How to Become a Software Developer
by Ross Heintzkill | Published on December 10, 2024
When you open your favorite app, do some shopping online, or schedule an appointment, you're coming face-to-face (or face-to-fingers) with the work of a software developer. Software developers are the creative minds behind the programs and applications that – let's be honest – the world would fall apart without. They design, build, and maintain software that solves problems, streamlines work, and makes our daily lives richer.
For businesses, software developers are essential to staying competitive and productive. Software developers create the tools that help companies automate processes, manage data, and serve customers faster and better.
Are you curious about becoming a software developer or their average salary? Let’s explore what it takes to become a software developer – skills, education, and certifications you should know about.
What is a Software Developer?
A software developer is an IT professional who designs, creates, tests, and maintains software. Software can refer to huge packages like Windows, or small, specific tools like web browsers and games. Simply, software developers make software – sometimes they're writing brand new software from the ground up, and other times they're taking existing software code and updating or rewriting it.
Unlike some IT positions, software developer is a role that someone can hold their entire career. There are also highly specialized software developers or those with broad skills and backgrounds. One universal truth is that a software developer has a strong set of technical skills. Proficiency in at least one programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, or C# is essential. You'll almost certainly learn many more before the end of your career.
Developers also need to understand concepts like algorithms, data structures, and databases, as well as different approaches to managing software development – like Agile or DevOps. There are also a lot of soft skills like communication and teamwork that are important, especially when working with other developers, designers, and stakeholders.
What Does a Software Developer Do?
On a daily basis, a software developer works on a wide range of tasks. They might start their day by collaborating with a team to outline the features of a new application or a system. They might then write or review code, debug issues in existing software, or test software to make sure it's working as expected.
Depending on their role, a software developer might also spend time researching new tools, documenting the code they've written, or brainstorming new solutions to complex problems. It's rare for two days to be the same for a software developer, but the focus is always on creating reliable software.
Think of a software developer like a problem solver using computer languages to create digital tools for specific needs. Maybe a non-profit needs a database to manage donor information, or a huge company wants to create a video game that will be played by millions of people. Software developers combine creativity, technical expertise, and logical thinking to turn those ideas into functional software.
The average user will likely simply purchase and download an app if they need software. But companies of all sizes often want custom solutions that take their unique situation into account. Skilled software developers can improve existing commercial products or build entirely new solutions from the ground up.
The demand for software developers is incredibly high, and it's only growing. Businesses in every sector need software to function. Whether it's to serve customers, analyze data, or automate workflows, companies in the modern world simply don't function without good software. The demand isn't going anywhere: software development is a stable and rewarding career field with a ton of growth potential.
How to Become a Software Developer without a Degree
The good news is that a college degree isn't a mandatory requirement for becoming a software developer. A college degree in computer science or a related field can be very helpful to getting a job as a software developer, but you don't need one. Many software developers started their career through self-study, online courses, coding bootcamps, or by building a portfolio of personal projects.
One of the most attractive things about software development is that it's a career field that's accessible to people from all backgrounds. There isn't one solitary definition of software developer, no singular training path to walk to become a software developer. But there are some topics, technologies, concepts, and skills you should develop if you want to become a software developer:
Programming fundamentals: Learn the basics of writing and debugging code, algorithms, and data structures.
Popular programming languages: Get proficient in the basic and most popular languages like Python, JavaScript, Java and/or C#. Different languages are more suitable for different types of projects, so your first language should reflect your area of interest.
Version control: Be familiar with tools like Git and GitHub that help you track and manage code changes.
Software development lifecycle: Familiarize yourself with the administrative and managerial processes behind planning, designing, building, testing, and maintaining software.
Debugging and testing: Learn to identify and fix bugs and practice testing software.
Databases: You should know the basics of creating, querying and interacting with databases using SQL and NoSQL.
Web development: While not strictly necessary, front-end (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and back-end (Node.js, Django, etc.) technologies related to web development end up being applicable to many software developers.
Soft skills: Just like any job, you'll be interacting with other people, and knowing how to communicate clearly, navigate problems comfortably, and handle interpersonal conflict calmly will help you throughout your entire career.
Imagine someone fresh out of high school or currently working in a non-IT job, dreaming of becoming a software developer. Their first step is to learn the basic terms and concepts of programming. At this stage, there's no need to spend money – there are free resources like the intro to programming videos on our YouTube channel or our Intro to IT courses that can be viewed with a free 7-day trial. These can help you get a feel for what software development is all about and introduce you to foundational skills.
After a while, the shape of the job will make more sense, and that's when it's time to invest in a beginner's course on programming. Free resources are great, but professional courses come with clear advantages. They're designed to teach you everything you need to know in a logical sequence, with exercises and hands-on projects that help you apply what you're learning. Many also provide support and guidance to help you stay on track – and that can be really helpful for a beginner.
After completing an introductory course on programming or two, a good next step to becoming a software developer is to choose a specific area of interest. Figure out which type of software or technology excites you, maybe it's building websites, developing machine learning tools, or automating processes.
Then dive into the programming languages that are relevant to the field (for example, Python is extremely versatile and great for data science, or HTML & CSS if you want to do anything related to web development). Developing minor specialization early as you become a software developer can help you stand out as you progress.
With a solid foundation and some specialization, it's time to build out a portfolio. Look for every chance you can to create small projects. Focus on projects that highlight your preferences and the type of work and development you want to pursue. With consistent learning and practice, you'll be well on your way to becoming a software developer.
Are There any Software Development Certifications?
There are certifications you can earn to help you become a software developer, like Microsoft's Azure Developer Associate or Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP™). They're helpful credentials that can demonstrate proficiency with specific tools, languages, or environments – and can make the difference in some job applications.
However, the value of certifications in software development vary widely depending on the employer and the role. Unlike fields like networking or cybersecurity, where certifications carry significant weight, many hiring managers in software development prioritize practical experience and problem-solving.
Software development certifications can always help. But building a portfolio of real-world projects is often more impactful. Whether it's a fully functioning app, a complex web project, or a clever coding challenge, portfolio pieces speak loudly of your skill and knowledge. That's yet another reason to take professional courses in software development, as many of them culminate with a major challenge that turns into a portfolio piece, like developing a calendar app.
Software Developer Career Path and Progression
Most software developers start their careers in entry-level positions that help them build foundational skills and gain practical experience. Common starting jobs for people who want to become software developers include Junior Software Developer, Web Developer, or Quality Assurance (QA) Tester.
In those positions, you'll work on smaller tasks like writing basic code, fixing bugs, or testing software for functionality and reliability. Those are roles that are ideal for learning day-to-day realities of software development as well as the realities of team dynamics, development workflows and version control systems.
As you gain experience, opportunities in mid-career software development open up. Mid-level roles tend to be titled Software Developer (simple enough) or Front-end/Back-end Developer. Those are jobs that come with more responsibilities – like designing features, leading projects, and mentoring junior developers.
From there you might go to a senior position like Senior Developer or Technical Lead. Those have more influence on project direction, design, and decision-making. With enough experience and interest in leadership, you can also pursue management roles like Software Development Manager, or Director of Engineering, where you might oversee teams, manage resources, or align development with business goals.
You also don't have to stay in software development once you've become a software developer. Software developers often transition to fields like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cloud Development, Cybersecurity, or Mobile Application Development.
Software Developer vs. Web Developer
Throughout, we've mentioned that some software developers work in web development. More accurately, software developers and web developers have different roles. Software developers tend to have a broad scope of work that deals with designing and building applications for a variety of platforms. They work with a wide range of programming languages, frameworks and tools.
Web developers specialize in building and maintaining websites and web applications. A web developer focuses on making websites functional, user-friendly, and visually appealing. A web developer tends to use languages and technologies specific to the web – like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React or Angular.
Web developers usually fall into one of three categories: front-end developers, who work on the visual parts of a website; back-end developers, who handle server functionality; and full-stack developers, who manage both.
There's certainly overlap between software developers and web developers, but web development is technically a subset of software development. Software developers are usually focused more broadly and web developers are usually specialized in creating online experiences.
Both can be lucrative careers – choosing between them usually depends on whether you're more interested in web technologies exclusively or broader software systems that sometimes interact with or use the Internet.
How Much Does a Software Developer Make?
How much money a software developer makes depends on their experience level, where they work, area of specialization, and the industry. Software developer salaries vary so much that it's hard to come up with a useful estimate, since some very junior but highly specialized developers get lucky with a job that pays better than an experienced developer.
Generally speaking across a wide range of experiences, a software developer can make between $60,000 and over $130,000, according to Glassdoor.
Experience Level | Average Salary |
Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $60,000 - $80,000 |
Mid-Level (3-5 years) | $80,000 - $100,000 |
Senior-Level (5+ years) | $100,000 - $130,000+ |
(Source: Glassdoor, [10/13/2024])
Software developers often have the flexibility to work from home, which usually lets them cast a wider net when applying for jobs in different industries and regions without needing to relocate. That can be a huge advantage, offering more choices and better pay. But it's also a double-edged sword: remote work also means competing in a global job market, where employers can choose from a huge pool of candidates.
Becoming a software developer is an exciting and rewarding journey. It offers the chance to create tools and applications that shape how people live and work. Whether you're building new apps, solving complex problems, or improving existing software, developers sit right at the heart of modern innovation. Anyone who's willing to put in the effort – whether that's self-study, formal education or paid online courses, can become a software developer.
It doesn't matter how much experience or knowledge you have right now, you can take a meaningful step toward becoming a software developer. Explore CBT Nuggets' collection of software development courses.
We have courses perfect for beginners to software development and advanced courses like how to automate systems and networks with PowerShell.
No matter where you are career-wise, there's a path waiting for you. Take the first step today and start creating software solutions tomorrow.