How to become a software developer?

Software development is highly in demand in the digital age. The need for qualified software engineers is greater than ever due to the advancement of technology. This guide will cover how to become a software developer.

What we'll cover:

  1. What is software development?
  2. What is a software developer?
  3. What does a software developer do?
  4. Why become a software developer?
  5. Do I need a degree to become a software developer?
  6. Tips to become a software developer

What is software development?

Software development is the process of designing, creating, testing and maintaining software applications and systems. Developers consider user requirements to come up with functional and efficient solutions. This process is on-going, and it requires constant adaptation and improvement to keep up with evolving needs.

What is a software developer?

A software developer designs, writes and maintains computer programs based on user requirements and specifications. They use a variety of programming languages and tools to do this. From small apps to business systems, developers are the force behind the tech industry.

There are lots of different roles within software development. Each will role will entail a different focus and responsibilities. You could become a:

What does a software developer do?

Software developers are behind your favourite apps and systems. Their work involves:

Why become a software developer?

There are lots of reasons to become a software developer, including job opportunities

Do I need a degree to become a software developer?

Lots of software developers choose to do a degree. This can help you understand programming concepts, algorithms, data structures, and software design principles.

At the University of Central Lancashire, our Software Engineering BSc (Hons) degree will equip you with the skills you need to become a software developer. You'll learn to programme in Java, C++, and C#. In your second year, you'll develop an interactive game. You'll also have the option to complete a year in industry, gaining valuable practical skills.

You could also consider our Computer Science BSc (Hons) degree. This combines skills in computational thinking and artificial intelligence with software engineering. Our Computing BSc (Hons) degree also covers software development skills. You will study basic computational and developer skills in your first year, before specialising in an area of your choice. That could be business, internet and cloud, networking, security or software development. Both of these courses also include an option to complete a year in industry as well.

Many developers also pursue certifications or attend a coding bootcamp to gain specific skills and practical experience.

Tips to become a software engineer

If you want to know how to become a software engineer, here's a few places to start:

Software developers create functional software that improves efficiency, enables innovation, and enhances user experience. It is a dynamic and rewarding career choice, with plenty of opportunities for growth. We hope this has helped you understand how to become a software developer. Browse our courses below.