5 Essential Skills Every Software Developer Needs to Succeed

Software development is the process of creating computer programs or applications that make computers or other devices do specific tasks. Just like a builder builds a house or a car manufacturer builds a car, software developers write code to build software programs that can perform various tasks.

For example, a software developer can create a program that enables you to edit photos, play games, or connect with friends online. They write the code that tells the computer what to do and how to do it.

Software development typically involves several stages, including planning, designing, coding, testing, and maintenance.

• During the planning stage, the developer will work with the client or stakeholders to determine what the software needs to do and how it should look.
• During the design stage, they will create a blueprint of the software's structure and features.
• During the coding stage, they will write the actual code that makes the software work.
• And during testing and maintenance, they will ensure that the software is bug-free and performs as intended.

Therefore, overall, we can say software development is the art and science of creating computer programs that help people or organizations solve problems or achieve their goals. Because of the extreme importance of software development, organizations need skilled professionals, i.e., software developers. This has opened up a great number of career opportunities for software developers.

The creative and brainstorming professionals behind all kinds of computer applications are software developers. While some programmers may focus on a single application or program, others build vast networks or underpinning systems that activate and support other apps. Because of this, there are two main categories of developers: systems software developers and application software developers.

• Application developers concentrate on creating software for desktop and mobile platforms.
• Systems software developers produce and manage the software used in network distribution, database, gaming, and web development.

They work in various industries, and some even work as freelancers. Software is involved across every industry to power the devices and applications used within that field. Some of the industries that hire software developers are business, technology, defense, healthcare, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Now, software developers are in high demand in 2023. The popularity results from several factors, including the increasing reliance on technology in all aspects of business and society, the growth of digital transformation initiatives, and the continued need for advanced software solutions to meet evolving customer demands. Here are some data points and statistics that validate the popularity and demand for software developers:

• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of software developers is projected to grow 25% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
   
• According to a LinkedIn report, a software developer is one of the top 10 most in-demand jobs globally in 2022. Also, it was found that it is the most in-demand job in the technology industry, with over 2.5 million open positions worldwide.
   
• According to a report by Grand View Research, the global software market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2022 to 2028 to reach USD 91.6 billion by 2028.

The demand for software developers is not limited to any one region or industry. Tech companies, healthcare providers, financial services firms, and government agencies all require software developers to create new solutions or improve existing ones. Overall, the data suggest that software developers are highly sought after in 2023 and beyond, with strong job growth prospects and high demand for skills for software engineer across a wide range of industries and geographies. Thus, it is a great field to build a career in or to switch careers.

To become a software developer, it is important to have the right academic background, but it is equally important to have the right industry-relevant skills. It is necessary to have a bachelor's in information technology, computer science, computer applications, or a related field. Contrary to the popular misconception, being a software developer means you need to have both soft and hard skills.

Now, let us look at some of the most essentially required skills of software developer:

• Technical Skills: In such an advanced role, these professionals inevitably need precise technical know-how.
  • Data Structures and Algorithms: These are the building blocks of software development. You should have a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, including algorithms, data structures such as arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and trees, sorting and searching algorithms, and computer architecture. 
     
  • Programming Languages: As a software developer, you must be proficient in one or more programming languages. Commonly used programming languages include the following:
    • Java: It is a popular language for developing enterprise, Android, and web applications. It is an object-oriented language with a strong emphasis on security and portability.
    • Python: It is a versatile language used in many areas, including web development, data science, and machine learning. It is known for its simplicity and ease of use and has a large and supportive developer community.
    • C++: It is a high-performance language used to develop systems software, gaming, and graphics applications. As it is a complex language, it requires a strong understanding of memory management and pointers.
    • C#: This is a language primarily used to develop Windows applications and games. It is an object-oriented language similar to Java but focuses on the .NET framework.
    • JavaScript: It is a popular language for developing web applications and dynamic user interfaces. It is used with HTML and CSS to create interactive and responsive websites.
    • Ruby: It is a dynamic and flexible web development and scripting language. It is known for its readability and expressiveness and has a large and supportive developer community.
    • Swift: This is a programming language developed by Apple for developing iOS, macOS, and watchOS applications. It is an easy-to-learn language known for its performance and safety features.
       
  • Software Development Frameworks and Tools: To build software, developers use a range of tools and frameworks. They should be familiar with Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) such as Eclipse, Visual Studio, or PyCharm, which help you to write, test, and debug your code. Also, be familiar with version control tools such as Git or SVN, which allows you to manage code changes.
     
  • Database Skills: Software developers should understand databases well and be proficient in SQL, which is used to query and manipulate data. They should be able to design and develop databases and understand data modeling and normalization. Familiarity with NoSQL databases, such as MongoDB or Cassandra, is also beneficial.
     
  • Web Development: With the growth of the Internet, web development has become a critical aspect of software development. You should have experience with web development technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and be familiar with web frameworks such as React, Angular, or Vue.
    
     

• Soft Skills: These are important components of being a successful software developer. While technical skills and programming expertise are essential, soft skills help developers communicate effectively, collaborate with team members, and ensure that their work meets the needs of their clients or users. Here are some key skills needed to be a software engineer and their importance:
  • Communication: As a software developer, you must communicate effectively with your team, stakeholders, and clients to understand their requirements and update them on the project's progress. Clear and effective communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and the project is delivered on time and within budget.
     
  • Problem-Solving: Software development involves identifying problems and finding solutions. As a software developer, you need to be able to analyze problems, break them down into smaller components, and develop solutions that meet the requirements.
     
  • Time Management: Software development projects often involve working under tight deadlines, so time management is critical. Developers need to be able to prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and deliver high-quality work within the specified timeframe.
     
  • Teamwork: Software development is collaborative, and successful developers must work well with others. This means contributing to a team, listening to others' opinions, and collaborating to achieve common goals.
     
  • Adaptability: The software development industry is constantly evolving, and developers need to adapt to new technologies and techniques. They must be willing to learn software development skills, take on new challenges, and adapt to changing project requirements.

knowledge in this fast-moving field. These courses offer many benefits, including flexible learning, access to expert instructors, a comprehensive curriculum, opportunities for hands-on experience, and affordable costs. By enrolling in an online software development learning course, you can learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, and from anywhere in the world.

You can benefit from the knowledge and experience of industry experts, gain practical experience with programming languages and technologies, and connect with a global community of students. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced software developer looking to expand your knowledge, online software development courses are an excellent way to advance your skills and career. Keep in mind that the best course for you will depend on your current skill level, the technologies you want to learn, and your career goals. 

Here are the top handpicked options available among the wide variety of software development courses:

CS50's Introduction to Computer Science by edX

• Duration: 12 weeks
• Level: Beginner
• Skills gained: C, Python, SQL, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites for the course, although some familiarity with basic algebra and problem-solving concepts is helpful.
• USP: International Faculty, Instructor-Moderated Discussions, Case Studies, Capstone Projects

It is an extremely popular and highly rated online course offered by Harvard University. This course is designed to provide learners with a broad understanding of computer science, including programming, algorithms, data structures, and software engineering principles.

It is divided into several modules covering different aspects of computer science. The modules cover programming in C, Python, SQL, web development, cybersecurity, and machine learning. The course also includes several hands-on projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge.

Overall, it is an excellent course for anyone looking to gain a broad understanding of computer science and programming. The course is well-structured, with clear explanations and hands-on projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge. The course is taught by experienced instructors and is highly recommended for anyone interested in pursuing a computer science or software development career.

Post Graduate Certification Program in DevOps by Edureka

• Duration: 400 hours
• Level: Beginner
• Skills gained: Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, Git, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Azure
• Prerequisites: To enroll, learners must have a basic understanding of software development principles and concepts, Linux operating system and command-line interface, virtualization, and cloud computing concepts
• USP: Instructor-Moderated Discussions, Case Studies, Capstone Projects

It is a comprehensive and highly rated program designed for learners to gain expertise in DevOps practices and principles. The program is designed to provide learners with a solid foundation in various DevOps tools, techniques, and methodologies.

The program consists of several modules covering software development, containerization, continuous integration and delivery, and cloud computing. The program also includes several hands-on projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Overall, it is an excellent program for anyone seeking expertise in DevOps practices and principles. The program is taught by experienced instructors and is highly recommended for those interested in pursuing a career in DevOps.
 

Front-End Web Development with React by Coursera

• Duration: 36 hours
• Level: Intermediate
• Skills gained: API, JavaScript, Node.js, and deploying web applications using AWS
• Prerequisites: This course is aimed at learners with basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, programming concepts, and familiarity with web development tools
• USP: International Faculty, Instructor-Moderated Discussions

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology offers this course and is designed to teach learners the fundamentals of building a full-stack web application using React and Node.js. The course is divided into 4 modules, each covering a different aspect of web development.

Upon completing the course, students will gain a strong front-end web development foundation and a solid understanding of React and Node.js. It is a great course for anyone seeking practical skills in building full-stack web applications using React and Node.js.

The course is well-structured, with clear explanations and hands-on projects. The course is taught by experienced instructors and is highly recommended for those interested in front-end web development.
 

Become a Java Web Developer by Udacity

• Duration: 4 months
• Level: Intermediate
• Skills gained: Java, SQL, AWS, and web application development with Spring MVC
• Prerequisites: To enroll, learners must have a basic understanding of object-oriented programming concepts, familiarity with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL and database management, and Git and version control
• USP: Job Assistance, International Faculty, Instructor-Moderated Discussions, Case Studies, Capstone Projects

This course is designed to teach learners how to develop web applications using the Java programming language. It covers a wide range of topics, from building basic web applications to creating complex web applications with the latest Java technologies.

The course curriculum consists of several modules, each covering a different aspect of web development with Java. Some of the topics covered include building web applications with Spring MVC, building RESTful web services, working with databases, and deploying applications to the cloud.

Overall, it is an excellent course for anyone seeking expertise in Java web development. The course is well-structured, with a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on projects, allowing learners to apply their knowledge. The course is taught by experienced instructors and is highly recommended for those interested in pursuing a career in Java web development.
 

MicroMasters® Program in Software Development by edX

• Duration: 9 months
• Level: Advanced
• Skills gained:  Java, Python, or C++, front-end and back-end development, Git, and GitHub
• Prerequisites: This course is aimed at learners who are familiar with web development concepts such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, Basic knowledge of cloud computing concepts such as virtualization and containerization
• USP: International Faculty, Instructor-Moderated Discussions, Case Studies, Capstone Projects

It is an in-depth and highly rated program offered by edX in partnership with the University of British Columbia. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of software development, including the latest technologies, programming languages, and software engineering practices.

The program consists of 5 courses, each covering a different aspect of software development. The courses cover programming languages, data structures, algorithms, software engineering, web development, and cloud computing. The program also includes a capstone project, allowing students to apply their knowledge to a real-world software development project.

The program is well-structured, with a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge. The program is taught by experienced instructors and is highly recommended for those interested in software development as a career.

Career opportunities or options in software development are vast and varied. The demand for skilled software developers continues to increase as technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives. With advancements in areas such as cloud computing, AI, and mobile app development, software development offers a multitude of career paths.

Here are some of the top career opportunities in software development:

• Software Engineer: Software engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. They use programming languages, software development tools, and project management methodologies to deliver high-quality software products.
   
• Full-Stack Developer: They are responsible for building both the front-end and back-end of web applications. 
   
• DevOps Engineer: DevOps engineers are responsible for managing software application deployment, monitoring, and maintenance. They work with development and operations teams to ensure that software systems are scalable, reliable, and secure.
   
• Mobile App Developer: Mobile app developers design and develop mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. 
   
• Cloud Architect: Cloud architects design and implement cloud-based solutions for businesses. They work with cloud infrastructure providers like AWS and Microsoft Azure to design scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud systems.
   
• UI/UX Designer: UI/UX designers are responsible for designing the user interface and user experience of software applications. They work with developers to ensure that the application is user-friendly, intuitive, and visually appealing.
   
• Data Scientist: Data scientists analyze large amounts of data to extract insights and make predictions.

Software developers and professionals with software development skills are in high demand across a range of industries, as most businesses now rely on software systems to function. Here are some of the industries that frequently hire software developers and professionals with software development skills:

These are just a few examples of industries and companies within them that hire software developers and professionals with software engineer skills. With software systems being an integral part of many businesses, various job opportunities are available for those with the necessary software developer required skills and experience.

The salary outlook for software developers varies depending on factors such as location, experience, skills, industry, and company size. However, software development is generally considered a well-paying field with a high demand for skilled professionals. Remember that in any profession, the salary rises with experience as they continue to improve their skills and perform better. 

For a better understanding, the average annual salary data for some top job roles in software development are mentioned below:

With this article, we hope all your questions related to building a career in software development will be resolved. You can improve your status as a software development professional by gradually developing your software engineer skills through certifications and practical projects. Discover the opportunities for software development career growth right away with the help of learn advices, learn guides, and a wide range of top software development courses at Careervira.