to use debugging software in order to learn basic techniques for removing errors and developing an efficient process.

7.      Cloud Platforms

Cloud platforms are the hardware and software necessary to run a business’s remote database, which is now commonly referred to as the cloud. Configuring this type of platform usually requires knowledge of coding languages and server administration, which are common skills among software developers. Because so many business owners use these platforms to store data, learning how to develop applications and programs that use cloud-based technology may be beneficial. A developer, for example, can become certified in the use of Amazon Web Services (AWS), a cloud platform brand that many businesses buy and use.

8.      Software Frameworks

A software framework is a program that allows developers to build a program using preexisting information, such as lines of code written by another developer or software knowledge from other developers. So, every operating system has its own framework, which typically includes the most commonly used programming languages. They may include some predetermined structures and features that can help to speed up the development of software code. A developer, for example, can use the.NET framework to write code on a Microsoft Windows system, Cocoa for a macOS computer system, or Cocoa Touch for an iOS mobile device.

9.      Operating Systems

Operating systems are pieces of software that configure the hardware of a device and enable it to run programs. Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux are the most popular computer operating systems, while iOS and Android are the most popular mobile phone operating systems. It may be beneficial for a software developer to gain some knowledge and experience in the various types mentioned above, as this will allow the developers to effectively perform testing procedures and transfer lines of code among them. The developers can also specialize in developing program code for one system, depending on their preferences and the criteria of a job position.

10.  Cryptography

Cryptography is a method of concealing sensitive information by employing an encryption code or password, also known as a key. It entails employing an algorithmic formula to generate a corresponding decryption code, which can be used to reveal the original data to a user. To prevent external agents from learning information about a product, software developers frequently use encryption techniques. There are two main types of cryptography to learn: symmetric encryption, which uses one key to unlock the original data, and asymmetric encryption, which uses two keys to unlock the original data.