Master these Software Development Tools to Find a Job Easily

The software industry has grown rapidly over the last few years, driven by technological advancements and digital transformation initiatives across various industries. According to a report by Statista, the industry will have an annual growth rate of 5.72% during 2023-2027, resulting in a market volume of $812.90 billion by 2027. The report attributes this growth to factors such as the increasing adoption of cloud-based software, the expansion of mobile devices, and the rise of data analytics and artificial intelligence.

The software development tools market size is somewhat fragmented. According to the US BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), a 25% growth in the software developer profession is expected from 2021 to 2031 over the next 10 years, which translates to the creation of about 162,900 jobs. The market consists of major players, such as Microsoft Corporation, International Business Machines Corporation, Oracle Corporation, and SAP SE. The software industry has also been a significant contributor to job creation.

As per Grand View Research, the world market size for custom software development was estimated at $24.46 billion in 2021 and is projected to increase at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.3% from 2022 to 2030. Software applications that are specifically tailored to the demands of a person or business are created using custom software. The demand for industrial applications for real-time data analysis, the rising demand for flexible workspace to boost productivity, and the popularity of the Low Code Development Platform (LCDP) for simpler software development are just a few factors driving the market's expansion. Also, the market is growing due to the use of analytics and the appearance of several technologies like AI-driven chatbots and robotics automation.

This is why it has become of utmost importance for an aspiring software developer or even an experienced one to have the right knowledge of development tools. Now, let us take a look at some of the top development tools.

• Git
  
  Git is a distributed version control system that helps developers to manage source code and track changes over time. It is one of the most popular development tools used today and is widely adopted by developers worldwide as it is one of the easy software tools to learn. The benefits of using Git in terms of project efficiency are:
  
  
  • Collaboration
    
    Git allows multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously, making it easier for teams to collaborate and share code.
     
  • Branching and Merging
    
    Git makes it easy to create new branches for features or bug fixes and then merge those changes back into the main codebase. This allows for efficient development workflows and reduces the risk of conflicts.
     
  • Versioning
    
    Git tracks changes to code over time, allowing developers to revert to previous codebase versions if needed. This helps to ensure code quality and reduce the risk of errors.
     
  • Backup and Restore
    
    Git provides an easy way to back up and restore code in case of data loss or system failure.
     
• Visual Studio Code
  
  This is a code editor that provides features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging capabilities. It is a popular choice among developers as it is lightweight, customizable, and has a vast ecosystem of extensions. The benefits of using Visual Studio Code in terms of project efficiency are:
  
  
  • Customization
    
    Visual Studio Code is highly customizable, allowing developers to tailor the editor to their specific needs and preferences. This can save time and increase productivity.
     
  • Lightweight
    
    Visual Studio Code is a lightweight code editor that consumes fewer resources, making it faster and more efficient than other code editors.
     
  • Extensibility
    
    Visual Studio Code has a vast ecosystem of extensions that provide additional features and functionality. This can help to streamline workflows and improve code quality.
     
  • Debugging 
    
    Visual Studio Code provides a powerful debugging tool that allows developers to identify and fix bugs in their code quickly.
     
• Jira
  
  This is one of the popular agile software development tools used for a project management tool that helps teams to plan, track, and manage software development projects. It is widely used in agile development methodologies and provides features like sprint planning, backlog management, and team collaboration. The benefits of using Jira in terms of project efficiency are:
  
  
  • Agile Methodologies
     
    Jira is designed to support agile development methodologies, making it easier for teams to plan and execute sprints, track progress, and collaborate on tasks.
     
  • Task Management
    
    Jira provides a comprehensive task management system that allows teams to assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. This can help to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within the budget.
     
  • Customization
     
    Jira is highly customizable, allowing teams to tailor the tool to their specific needs and workflows. This can save time and increase productivity.
     
  • Reporting
    
    Jira provides detailed reporting and analytics that enable teams to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
     
• Docker
  
  This is a containerization platform that allows developers to package applications and dependencies into containers, making deploying and managing applications across different environments easier. The benefits of using Docker in terms of project efficiency are:
  
  
  • Portability
    
    Docker containers are highly portable, making it easy to move applications between different environments, such as development, testing, and production. This can save time and reduce errors.
     
  • Resource Efficiency
    
    Docker containers are lightweight and consume fewer resources than traditional virtual machines. This can help to reduce costs and improve performance.
     
  • Versioning
     
    Docker provides a powerful versioning system that allows developers to manage multiple versions of an application simultaneously. This can help to ensure code quality and reduce the risk of errors.
     
  • Scalability
     
    Docker makes it easier to scale applications up or down, depending on demand.
     
• Jenkins
  
  This is a Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) tool that automates the build, test, and deployment process. Developers widely use it to streamline the development process and ensure that the software is of high quality. The benefits of using Jenkins in terms of project efficiency are:
  
  
  • Automation
    
    Jenkins automates many time-consuming tasks, such as building, testing, and deploying code. This can save time and increase productivity.
     
  • Integration
     
    Jenkins integrates with many other development tools, such as Git and Jira, making it easy to create efficient development workflows.
     
  • Monitoring
     
    Jenkins provides a powerful monitoring system that allows developers to track the progress of builds and deployments in real time. This can help to identify and fix errors quickly.
     
  • Customization
     
    Jenkins can be customized to suit the needs of individual teams, making it more flexible and adaptable to different projects.

Learning these modern software development tools is important because it allows developers to work more efficiently, collaborate more effectively, and produce high-quality software. By mastering these tools, developers can improve their productivity, increase the speed of their development process, and reduce errors.

As software development becomes increasingly complex and time-consuming, software developers must understand development tools well to increase their productivity and efficiency and ensure a high-quality end product. Here are some reasons why software developers must know about development tools:

• Streamlining
  
  Development tools help to automate repetitive tasks and reduce the time and effort required to write and test code. It can enforce coding standards and best practices, ensuring that code is consistent and maintainable across a project or team.
   
• Enhances Collaboration
   
  Development tools like version control systems and project management tools allow teams to collaborate and work together on the same codebase. They facilitate collaboration between developers by providing features like version control, code reviews, and issue tracking.
   
• Improve Code Quality
  
  Code editors and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) help identify code bugs and errors, improving their quality.
   
• Efficiency
   
  Development tools automate many repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing developers to work more efficiently and productively.
   
• Scalability
  
  As software projects grow larger and more complex, development tools can help manage the complexity and scale of the project.
   
• Security
   
  Development tools can provide features like code analysis and vulnerability scanning to help identify and mitigate security risks in software.
   
• Stay up-to-date with New Technologies
  
  Developers must keep up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the software industry to remain competitive. Knowing about the latest development tool is essential in achieving this.

One way to learn development tools is through online courses. Online courses provide an accessible and flexible way to learn new skills, regardless of your location or schedule. Here are some of the benefits of learning software application development tools through online courses:

• Accessible
  
  Online courses are accessible to anyone with an internet connection, making it possible to learn from anywhere in the world.
   
• Self-paced
   
  Online courses are self-paced, which means you can learn at your own speed and with your schedule.
   
• Expert Instructors
   
  Online courses are taught by expert instructors with real-world experience with the development tools they teach.
   
• Interactive
   
  Many online courses are interactive, providing hands-on practice and feedback opportunities.
   
• Affordable
   
  Online courses are often more affordable than traditional classroom courses, making them accessible to more people.

Many online courses are available that teach development tools, ranging from beginner-level courses to more advanced ones. Some popular online learning platforms for software development include Udacity, Coursera, edX, Codecademy, and Pluralsight.

To help you learn effectively, the following is a handpicked list of the best software development tools courses available at Careervira. 

• Jenkins Certification Training Course by Edureka
  
  
  • Duration: NA
  • Level: Beginner
  • Skills gained: Jenkins, Jenkins pipeline
  • Prerequisites: Basic understanding of software development concepts and some experience with Java programming language
  • Unique Selling Proposition(USP): Personalized Teaching, Case Studies, Capstone Projects
     
    It is a comprehensive training program that provides learners with the knowledge and skills required to use Jenkins, an open-source automation server, effectively. The course is designed for software developers, DevOps engineers, and IT professionals who want to learn how to automate the software development process using Jenkins.
     
    The course curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including the installation and configuration of Jenkins, pipeline and job creation, plugin management, distributed builds, and security. Participants also learn to use Jenkins with other tools such as Git, Maven, and Docker.
     
• Open Source Software Development, Linux, and Git Specialization by Coursera
  
  
  • Duration: 4 months
  • Level: Beginner
  • Skills gained: Agile Software Development, Linux Commands, Git architecture, GitHub
  • Prerequisites: No requirements, but basic programming skills and some experience with the Linux command line are helpful
  • USP: Hands-on training, Case Studies
    
    This comprehensive course provides learners with the knowledge and skills required to effectively use Linux, Git, and other open-source software development tools. 
    
    The specialization consists of 5 courses, each covering a different aspect of open-source software development. Overall, it is an excellent training program as it provides learners with the knowledge and skills to contribute to open-source projects, collaborate with other developers, and improve productivity using open-source tools. 
     
• Introduction to Jenkins by edX
   
  
  • Duration: 10 weeks
  • Level: Beginner
  • Skills gained: Software Development, Jenkins, DevOps
  • Prerequisites: Basic programming skills and some experience with development tools such as Git and Maven. Familiarity with software development concepts such as continuous integration and continuous delivery.
  • USP: International Faculty, Instructor-Moderated Discussions
     
    This is an excellent training program for software developers who want to learn how to use Jenkins, a popular open-source automation server, to automate their software development processes. The course has 6 modules that provide learners with an overview of Jenkins and its features, as well as hands-on experience using Jenkins to build, test, and deploy software applications.
     
• Docker for Absolute Beginners by Coursera
    
  
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Level: Beginner
  • Skills gained: Kubernetes, Docker, CSS
  • Prerequisites: Basic computer skills, such as the ability to use a command-line interface and familiarity with the Linux operating system, and software development concepts, such as virtualization and containerization.
  • USP: Virtual Labs, Case Studies
     
    This course is a great starting point for those who want to learn how to use Docker, a popular platform for containerization. This course assumes no prior knowledge of Docker or containerization technology and provides a comprehensive overview of Docker and its features. This will take you through 2 hours of hands-on labs, understanding Docker architecture, Docker commands for managing images and containers Networks in Docker, Volumes in Docker, and how to use a web app as a Docker.
     
• Introduction to Git by Pluralsight
  
  
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Level: Beginner
  • Skills gained: Git commands, Git workflows, Git Architecture
  • Prerequisites: Basic computer skills, such as familiarity with a command-line interface, and basic knowledge of software development concepts, such as source code management.
  • USP:  International Faculty, Instructor-Moderated Discussions
    
    This comprehensive beginner-level course covers the basics of Git, a popular version control system used in software development. The course assumes no prior knowledge of Git and provides a thorough introduction to the concepts and features of Git. It is an excellent starting point for those who want to learn how to use Git for source code management. The course provides learners with a solid foundation in Git and its features and hands-on experience using Git to create and manage repositories and branches and collaborate with other developers.
     
• Understanding Jira for Users, Managers, and Admins by QuickStart
  
  
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Level: Beginner
  • Skills gained: Jira, Project Planning
  • Prerequisites: Basic computer skills, such as familiarity with a web browser and basic knowledge of project management concepts.
  • USP: Case-based Learning, Alumni Network
     
    This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Jira, a popular project management tool used in software development. The course is ideal for users, managers, and admins who want to learn how to use Jira to manage projects effectively. Learners gain a comprehensive understanding of Jira’s features and hands-on experience in using Jira to create and manage issues, customize workflows, and perform basic system administration tasks.
     
• Visual Studio Code for C# Developers by O’Reilly
  
  
  • Duration: 3.13 hours
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Skills gained: Visual Studio Code
  • Prerequisites: Basic understanding of C# programming and familiarity with the fundamental concepts of software development.
  • USP: Case Studies, Capstone Projects
    
    This comprehensive course aims to teach C# developers how to effectively use the Visual Studio Code editor for building C# applications. Throughout the course, learners are introduced to the essential features of Visual Studio Code, including how to install and configure it, create and manage projects, debug and test code, and leverage the editor's extensions and plugins to improve productivity.
    
    One of this course's primary strengths is that the instructor provides a step-by-step guide for learners to follow along as they build a simple C# application using Visual Studio Code. Also, the curriculum is well-structured, easy to follow, and packed with numerous exercises and quizzes to reinforce key concepts and ensure learners have a solid understanding of the material. Thus, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and intermediate C# developers looking to improve their skills.

These were some of the top-rated courses offered by different leading course providers that can help you learn software development tools and techniques. You can pick the course depending on your individual requirements, level of understanding, etc.

Software development has been one of the most in-demand fields for many years, with a growing need for software professionals worldwide. According to the report by Linkedin, software development is ranked as the most in-demand skill globally. Also, salaries for software developers have been consistently higher than the average salary across all industries.

Employment in the IT sector is quite strong, as tech jobs are predicted to grow at a rate double that of the country’s overall employment rate. In addition, the custom software development services sector is expected to create 4.8 times more jobs by 2025. 

Gaining knowledge of these tools and technologies can greatly benefit software professionals in their professional growth. Learning new development tools can expand their skill set and make them more versatile in their roles as they become more productive and efficient, leading to faster development times and increased output. Moreover, it can help software professionals become more attractive to potential employers. 

Companies are often looking for professionals familiar with the latest tools and technologies, as they can bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table. Additionally, having diverse skills can help software professionals stand out in a competitive job market and increase their chances of being hired or promoted. So, if you are looking to upskill yourselves in the software development tools examples given, then you can take the help of learn advices, learn guides and a wide range of top software development tools courses at Careervira.