what is a software developer and how to become one

Software is a vital component in modern everyday life. From commercial applications such as banking apps, to navigation and streaming services that entertain us, all rely on people who design, build and maintain intricate codebases. Such people are known as software developers. Understanding the role of a software developer can help you see if the constantly evolving career path is a proper choice to undertake. There are many aspects that go into defining the career experiences and work expectations of a software developer, and many facets in the chain of work that contrast from one to another. A proper understanding of the software development world will help you make an informed decision about where and when you should attempt to enter the workforce. 

Defining the role

A software developer is a computer specialist who utilises programming tools such as programming languages and application interfaces to create and design tasks for existing services or computers to help fulfil an existing need. It’s an expectation of the role to be able to carry out work at any such stage and to troubleshoot issues throughout deployments. It’s a wide field of work, not one which is limited to coding a program, and many job opportunities might not even utilise heavy programming. Hence, it’s a wide and varied role, with an ever-expanding roster of applied fields. 

What does a software developer do?

Software development is a combination of problem-solving in technical aspects, combined with creative approaches to everyday problems.  

Types of software developers

The modern rendition of the term software developer is a broad field with many applications and definitions.. But we can fundamentally divide it into two categories as application developers and systems developers.  Application developers mainly focus on the design and production of software or service-based products for the use of consumers. There are a multitude of specialisations for application development, spanning across fields such as foundational coding, prototype creation, testing, database creation, mobile app development, gaming and web applications, to mention a few. Meanwhile, System Developers focus on bigger projects such as operating systems for computer units or consumer electronic devices, and focus on the interfaces and mechanics utilised to interact with the hardware. 

Given those categories, there can be a number of smaller niches within each. These titles can include video game developer, full-stack developer, blockchain developer, back-end developer, AI developer, web developer, and front-end developer, to mention a few. These niches can also be specialised by the specific industry that they are attached to, such as healthcare, financial, manufacturing or aerospace.  

Software developers versus software engineers

The terms software developer and software engineer are usually used interchangeably as if they mean the same. However, there are differences between them that make a distinction, even if those differences are small. Developers usually focus on designing and building applications for specific hardware platforms or operating systems, while engineers have a broader view of involvement. Software engineering works at the architecture level of the product, handles the requirements and also guides teams of developers towards achieving said requirements. It carries greater responsibility across the entire development lifecycle and requires more expertise in general. 

Skills every software developer needs

Technical skills

Becoming an effective developer calls for strong programming capabilities supported by solid systems thinking. 

Soft skills

Technical skill on its own is not enough. Developers also need people skills that keep projects moving and teams aligned. Key soft skills include: 

Education and pathways into software development

Becoming a software developer can be achieved in multiple pathways due to the prevalence of educational options. The field is open to people from multiple backgrounds, and all pathways can lead to a successful career in Software Development.  

Formal education

More than 72% of software developers start their journey with a formal bachelor’s degree, with 20 per cent resorting to postgraduate education in the form of a master’s degree and five per cent earning an associate’s degree.

The most common field of graduation tends to be computer science as a general degree, which combines many components that span across development, such as networking, programming, web applications, and much more, depending on each specific course provider. A structured entry towards the field with experienced faculty and networking opportunities gives quite an advantage to the individuals who take this path, coupled with the ability to increase your credibility at interviews with a potentially higher salary.

Self‑taught and alternative routes

A degree is not always required. Coursera explains that some developers qualify for jobs by learning coding and programming skills on their own. Advantages of this route include entering the workforce sooner and saving money on tuition. Learning through experience and building projects can teach practical skills and help new developers create a portfolio. However, self‑taught learners must be disciplined, and it may take longer without the structure of a formal program. 

Self learning is on the rise with the heightened access to up-to-date information available through the internet, and the advent of AI learning solutions. However, with the lack of a formal program to follow, discipline on adherence to proper learning methods comes from the individual themselves, and in order to prove one’s proficiency, most create a portfolio of products that they have created through self learning.  

It may carry less credibility without an extensive portfolio, but it is a common entry point nowadays, as self learning is usually combined with distance learning certification, which carries more weight nowadays.  

Certifications and professional courses

As mentioned before, micro credentials and specialised certifications are becoming more valued and accessible as the software development field keeps expanding into every aspect of life. Specialised professional certifications like Python programming, cloud computing, DevOps or Artificial Intelligence can complement an existing self-study portfolio or an academic degree to further improve employability. Having expertise in programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, to mention a few, will massively increase your marketability, especially if one were to master emerging languages like Rust or Go.  

Gaining experience and finding your niche

When it comes to being interviewed for a potential software development role, having a portfolio of hands-on experience combined with self-made projects carries immense value in proving one’s capability. Being involved in the open source community project, having experience in hackathons and having personal passion projects in the field proves to any potential employer about continuous professional development. It also helps an individual find out their niche within the broader software development sphere, bringing with it the chance to obtain valuable specialised experience.  

Job outlook and salary

Software development is one of the leading expanding career fields, with a constant demand to be fulfilled as more and more industries and businesses are turning towards computerised and digitised workflows. The median annual income for software developers tends to come close to 6 figures and indicates quite significant growth in the coming years. With the advent of AI solutions and the advantages associated with such technologies, there is an ongoing boom that urges every industry to want to integrate with AI services, driving the demand for specialised software engineers.  

Training opportunities at South London College

If you are eager to enter the world of professional software development, it is best to invest in a structured learning experience. Doing so can accelerate your progress in building your expertise. South London College offers a range of diplomas that reflect proper structured learning experiences combined with hands-on experience that helps you build a respectable portfolio.

All of the above is also provided in a flexible study scheme that can adapt to an individual’s lifestyle needs. A structured learning program that stands out is the Level 7 Extended Diploma in Computing Technologies(Application Development, which prepares individuals for roles such as software developer, mobile application developer or systems analyst by giving experience in the ability to design, build and maintain software solutions. This certification is equivalent to a postgraduate program and is regulated by Ofqual, which gives it reliable credibility, and will be an asset for any aspiring software developer. Due to this reputation, it can also act as a method towards a full master’s degree and to advance an individual’s career opportunities. 

Flexible study and learner support

The learning provided by South London College is flexible and adaptable based on learner capabilities. The option to choose a fast-track plan is there for the capable and devoted, and the courses come with 12 months of access to the online learning portal combined with tutor support. There is also access to free CPD courses afterwards to help users continually develop their skills. Combined with instant feedback on content, tutor support and having flexible instalment-based financing options, it makes it easier and accessible for professionals and career changers to enter the world of software development in a structured and fast-tracked manner. 

Other pathways offered by South London College

There are many more pathways present at South London College, ones that cater to individuals of each and every stage of education. Courses such as the Level 4 Extended Diploma in Computing (Software Developer) – RQF or the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Computing (Software Engineer) are available to individuals looking for education equivalent to the first or second years in a bachelor’s degree.

These provide the necessary foundation required for the wide fields of software development, assisting individuals to find their passion in a niche or a specialisation of choice. Once students complete a Level 4 or Level 5 diploma, they have the opportunity to progress up to a Level 7 program, making a clear progression pathway from a beginner towards a more specialised advanced practitioner.

The courses are delivered online and in an accessible manner, which allows students to study from anywhere on a wide variety of hardware, and come bundled with experienced tutors and a supportive networked community. 

Conclusion

Software development is a crucial element of our everyday world, and it keeps growing into every corner of life. Developers analyse upcoming user needs and trends, find software or services to create, deploy and maintain to satisfy a demand.

Especially with the ongoing boom of Artificial Intelligence, every aspect of life is yearning to take advantage of it, increasing the demand for developers with the ability to integrate AI services into every aspect of life.

There are many pathways into the field these days, and one must learn and acquire a mix of technical and soft skills through them to be able to build a personal portfolio or acquire professional academic certificates. The current job market is budding and expanding every day, with a median salary reaching six figures and over a ten per cent growth projected over the next ten years. This will only be accelerated as all paths in life are becoming digitised.  

A great entryway for anyone looking to enter the world of software development would be through the flexible online credentials offered by South London College. Through accredited programs and experiences that employers seek, a structured learning program can give the jump start that eager learners are looking for. Regardless of whether your intentions are to pursue a university degree or to enrol in an accredited diploma program, a career in software development offers a wide variety of choices, creativity and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the digital world.