How to Get Started as a Software Developer

Software Development is broad, and it encompasses everything that goes into bringing a technology product such as an app, website or program live.

Software Development is designing, writing codes, deploying and supporting software. It involves these sets of dedicated activities to make a product function properly.

We have four main types of software and they are:

1. Application software

This is the most popular as it involves creating applications for end users to perform a task or achieve their desired outcome.

2. System software

System software helps the user, the computer or mobile device, and an application all work together seamlessly. This makes system software crucial to running any kind of application software as well as the whole computer system.

3. Programming software

Programming software is for computer programmers and developers who are writing code. These are programs that are used to write, develop, test, and debug other software programs. It’s helpful to think of these programs as a translator of sorts: they take programming languages like Python, C++, and more and translate them into something a computer or phone will understand.

4. Drivers Software

Driver software controls the devices that are plugged into your computer. The drivers make it possible for computer devices to perform their specific functions.

Now that you’ve known the types of software development, how can you become a developer?

Software Developers are unarguably one of the most highly paid people in the world. Technology has dominated the world and if you look at it, you’ll find that the richest people in the world are deeply rooted in technology. No industry can succeed without technology today. So positioning yourself to tap into the wealth of the industry as a developer can be a life-changing experience for you.

Understand that there are different types of developers and some of them require a distinct skill set.

Here are the different types of software developers:

1. Frontend developers

In simple terms, these are developers who design and write codes for the part of the product with which the end users interact. It is concerned with the user interface (UI).

2. Backend developers

As the name implies, these are developers who work on the part of the product that users can’t see. The backend is the infrastructure that powers the app, website or program.

3. Full-stack developers

These developers work on both the front end and back end of the product.

4. Desktop developers

These are developers that create application programs that run on Windows, Linux or Mac.

5. Web and mobile developers

Web developers build web applications that run on any browser while mobile developers build apps that run natively on mobile devices including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. These developers can also be called front-end, back-end or full-stack developers.

6. Database developers

These developers work on data. They’re responsible for building the database, modifying and designing existing or new programs, and ensuring that they satisfy the requirements of the users.

7. DevOps, Cloud Computing and Security experts

DevOps is a set of practices and philosophies that are focused on the quick, efficient, and customer-centric delivery of software. Cloud computing encompasses the creation of cloud platforms and infrastructures. Expert in cloud computing manages cloud services and provides maintenance to users.

Security software professionals are dedicated to ensuring the security of various technological systems. They must have extensive knowledge of the methodology, practices, tools, and patterns cybercriminals employ to hack software so they can help prevent these attacks from taking place.

How can you get started as a software developer in 2022?

Getting started in tech is not a smooth experience, you’ll fail and pick yourself up multiple times, and you’ll practice and practice and get your hands on tools and systems to gain mastery. The best way to get started in tech is to leave the noise and find an expert to teach you. It saves you time by helping you gain mastery faster.

Here are the languages and frameworks you must master to become a software developer

1. Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Vue, Angular

2. Backend: Python, NodeJs, PHP, Java, Laravel, Django

3. Database: Mysql, PostgreSQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle

4. Cloud: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud

5. Mobile: React Native, Flutter

Also, Master the working of Git + GitHub.

There are other languages like Java and Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS you can also focus on. Your willingness to start now is what is most important.

If you procrastinate, you’ll gain nothing and time will still count. Time is not your friend and you must act now to gain mastery.

If you will do self-learning, then after some time of practising, contribute to an open source project, apply to work as an intern, and use Google to find open positions.

I wish you all the best.