If you’re looking to future-proof your career, tech is the best place to start looking. The global pandemic has catapulted the world into a digital transformation touching every industry — and as a result, companies are becoming increasingly reliant on technology for operations and growth. This means the demand for tech talent is skyrocketing, with the employment of software developers in particular set to increase by 21% through 2028.
Perhaps you’re already drawn to a career in software development, and all its benefits — flexible working opportunities, a lucrative salary, and the chance to change lives through the products you build, to name a few. But how can you tell if you’d be a good fit? And what does life as a software developer even entail, anyway?
If doubt is holding you back from forging a fulfilling career in software, we’re here to help. Read on for our guide to deciphering whether software development is right for you.
1. What does a software developer do?
A software developer builds and maintains computer software; they conceptualise, design, and build computer programs using programming languages such as Python, Javascript, and Ruby-on-rails. A developer can refer to a specialist in one area or a generalist who writes code for many kinds of software. Some develop new applications for mobile or desktop use, and others build underlying operating systems.
Software developers typically identify user needs, create programs, test out new software, and make improvements. Developers can also fix bugs in digital products, and in many cases will work closely with designers to help create digital experiences.
Software developers are a fundamental part of any digital ecosystem, and this will only continue to be the case. As new technologies emerge, there will also be an urgent need for software developers who can build in AI, blockchain, and machine learning fields.
It’s also important to note that not everyone who learns to code goes on to become a software developer. Learning to code could see you become a web developer, programmer, technical writer, project manager, or data scientist. Many designers also learn to code so they can better translate their designs into functioning products. Others use their experience as a software developer to start their own company, like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, both of whom began their careers as software developers.
To learn more, we recommend reading this blog post about a day in the life of a software developer and coding bootcamp graduate.
2. What’s the difference between a software developer and a software engineer?
Both of these job titles are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction in the nature of the two roles. While software developers write programs and develop apps with readily available tools, software engineers work with other components of the hardware system and create tools to build software.
Director of operations at Liberty IT Felim O’Donnell noted that software developers deliver software within specific parameters. It’s less critical for them to see the whole picture, and instead, they focus on the task assigned to them by the software engineers.
Meanwhile, a software engineer takes a higher-level view of the developed software. Through working with other stakeholders to come up with the project requirements, they’re always trying to find ways to improve the process.
Essentially, the gap between a developer and an engineer comes down to “the mindset with which they approach their job and their appetite to learn”.
3. What traits should a software developer have?
While there are many different opinions of what constitutes an outstanding software developer, generally, the same themes tend to emerge across the board. These themes have been covered by a list created by DevSkiller, with the argument that a great software developer tends to have the following qualities, among others:
- Curiosity: This pushes you to learn new languages and solutions, as well as the desire to investigate the architectural choices of others and the assumptions that come with them.
- Technical skills: These days, coding tests make this simpler for employers to spot and easier for developers themselves to practice.
- Intuition: The best software developers tend to immediately conceptualise algorithms and architectures intuitively.
- Love of learning: With so many languages and the field constantly evolving, a love of absorbing and retaining new information is a must.
- Adaptability: Because of constant changes, it’s crucial to remain adaptable and seek new tools and ways of doing things through industry news and self-learning.
- Communication skills: These days, coding has become more of a team sport — it’s crucial to listen well, articulate your point of view, and provide a rationale behind your decisions.
4. How do I find out if software development is right for me?
It’s common knowledge that the quickest way to pick up a spoken language is by having conversations with native speakers. Similarly, the fastest way to learn to code is by actually trying it out. Luckily, you’re spoiled for choice! Here are a few ways to test the waters before you commit to any official training.
- Join a coding community. Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are abundant with coding communities that regularly share tips and resources for those just starting out, such as @CodeNewbies; a supportive community of beginner programmers. On Instagram, we also love @CodeNewbie, @code_logbook and @codergirl_!
- Watch YouTube tutorials. There are a myriad of free tutorials on YouTube, and even lessons that form a beginner course. We’re big fans of Hello Kay, a software developer and YouTuber who shares coding tutorials as well as his experience of getting into tech.
- Try some coding challenges. There are a number of coding challenges that are completely free and accessible to anyone, and are a great way to build on your skills. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of coding challenges you can get stuck in with once you’ve learned the basics.
- Join an event. We host regular Q&A’s for curious coders-to-be who want to understand more about the field, and what a career in software might look like. We also partner with Codebar and Coding Black Females who provide free workshops and events for their members.
- Take an online quiz. We’ve also come up with this online quiz that can help you to understand what skills you’d need to thrive as a software developer.
5. How do I start learning to code?
Convinced a career in software is right for you, and itching to get stuck in? We love your enthusiasm!
If you’ve followed our recommendations in the previous section and dipped your toes into the field, you might now be looking for some more structured training. To ensure a 360 learning experience that will see you learn all the soft and hard skills you need to succeed as a developer, your best option is to enrol in a coding bootcamp.
Where traditional universities can’t keep up with the sky-high demand for talented developers, coding bootcamps have risen to popularity as a faster and more cost-effective option. With the Makers 16-week bootcamp, you’ll be taught in-demand software skills by a world-class coaching team, who’ll work with you to land a lucrative role as a qualified developer upon completion. You’ll also get to work on real-world projects together with your cohort to ensure you’re learning the skills, tools and programming languages that companies are looking for today. Learn more about how Makers students learn via this link.
6. Final thoughts
So there we have it — a guide to understanding more about the software development field, and whether it might be a good fit for you. Still feel unsure, or have specific questions related to how a coding bootcamp might support you in your career switch? We recommend booking a call with a member of our Course Sales Team, who’ll shed some light on what you can expect from a career in software.
If you enjoyed this article, we think you’ll like our software developer’s guide to choosing the right company to work for.
