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What skills should I learn if I want to become a software engineer?
I'm a student interested in computer science and programming. I want to know what I should focus on learning now to prepare for my future career.
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5 answers
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Godfred’s Answer
Core Technical Skills
Programming fundamentals - Start with beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript to learn coding basics and logical thinking. As you progress, explore Java, C++, or other languages relevant to your interests.
Data structures and algorithms - These are essential building blocks that help you write efficient code and solve complex problems. They're also crucial for technical interviews.
Version control - Learn Git and GitHub to manage code changes and collaborate with others. This is used in virtually every software development team.
Computer Science Foundations
Computer systems - Understand how operating systems, databases, and networks work. This knowledge helps you write better software and troubleshoot issues.
Software development principles - Learn about object-oriented programming, design patterns, and writing clean, maintainable code.
Testing and debugging - Develop skills in finding and fixing bugs, writing test cases, and ensuring code quality.
Practical Skills
Build projects - Apply what you learn by creating your own programs, apps, or websites. Personal projects demonstrate your abilities and passion to future employers.
Problem-solving - Practice breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable pieces. Platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank can help you develop this skill.
Soft Skills
Communication - Being able to explain technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively with team members is crucial in real-world software development.
Continuous learning - Technology evolves rapidly, so cultivating curiosity and the ability to teach yourself new tools and languages will serve you throughout your career.
Start with the fundamentals, build projects that interest you, and gradually expand your knowledge. The most important thing is consistent practice and staying curious about how things work!
Programming fundamentals - Start with beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript to learn coding basics and logical thinking. As you progress, explore Java, C++, or other languages relevant to your interests.
Data structures and algorithms - These are essential building blocks that help you write efficient code and solve complex problems. They're also crucial for technical interviews.
Version control - Learn Git and GitHub to manage code changes and collaborate with others. This is used in virtually every software development team.
Computer Science Foundations
Computer systems - Understand how operating systems, databases, and networks work. This knowledge helps you write better software and troubleshoot issues.
Software development principles - Learn about object-oriented programming, design patterns, and writing clean, maintainable code.
Testing and debugging - Develop skills in finding and fixing bugs, writing test cases, and ensuring code quality.
Practical Skills
Build projects - Apply what you learn by creating your own programs, apps, or websites. Personal projects demonstrate your abilities and passion to future employers.
Problem-solving - Practice breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable pieces. Platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank can help you develop this skill.
Soft Skills
Communication - Being able to explain technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively with team members is crucial in real-world software development.
Continuous learning - Technology evolves rapidly, so cultivating curiosity and the ability to teach yourself new tools and languages will serve you throughout your career.
Start with the fundamentals, build projects that interest you, and gradually expand your knowledge. The most important thing is consistent practice and staying curious about how things work!
Updated
Allan’s Answer
The most important skills are English and math. English so you can understand problems quickly and communicate with others. Math so you have the basic math skills for computer science and higher math courses later. Focus on logical thinking and how to solve problems.
Meanwhile, think about what you would like to do with computer science and programming. What are you interested in and like to do? What kind of problems do you like to solve? Take science and other courses related to your interests and think about how to use computers to solve related problems.
Meanwhile, think about what you would like to do with computer science and programming. What are you interested in and like to do? What kind of problems do you like to solve? Take science and other courses related to your interests and think about how to use computers to solve related problems.
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Haipeng. To become a software engineer, you should build a strong foundation in both technical and problem-solving skills.
The first thing you should focus on is learning programming languages. Begin with languages that are widely used and beginner-friendly, such as Python. These will help you understand how coding works and teach you how to think logically and solve problems through code.
Another important skill is understanding data structures and algorithms. These are the building blocks of programming and are used to design efficient and effective software.
You should also learn about computer systems and software development tools. Understanding how operating systems, databases, and computer networks work will give you a deeper understanding of how software interacts with hardware.
Finally, focus on soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Software engineering often involves working with others to design, build, and test software, so being able to explain your ideas clearly and listen to feedback is very important. With dedication and consistent practice, you will build a strong foundation for your future in this exciting field.
The first thing you should focus on is learning programming languages. Begin with languages that are widely used and beginner-friendly, such as Python. These will help you understand how coding works and teach you how to think logically and solve problems through code.
Another important skill is understanding data structures and algorithms. These are the building blocks of programming and are used to design efficient and effective software.
You should also learn about computer systems and software development tools. Understanding how operating systems, databases, and computer networks work will give you a deeper understanding of how software interacts with hardware.
Finally, focus on soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Software engineering often involves working with others to design, build, and test software, so being able to explain your ideas clearly and listen to feedback is very important. With dedication and consistent practice, you will build a strong foundation for your future in this exciting field.
Updated
Kirthi’s Answer
Listen. I've read the other answers. They are all good, very nice. They give you a big shopping list.
But I will tell you the hard truth. Being a software engineer is not about knowing 10 languages. It is about mastering one thing: Problem-Solving.
The other students, your competition, will make a big mistake. They will say, "I am learning Python" or "I am learning React." This is just learning to be a typist. The tool will change in five years. Your brain is the real skill.
If you want to be a top engineer—the one who gets hired at Google, Microsoft, anywhere—you forget the shopping list and you focus on these three things.
Data Structures and Algorithms (DS&A). This is your foundation. This is your life. You must eat, sleep, and breathe DS&A. Every interview for every good company will be 90% this. There is no escape, and there are no shortcuts. Master arrays, linked lists, hash maps, trees, and graphs.
Pick ONE Language and Master It. Don't be a "jack of all trades." I will suggest C++ or Java. Why? Because they are hard. They force you to learn how the computer actually works—memory, pointers (in C++), and proper Object-Oriented Programming. Python is easy, but it makes you lazy. You can learn Python in one weekend after you know Java.
Practice Every Single Day. Godfred's answer mentioned LeetCode. He is 100% right. You must do it until your eyes hurt. This is the only way to get good at problem-solving. It's like a sport. You can't just read the book; you must play the game.
All this "communication" and "teamwork" is important, yes. But it is after. First, you must be a great engineer. A great engineer who is quiet is always, always better than a great talker who cannot code.
Build one difficult project from scratch. Not a tutorial. Something that breaks, and you fix it 100 times. That is engineering.
Focus on the hard stuff. The rest is just decoration.
But I will tell you the hard truth. Being a software engineer is not about knowing 10 languages. It is about mastering one thing: Problem-Solving.
The other students, your competition, will make a big mistake. They will say, "I am learning Python" or "I am learning React." This is just learning to be a typist. The tool will change in five years. Your brain is the real skill.
If you want to be a top engineer—the one who gets hired at Google, Microsoft, anywhere—you forget the shopping list and you focus on these three things.
Data Structures and Algorithms (DS&A). This is your foundation. This is your life. You must eat, sleep, and breathe DS&A. Every interview for every good company will be 90% this. There is no escape, and there are no shortcuts. Master arrays, linked lists, hash maps, trees, and graphs.
Pick ONE Language and Master It. Don't be a "jack of all trades." I will suggest C++ or Java. Why? Because they are hard. They force you to learn how the computer actually works—memory, pointers (in C++), and proper Object-Oriented Programming. Python is easy, but it makes you lazy. You can learn Python in one weekend after you know Java.
Practice Every Single Day. Godfred's answer mentioned LeetCode. He is 100% right. You must do it until your eyes hurt. This is the only way to get good at problem-solving. It's like a sport. You can't just read the book; you must play the game.
All this "communication" and "teamwork" is important, yes. But it is after. First, you must be a great engineer. A great engineer who is quiet is always, always better than a great talker who cannot code.
Build one difficult project from scratch. Not a tutorial. Something that breaks, and you fix it 100 times. That is engineering.
Focus on the hard stuff. The rest is just decoration.
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Haipeng,
It is good that you are interested in computer science and software engineering. There are many different skills that are important in software engineering like problem solving skills, knowledge of different software, good communication skills, excellent time management, being able to adapt to different programs and teamwork to name a few. These important skills will help you stand out, progress and grow throughout your time as a software engineer. Hope all goes well when it comes to your goals!
It is good that you are interested in computer science and software engineering. There are many different skills that are important in software engineering like problem solving skills, knowledge of different software, good communication skills, excellent time management, being able to adapt to different programs and teamwork to name a few. These important skills will help you stand out, progress and grow throughout your time as a software engineer. Hope all goes well when it comes to your goals!