While a four-year university degree in computer science is a common choice for many software developers, there are various alternative learning paths that can enable individuals to succeed in the industry.
Of course, this doesn’t mean becoming a developer is as simple as sitting in a few classes and applying for a new job. Hiring managers for attractive tech companies want to see fluency in commonly-used coding languages, the ability to work alongside both experienced and entry-level coders, and portfolios that show an interest in coding, practical experience, and continued practice after graduation.
And while employers do look for professionals with technical expertise, they also value software developers with writing and math skills, as they contribute to problem-solving and critical thinking. Soft skills like communication skills, collaboration, and emotional intelligence are also equally important.
Key Takeaways
- Variety of educational paths to becoming a software developer: While a bachelor’s degree in computer science is common, alternative paths like coding bootcamps, certifications, and self-driven learning can also lead to a successful career in software development, allowing flexibility for all different learning types
- Both technical and soft skills are needed: Besides technical skills like coding, soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and collaboration are highly valued by employers and are crucial for teamwork and problem-solving.
- Software developers focus on specific programming languages and specializations: New developers often choose an area of specialization (e.g., front-end development, mobile applications) and focus on mastering a language relevant to that field, such as JavaScript for web development or Python for data science.
- High salary potential and career growth: Software development ranks highly for salary potential and job satisfaction, with many roles in demand across fields like cloud architecture, AI, and DevOps, providing a stable and rewarding career path.
Key Skills for Software Developers
At its core, software development relies on coding skills. Essentially, this means instructions for computers to execute tasks, and it can be written in many languages. A software developer’s job is to understand these languages so they can design, develop, and test software and applications. Then, software developers must not only write code but also debug code as part of their daily responsibilities, working both to create software and to ensure it functions as intended to meet user needs.
Areas of Specialization
While code can be written in an ever-expanding number of languages, new developers only need to learn one or two languages really well to start their careers. Often, an aspiring software developer will select a tech stack or choose an area of specialization and then learn the language most used in that field, as well as various other methods such as functional programming vs. object-oriented programming. Areas of specialization for software developers include:
- Front-end development: Focuses on the user interface and user experience (UI/UX) of web and mobile applications. Web developers in this area specifically concentrate on building websites and web applications, ensuring optimal performance, capacity, and content creation.
- Back-end development: Concentrates on server-side logic, databases, and application programming interfaces (APIs).
- Full-stack development: Combines front-end and back-end development skills to handle both the client-side and server-side of applications.
- Mobile development: Develops applications specifically for mobile devices.
- Data science and machine learning: Creates algorithms to analyze, interpret, and predict data.
- Game development: Designs and develops video games for consoles, PCs, and mobile platforms.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics: Specializes in developing intelligent systems that can perform tasks autonomously.
Each specialization has its own set of skills, languages, technologies, and methodologies. Many developers start with one area, learn the tools associated with it, and may expand into other areas as they gain experience. If you’re a software developer but are unsure what path to follow, take some time to explore different specializations to find your best fit.
Programming Languages
Areas of specialization often guide the choice of programming language. For example, a software developer concentrating on web development may focus on languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while a software developer who specializes in data science may have mastery in Python or SQL.
The best coding languages enable software developers to write clear, streamlined code, minimize bugs, and manage complex functions with fewer lines of code.1
Source: Softermii: List of Top Programming Languages for 2024
Essential Soft Skills
Soft skills can be the most important qualities in the eyes of hiring managers. Once candidates meet the basic hard skill requirements and earn an interview, it’s soft skills that can be the determining factor in a hiring decision.
Soft skills for software developers help them collaborate effectively with colleagues and work efficiently. Unlike technical skills, such as coding and UI design, these interpersonal abilities can complement technical expertise by enabling developers to understand team members’ needs and structure their plans for building software.2
Beneficial soft skills for software developers include:
- Communication: Though some software development work is done in relative isolation, developers will often be required to explain a thought process or describe a problem.
- Adaptability: As technology advances and the needs of users evolve over time, software developers may need to approach their designs and processes from different perspectives.
- Perseverance: The software development process can be complex, time-consuming, and challenging as new bugs and programming errors surface, so it’s important for software developers to be resilient and push through difficulties when they arise.
- Collaboration: Software developers work with a variety of team members, including software engineers, project managers, and UI/UX designers, and they all must work productively to complete projects.
How Do You Know If Your Skill Set Is Fight for Software Development?
Individuals who have experience with coding and computer programming languages, and thus already possess the soft skills that employers in the industry are looking for, are in a good position to pursue a software developer role. For those who don’t yet have these skills, there are plenty of ways to build them up through education programs, where you can gain practical experience through hands-on coursework and building projects that are essential for demonstrating your skills to potential employers.
Education Needed to Become a Software Developer
Is a bachelor’s degree in computer science required to be a software developer? The short answer is “maybe.” Earning a computer science degree is a common path, and pursuing a master’s degree in computer science or software development can provide advanced knowledge and a competitive edge needed for more career growth.
There will always be companies that prize degrees in higher education from prestigious institutions above all else, and as such in many cases software developers with advanced degrees can earn higher salaries and have more job opportunities opened up to them in the tech industry. Job seekers may find themselves competing head to head for positions that candidates with four-year degrees are also vying for at the same time. However, many successful developers have learned the requisite skills using alternative education paths, including bootcamps and self-driven learning.
What Is the Minimum Level of Education a Developer Needs?
The minimum level of education for a software developer really varies by role and by company. Some job posts for software developers require a bachelor’s degree or higher while others simply want a candidate to clearly demonstrate experience through a solid portfolio of work that can be gained through a coding bootcamp, some of which can be completed in just a few months, or self-driven learning.3
Coding Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps are like the trade schools of computer programming and software development. They’re intensive and focus on practical skill development. While coding bootcamp programs are faster to complete and cost less than a degree program, the curriculum is limited to the specific skills required to become a software developer.
What Can You Expect to Learn in a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an accelerated learning program that teaches coding skills to beginners, generally through project-based “real world” learning. Most bootcamp students have little to no programming experience when they begin, and some hold bachelor’s degrees in other fields.
While bootcamps are shorter and more focused than university degrees in computer science, there are some similarities. The programming knowledge gained will be largely the same across each. Both college degree programs and bootcamps offer the opportunity to create portfolios and both paths provide learning communities consisting of supportive instructors and peers that foster collaboration and networking opportunities that extend beyond graduation.
Curriculum
The curriculum for a coding bootcamp commonly includes coursework that delves into various languages (such as Java programming or C++) to provide students with a solid foundation and understanding of how to apply each language. Examples of these include:
- Python: A general-purpose language used by developers for back end development, data science, and app development. It’s considered one of the easiest-to-learn languages, which makes it perfect for beginners.
- JavaScript: The most popular programming language among developers over the past decade, Javascript is used in web development, game development, mobile apps, and web servers.4
- HTML: Short for HyperText Markup Language, HTML is one of the simplest ways to get into programming and is used to format the appearance of a web page.
- CSS: Cascading Style Sheet, or CSS, is usually applied along with HTML to govern the appearance of a web page including size, color, and position of page elements.
- SQL: Structured Query Language, or SQL, is used for database management and allows programmers to query and manipulate data in databases.
Self-Driven Learning
While many may opt for a 4-year degree or a coding bootcamp (either full-time or part-time, in-person or online programs), self-driven learning is another popular option for the aspiring software developer. There are dozens of sites like Khan Academy and freeCodeCamp that offer free coding courses on-demand. While these types of sites do not offer instructor-led learning or the opportunity to bond with peers going through the same experience in a classroom setting, they do enable motivated self-starters to learn through a no-cost format and explore the field of software development.
Gaining Hands-On Experience as a Software Developer
Beyond simply learning languages and commonly-used tools, getting hands-on experience is one of the most important steps in becoming a successful software developer. While formal education and online courses provide essential foundational knowledge, it’s the practical application of these skills that truly prepares aspiring software developers for entering the workforce. By actively working on developing software, building personal projects, and tackling coding challenges, you can turn theoretical understanding into real-world capabilities.
One of the most effective ways to gain hands-on experience is by working on personal projects. Whether you’re creating web applications, mobile apps, or new software solutions, building things yourself allows you to experiment with different programming languages and technologies at your own pace. This not only helps you develop your programming skills, but can also fill up a portfolio to showcase proof of your abilities to potential employers when applying for software development roles.
Participating in coding challenges on platforms like HackerRank or Codewars is another excellent way to sharpen your coding skills and deepen your understanding of programming concepts. These challenges often cover a wide range of topics, from data structures and algorithms to debugging and software design, helping you build the problem-solving mindset that’s essential in software engineering.
If available, internships also offer valuable opportunities to work alongside other developers and gain insight into the software development process in a professional setting. Meanwhile, coding bootcamps and degree programs often include real-world assignments and group projects, giving you the chance to apply your knowledge to practical scenarios and develop key skills needed for a software development career.
Online resources, such as tutorials and remote courses, make it possible to learn new technologies and tools not only at your own pace but at a convenient location. Many aspiring software developers use these resources to supplement their formal education or to explore emerging fields like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud computing. Contributing to open-source projects is another powerful way to gain hands-on experience, as it allows you to collaborate with experienced professionals and peers, learn best practices in version control systems like Git, and see how large-scale software applications are developed and maintained.
Certifications for Software Developers
Software development certifications can give prospective developers a competitive edge in the job market. Many certifications can be tailored to a specific software development role, such as full-stack developer or database specialist, helping individuals focus on the skills and knowledge required for their desired career path without having to wade through a broad set of knowledge they won’t find relevant. Most top certifications require a minimum amount of work experience, so certification programs are not always available to beginners or recent bootcamp graduates. Some certifications also require the completion of software projects as part of the assessment process.
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Certifications enable professionals to become subject-matter experts in a particular area or technology. Many employees complete certification programs to better position themselves for job promotions and salary increases. Employers see software developers with certifications as dedicated to their craft and focused on developing their aptitude in different areas of the industry, which can be a key differentiator when it comes to career advancement.
What Bodies Govern Which Certifications Are Necessary for Software Developers?
No certifications are technically “necessary” to be a developer. There are several paths to a career in software development and computer programming is not a highly regulated industry that legally requires specific certifications or degrees. Rather, certifications are add-ons to education. They can help demonstrate subject-matter expertise and showcase knowledge in specific areas within the computer programming industry. In addition, certifications may convey dedication and proactiveness since they’re not required but entirely voluntary.
It is always within a company’s discretion to “require” a certain certification for a role. If job posts or certain roles consistently require a certification, that’s a pretty good sign that professionals should invest the time and money into getting certified.
What Computer Programming Certifications Can You Earn Through a Coding Bootcamp?
Many coding bootcamps offer certifications upon program completion. These are not typically industry-standard certifications but “certificates of completion” indicating the status as a graduate of that bootcamp.
What Kind of Computer Programming Certifications Are Most Likely to Get You Hired?
Once an individual has chosen a programming language to specialize in, that’s the time to start thinking about certifications in that language. Many languages offer official institutes and governing bodies that oversee the certification process, ensuring high-quality standards and a certification that is highly regarded by employers. Other respected certifications can be earned through large and influential companies like Oracle, MongoDB, or AWS.
Job Outlook for Software Developers
Employment growth and job outlook for software developers is very promising. Many software developers are employed in computer systems design and related industries, where they work on enterprise solutions, networks, and system integration. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the overall employment of software developers to grow 17 percent by 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.6 Software developers rank #2 in best technology jobs, #4 for best STEM jobs, and #5 for overall best jobs.7
What Is the Average Salary for a Developer?
Software development is known to be a high-paying job, and the median salary for software developers in 2024 was more than $133,000.8 Salaries will vary according to industry, geography, and seniority, and software developers with higher levels of education, experience, or in-demand skill sets will command higher salaries.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Which Types of Developers Are Most in Demand?
According to Robert Half Technology’s 2025 technology salary report, recruiting in the tech industry remains strong and businesses are slated to hire for roles focused on the following:9
- AI and machine learning
- Cyber security
- Cloud computing, security, and architecture
- Software and applications development
The most in-demand jobs for developers in 2025 include:10
- Data engineer
- Senior software engineer
- Software developer
- Network/cloud architect
- Systems engineer
- Developer/programmer analyst
- Senior consultant
- Systems administrator
Ready to become a software developer?
Software development is a field that will continue to evolve as systems and tools advance and organizations require professionals to build and maintain their tech stack. These key steps will help prepare an individual for a career in software development:
- Develop technical skills in relevant programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, SQL).
- Build a portfolio to showcase completed projects.
- Consider educational options such as a coding bootcamp, certification, or self-directed study.
- Cultivate soft skills like communication, perseverance, and adaptability.
For those ready to explore software development, Climb Discover’s resources can connect prospective students with educational programs that align with their goals. With a range of flexible options available, now is an ideal time to start a journey toward a career in tech.
Sources
1https://www.softermii.com/blog/top-programming-languages-and-frameworks-for-software-development
2https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/software-developer-soft-skills
3https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j478543emG8
4https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2024/technology
5removed
6https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
7https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/software-developer
8https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-5
9https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/salary-guide/technology
10https://www.cio.com/article/230935/hiring-the-most-in-demand-tech-jobs-for-2021.html
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