7 answers
Emeric
Student
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
2
Questions
Asked
570 views
What is the extent of the knowledge required to successfully work as a software developer?
I am a 9th grader enrolled in a dual enrollment program for IT, and I was wondering quite how much you need to know to work as a software developer. I currently know some basics, but I am assuming I have a lot more to learn. I would like help determining the ballpark of when I would be able to confidently speak about my understanding of the job and required skills.
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7 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical engineer, researcher and Software Developer
94
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Becoming a software developer is not only about programming rather it is about problem solving. Here are guidelines that will help you.
Programming Languages: Master one or more languages (e.g., C#, C/C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, ).
Version Control : Learn Git for managing code versions.
Software Development Methodologies: Understand Agile, Scrum, and team-based workflows.
Software Design: Write clean, maintainable code, and learn basic design patterns.
Frameworks & Libraries: Familiarize with tools like React, Django, Angular, or Vue
Soft Skills: Develop communication, collaboration, adaptability, and leadership skills.
NB: To Stay updated about the industry trends, learn constantly, build personal projects, practice more programming challenges in w3schools, LeetCode, HackerRank, Codewars and excercism.io, ask teachers for clarification, join tech communities, network with like-minded professionals, even participate in competition, Hackathons, prepare portfolio, tailor your Resume/CV, first apply for internship or volunteer software developer position and prepare well for an interview.
If you follow these steps, I am sure that you will secure and land your dream job. Good luck!
Programming Languages: Master one or more languages (e.g., C#, C/C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, ).
Version Control : Learn Git for managing code versions.
Software Development Methodologies: Understand Agile, Scrum, and team-based workflows.
Software Design: Write clean, maintainable code, and learn basic design patterns.
Frameworks & Libraries: Familiarize with tools like React, Django, Angular, or Vue
Soft Skills: Develop communication, collaboration, adaptability, and leadership skills.
NB: To Stay updated about the industry trends, learn constantly, build personal projects, practice more programming challenges in w3schools, LeetCode, HackerRank, Codewars and excercism.io, ask teachers for clarification, join tech communities, network with like-minded professionals, even participate in competition, Hackathons, prepare portfolio, tailor your Resume/CV, first apply for internship or volunteer software developer position and prepare well for an interview.
If you follow these steps, I am sure that you will secure and land your dream job. Good luck!
Jacob Affinito
Senior Software Engineer
17
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
The software ecosystem is constantly evolving and it can be very difficult to keep on top of the new tools or improving processes. One of the most important skills for a developer is being able to find the information they need in the moment. It is okay to not know how to do something or how to get your environment to perform a specific task. Being able to find that information or something close to it, understand it, and apply it to your specific situation is key.
Practice:
1. Find a simple problem that fascinates you, but don't know how to deal with - that others have already solved.
2. List the places you could look for that information.
3. Search them!
4. Evaluate how successful you were?
5. Repeat often
Practice:
1. Find a simple problem that fascinates you, but don't know how to deal with - that others have already solved.
2. List the places you could look for that information.
3. Search them!
4. Evaluate how successful you were?
5. Repeat often
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7219
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Emeric!
Extent of Knowledge Required to Work as a Software Developer
1. Understanding the Basics of Programming: To begin your journey as a software developer, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of programming fundamentals. This includes knowledge of basic concepts such as variables, data types, control structures (like loops and conditionals), functions, and error handling. Familiarity with at least one programming language—such as Python, Java, or JavaScript—is essential. Each language has its syntax and use cases, so starting with one can help you grasp these concepts effectively.
2. Data Structures and Algorithms: As you progress, you will need to learn about data structures (like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs) and algorithms (such as sorting and searching). Understanding how to choose the right data structure for a problem is vital for writing efficient code. Additionally, algorithms are fundamental for solving problems efficiently and are often a focus in technical interviews.
3. Software Development Methodologies: Familiarity with software development methodologies like Agile or Waterfall is important. These methodologies dictate how projects are managed and executed within teams. Understanding concepts like sprints in Agile or phases in Waterfall can help you work effectively in collaborative environments.
4. Version Control Systems: Knowledge of version control systems such as Git is essential for modern software development. Git allows developers to track changes in their codebase over time and collaborate with others seamlessly. Learning how to use platforms like GitHub or GitLab can also enhance your ability to work on team projects.
5. Problem-Solving Skills: Software development is fundamentally about solving problems through code. Developing strong analytical skills will enable you to break down complex problems into manageable parts and devise effective solutions.
6. Web Development Fundamentals (Optional but Beneficial): If you’re interested in web development specifically, understanding HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is crucial for front-end development. For back-end development, knowledge of server-side languages (like Node.js or Ruby) and databases (like SQL) will be beneficial.
7. Continuous Learning: The field of software development is constantly evolving with new technologies and frameworks emerging regularly. A commitment to continuous learning through online courses, coding boot camps, workshops, or self-study will keep your skills relevant.
8. Practical Experience: Finally, applying what you’ve learned through practical experience is invaluable. Engaging in personal projects or contributing to open-source projects can provide real-world experience that enhances your understanding of software development practices.
In summary, while there is a significant amount of knowledge required to become proficient as a software developer—ranging from programming basics to advanced topics like algorithms—you can start building your skills gradually over time. By focusing on foundational concepts first and then expanding into more complex areas while gaining practical experience along the way, you will develop the confidence needed to discuss your understanding of the job effectively.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
Codecademy: An interactive platform that offers coding classes in various programming languages; it provides resources for beginners looking to understand programming fundamentals.
GeeksforGeeks: A comprehensive resource that covers computer science topics including data structures and algorithms; it serves as an excellent reference for aspiring developers.
Coursera: An online learning platform offering courses from universities on software development topics; it helps learners gain structured knowledge through expert-led courses.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!============================|
|===James Constantine Frangos ~ THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN===|
|=========I Have Been Programming For Your Nutrition Education ~ Since 1972!========|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Extent of Knowledge Required to Work as a Software Developer
1. Understanding the Basics of Programming: To begin your journey as a software developer, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of programming fundamentals. This includes knowledge of basic concepts such as variables, data types, control structures (like loops and conditionals), functions, and error handling. Familiarity with at least one programming language—such as Python, Java, or JavaScript—is essential. Each language has its syntax and use cases, so starting with one can help you grasp these concepts effectively.
2. Data Structures and Algorithms: As you progress, you will need to learn about data structures (like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs) and algorithms (such as sorting and searching). Understanding how to choose the right data structure for a problem is vital for writing efficient code. Additionally, algorithms are fundamental for solving problems efficiently and are often a focus in technical interviews.
3. Software Development Methodologies: Familiarity with software development methodologies like Agile or Waterfall is important. These methodologies dictate how projects are managed and executed within teams. Understanding concepts like sprints in Agile or phases in Waterfall can help you work effectively in collaborative environments.
4. Version Control Systems: Knowledge of version control systems such as Git is essential for modern software development. Git allows developers to track changes in their codebase over time and collaborate with others seamlessly. Learning how to use platforms like GitHub or GitLab can also enhance your ability to work on team projects.
5. Problem-Solving Skills: Software development is fundamentally about solving problems through code. Developing strong analytical skills will enable you to break down complex problems into manageable parts and devise effective solutions.
6. Web Development Fundamentals (Optional but Beneficial): If you’re interested in web development specifically, understanding HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is crucial for front-end development. For back-end development, knowledge of server-side languages (like Node.js or Ruby) and databases (like SQL) will be beneficial.
7. Continuous Learning: The field of software development is constantly evolving with new technologies and frameworks emerging regularly. A commitment to continuous learning through online courses, coding boot camps, workshops, or self-study will keep your skills relevant.
8. Practical Experience: Finally, applying what you’ve learned through practical experience is invaluable. Engaging in personal projects or contributing to open-source projects can provide real-world experience that enhances your understanding of software development practices.
In summary, while there is a significant amount of knowledge required to become proficient as a software developer—ranging from programming basics to advanced topics like algorithms—you can start building your skills gradually over time. By focusing on foundational concepts first and then expanding into more complex areas while gaining practical experience along the way, you will develop the confidence needed to discuss your understanding of the job effectively.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
Codecademy: An interactive platform that offers coding classes in various programming languages; it provides resources for beginners looking to understand programming fundamentals.
GeeksforGeeks: A comprehensive resource that covers computer science topics including data structures and algorithms; it serves as an excellent reference for aspiring developers.
Coursera: An online learning platform offering courses from universities on software development topics; it helps learners gain structured knowledge through expert-led courses.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!============================|
|===James Constantine Frangos ~ THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN===|
|=========I Have Been Programming For Your Nutrition Education ~ Since 1972!========|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Rajesh Kumar Subbiah
Manager
55
Answers
Florham Park, New Jersey
Updated
Rajesh Kumar’s Answer
You're asking a great question, and it's fantastic that you're thinking ahead as a 9th grader! Software development requires a mix of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and practice, but you don’t need to know everything to start your career. Let’s break it down so you can gauge what’s required and where you might be in your journey:
1. Core Knowledge and Skills Required
Here’s what you typically need to know to work as a software developer:
# Programming Fundamentals (Must-Have Basics)
- Languages: Be proficient in at least one programming language. Common starting points:
- Python (great for beginners, used in many fields)
- JavaScript (for web development)
- Java or C# (often used in large-scale applications)
- Core Concepts:
- Variables, loops, conditionals, and functions.
- Object-oriented programming (OOP): Understanding classes, objects, and methods.
- Data structures: Arrays, lists, and dictionaries (hashmaps).
# Problem-Solving and Algorithms
- Understand how to approach and solve coding challenges.
- Learn basic algorithms, such as:
- Sorting (e.g., bubble sort, merge sort)
- Searching (e.g., binary search)
- Basic recursion.
- Practice on platforms like:
- LeetCode, HackerRank, or Codewars.
# Working with Tools
- Version Control: Learn Git and GitHub for managing your code.
- IDE: Use an Integrated Development Environment (e.g., VS Code, IntelliJ).
- Debugging: Know how to test and fix your code.
# Building Projects
- Learn how to create small, meaningful projects like:
- A simple game (e.g., tic-tac-toe).
- A basic website.
- A small app that solves a problem (e.g., a to-do list).
2. Additional Skills for a Junior Role
As you progress, you'll learn more about how software developers work on teams and build larger projects:
- Databases:
- Learn SQL for storing and retrieving data.
- Understand how to connect a database to an app.
- APIs:
- Learn how to use external APIs to fetch data (e.g., weather API, OpenAI API).
- Testing:
- Learn about writing unit tests to ensure code reliability.
- Teamwork and Collaboration:
- Use tools like GitHub for team collaboration.
- Understand Agile methodologies or workflows like Scrum.
3. When Can You Start Working as a Software Developer?
You don’t need to know everything to start! You’ll be learning on the job as well. Here’s a rough timeline:
# Short-Term (1–2 Years from Now)
If you focus on programming fundamentals and building small projects:
- You’ll be ready for internships or entry-level roles, such as:
- Web development intern.
- Junior programmer.
- IT support with light coding.
# Medium-Term (2–4 Years from Now)
With consistent practice and learning:
- You’ll be comfortable applying for junior developer roles, where you’ll:
- Work on more complex features.
- Learn software development best practices.
- Collaborate with teams on real-world projects.
# Long-Term (5+ Years from Now)
After gaining hands-on experience and mastering advanced skills:
- You can specialize in areas like:
- Backend development.
- Mobile app development.
- AI/machine learning.
- Cybersecurity.
4. How to Assess Your Progress
Here’s how you can evaluate your readiness:
# Basic Level (1–2 Years of Learning)
- You can explain basic coding concepts like loops, functions, and variables.
- You’ve built small projects and can share them (e.g., on GitHub).
- You’ve solved coding problems on platforms like HackerRank or Codewars.
# Intermediate Level (2–4 Years of Learning)
- You understand how to build apps that involve multiple components (e.g., front-end, backend, database).
- You’ve contributed to group projects or open-source software.
- You can discuss technical concepts confidently, like APIs, data structures, or debugging.
# Advanced Level (4+ Years of Learning)
- You’ve worked on production-level software.
- You understand advanced algorithms, scalability, and system design.
- You can mentor others or lead a small project.
5. Advice for You as a 9th Grader
1. Focus on Learning Fundamentals:
- Start with Python or JavaScript and practice writing small programs every week.
- Experiment with tools like Scratch or Replit to build basic projects.
2. Practice Problem-Solving:
- Dedicate time to solving puzzles on coding platforms like Codewars or LeetCode (easy problems).
3. Build and Share Projects:
- Start a GitHub account to share your work. Even simple projects like a calculator or a personal website look great on a portfolio.
4. Explore Areas of Interest:
- Try different fields like web development, AI, or game development to discover what excites you most.
5. Seek Opportunities:
- Look for coding clubs, summer programs, or online courses (many are free, like freeCodeCamp).
- Network with classmates or join forums like r/learnprogramming on Reddit.
When Can You Confidently Speak About Your Skills?
- 1–2 Years of Focused Practice: You’ll be able to confidently discuss programming basics, share projects, and solve simple problems.
- 3–4 Years of Learning: You’ll likely be job-ready for junior developer roles and can contribute to real-world projects.
The key is consistency and curiosity. Starting this young gives you a massive advantage—you’ll gain confidence and skills long before most people enter the field! 😊 Keep learning, building, and asking questions!
1. Core Knowledge and Skills Required
Here’s what you typically need to know to work as a software developer:
# Programming Fundamentals (Must-Have Basics)
- Languages: Be proficient in at least one programming language. Common starting points:
- Python (great for beginners, used in many fields)
- JavaScript (for web development)
- Java or C# (often used in large-scale applications)
- Core Concepts:
- Variables, loops, conditionals, and functions.
- Object-oriented programming (OOP): Understanding classes, objects, and methods.
- Data structures: Arrays, lists, and dictionaries (hashmaps).
# Problem-Solving and Algorithms
- Understand how to approach and solve coding challenges.
- Learn basic algorithms, such as:
- Sorting (e.g., bubble sort, merge sort)
- Searching (e.g., binary search)
- Basic recursion.
- Practice on platforms like:
- LeetCode, HackerRank, or Codewars.
# Working with Tools
- Version Control: Learn Git and GitHub for managing your code.
- IDE: Use an Integrated Development Environment (e.g., VS Code, IntelliJ).
- Debugging: Know how to test and fix your code.
# Building Projects
- Learn how to create small, meaningful projects like:
- A simple game (e.g., tic-tac-toe).
- A basic website.
- A small app that solves a problem (e.g., a to-do list).
2. Additional Skills for a Junior Role
As you progress, you'll learn more about how software developers work on teams and build larger projects:
- Databases:
- Learn SQL for storing and retrieving data.
- Understand how to connect a database to an app.
- APIs:
- Learn how to use external APIs to fetch data (e.g., weather API, OpenAI API).
- Testing:
- Learn about writing unit tests to ensure code reliability.
- Teamwork and Collaboration:
- Use tools like GitHub for team collaboration.
- Understand Agile methodologies or workflows like Scrum.
3. When Can You Start Working as a Software Developer?
You don’t need to know everything to start! You’ll be learning on the job as well. Here’s a rough timeline:
# Short-Term (1–2 Years from Now)
If you focus on programming fundamentals and building small projects:
- You’ll be ready for internships or entry-level roles, such as:
- Web development intern.
- Junior programmer.
- IT support with light coding.
# Medium-Term (2–4 Years from Now)
With consistent practice and learning:
- You’ll be comfortable applying for junior developer roles, where you’ll:
- Work on more complex features.
- Learn software development best practices.
- Collaborate with teams on real-world projects.
# Long-Term (5+ Years from Now)
After gaining hands-on experience and mastering advanced skills:
- You can specialize in areas like:
- Backend development.
- Mobile app development.
- AI/machine learning.
- Cybersecurity.
4. How to Assess Your Progress
Here’s how you can evaluate your readiness:
# Basic Level (1–2 Years of Learning)
- You can explain basic coding concepts like loops, functions, and variables.
- You’ve built small projects and can share them (e.g., on GitHub).
- You’ve solved coding problems on platforms like HackerRank or Codewars.
# Intermediate Level (2–4 Years of Learning)
- You understand how to build apps that involve multiple components (e.g., front-end, backend, database).
- You’ve contributed to group projects or open-source software.
- You can discuss technical concepts confidently, like APIs, data structures, or debugging.
# Advanced Level (4+ Years of Learning)
- You’ve worked on production-level software.
- You understand advanced algorithms, scalability, and system design.
- You can mentor others or lead a small project.
5. Advice for You as a 9th Grader
1. Focus on Learning Fundamentals:
- Start with Python or JavaScript and practice writing small programs every week.
- Experiment with tools like Scratch or Replit to build basic projects.
2. Practice Problem-Solving:
- Dedicate time to solving puzzles on coding platforms like Codewars or LeetCode (easy problems).
3. Build and Share Projects:
- Start a GitHub account to share your work. Even simple projects like a calculator or a personal website look great on a portfolio.
4. Explore Areas of Interest:
- Try different fields like web development, AI, or game development to discover what excites you most.
5. Seek Opportunities:
- Look for coding clubs, summer programs, or online courses (many are free, like freeCodeCamp).
- Network with classmates or join forums like r/learnprogramming on Reddit.
When Can You Confidently Speak About Your Skills?
- 1–2 Years of Focused Practice: You’ll be able to confidently discuss programming basics, share projects, and solve simple problems.
- 3–4 Years of Learning: You’ll likely be job-ready for junior developer roles and can contribute to real-world projects.
The key is consistency and curiosity. Starting this young gives you a massive advantage—you’ll gain confidence and skills long before most people enter the field! 😊 Keep learning, building, and asking questions!
Dana Triplin
Content Manager
14
Answers
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Dana’s Answer
1. Learn common coding languages like JavaScript, CSS, Python, HTML,C++
2. Operating systems - understand Microsoft Windows, Linux and macOS
3. Database management: use of databases and spreadsheets to organize and then report on data
4. Web Development - front end design and programming languages
5. Understand algorithms and data structures.
6. Development Methodologies - Agile, Scrum, DevOps, Waterfall, Rapid Application Development
7. Work on your Testing/Debugging skills - unit testing, integration testing, system testing
2. Operating systems - understand Microsoft Windows, Linux and macOS
3. Database management: use of databases and spreadsheets to organize and then report on data
4. Web Development - front end design and programming languages
5. Understand algorithms and data structures.
6. Development Methodologies - Agile, Scrum, DevOps, Waterfall, Rapid Application Development
7. Work on your Testing/Debugging skills - unit testing, integration testing, system testing
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1996
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you would like to become a software developer.
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many types of software developer eg App developer, web developer, ERP developer, system developer, etc. Each use different programming knowledge and have specific knowledge domain. You san find out more online
2.Find out more on different types of developer and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers.
4. Shortlist 1-2 types you have interest
5. Find the relevant programming use and skills. Start learning and practicing the programming language and skills
Also, I strongly recommend you take computer science course in colleges. It can help you to understand the computer theories and learn more programming skills.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many types of software developer eg App developer, web developer, ERP developer, system developer, etc. Each use different programming knowledge and have specific knowledge domain. You san find out more online
2.Find out more on different types of developer and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers.
4. Shortlist 1-2 types you have interest
5. Find the relevant programming use and skills. Start learning and practicing the programming language and skills
Also, I strongly recommend you take computer science course in colleges. It can help you to understand the computer theories and learn more programming skills.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Ryan Livingston
Solution Consultant
2
Answers
Norfolk, Virginia
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
When will you be able to speak "confidently" about the required skills? If you're anything like the developers I know, probably never, LOL. Most people in this field feel a constant sense of "impostor syndrome." I think it's more important to focus on the learning journey. You will never get to the end. Always stay humble and learn as much as you can, knowing that there will always be someone who knows more than you. Find those people that know more than you and use them as mentors if they are open to it.
Stay humble
Never stop learning
Find mentors
Get your foot in the door somewhere
Ryan recommends the following next steps: