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How do i become a software engineer

I want to become a software engineer, but I dont know where to start.

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Hormuzd’s Answer

Hi CJ,

To become a proficient Software Engineer you need to at a bare minimum get a two year college degree. In the last year of these 2 years make sure you get an internship to a Software Engineer shop. Internship allows you to find out if you like working for the firm and also allows the employer to evaluate you and your skills.

As a far as technical skills are concerned, you will definitely need to learn and master programming languages like Java, C#, Python or C++ etc. etc. Since the inception of the internet there are lots of resources you can use to your advantage. My preference is YouTube videos as it provides step by step instructions on an issue or just coding for the first time.

Best of luck.

Hormuzd
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Kat’s Answer

Software development is the one career move you can make without the need for a traditional college degree. If I were you I would start at FreeCodeCamp. Work through their Javascript section. Depending on what type of developer you'd like to be you can then move into different sections on their site like CSS, HTML, Bootstrap, etc. On that website you can also choose some projects that cater to the knowledge you've learned by going through their sections. Also there is Codesmith's free CSX section that I urge you to work through. It's Javascript problems that are important to learning the fundamentals. Codesmith also has free workshops you can attend to learn the fundamentals of programming using Javascript. Before you work on their CSX program make sure you join their slack channel. If you run into any issues with any of their CSX questions you just post it in the slack and within literally minutes you'll have someone replying with help/directions on where you may have gone wrong. It's going to take a lot of perseverance and dedication, but if it's what you really want this will help you get there!

Kat recommends the following next steps:

www.FreeCodeCamp.com
https://csx.codesmith.io/home
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Christina’s Answer

Before you start learning to code, I'd suggest reading a few job descriptions and learning about companies. This is because all roles require different coding languages. For example, learning Python wouldn't help you become a software engineer in the gaming industry. It would help you work in the data science field. Learning React.js and JavaScript would help you in web development but again wouldn't necessarily help you get into the gaming industry. Though, there are some web games build in JavaScript. Do some research now and save yourself some headaches later.
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Chase’s Answer

Becoming a software developer typically involves a combination of education, practical experience, and continuous learning. Here's a step-by-step guide on how someone can become a software developer:

Define your goals and motivation: Understand why you want to become a software developer. This clarity will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the learning process.

Learn the fundamentals of programming: Start by gaining a strong foundation in programming concepts and principles. You can begin with languages like Python or JavaScript, which are beginner-friendly. Online platforms such as Codecademy, Udemy, and Coursera offer introductory programming courses.

Pursue formal education: While not always necessary, obtaining a formal education can provide you with a deeper understanding of computer science and software development concepts. Consider pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field from a university or college.

Choose a specialization: Software development is a vast field with various specializations. Identify the area that interests you the most, such as web development, mobile app development, data science, artificial intelligence, or game development. This will help you focus your learning efforts.

Build a strong foundation in data structures and algorithms: Data structures and algorithms are the building blocks of software development. Learn about common data structures (e.g., arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues) and algorithms (e.g., sorting, searching) to solve problems efficiently. Books like "Cracking the Coding Interview" can be helpful resources.

Practice coding: Enhance your coding skills by working on coding challenges, projects, and real-world applications. Platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and GitHub can provide a wealth of coding exercises and projects to practice and showcase your work.

Gain practical experience: Look for internships, part-time jobs, or freelance projects to gain hands-on experience in software development. Real-world experience will help you understand industry practices, work in a team, and apply your knowledge to practical scenarios.

Build a portfolio: Create a portfolio of your projects, showcasing your skills and abilities. This could include personal projects, contributions to open-source projects, or freelance work. Having a portfolio helps demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers.

Networking and community involvement: Engage with the developer community by attending meetups, conferences, and online forums. Networking can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable connections in the industry. Active participation in online communities like GitHub can also help you collaborate and learn from others.

Keep learning and stay updated: The field of software development is constantly evolving, so it's crucial to stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and frameworks. Explore new languages, tools, and frameworks, and continue learning throughout your career.

Remember, becoming a software developer is a continuous learning journey. It requires persistence, dedication, and a willingness to adapt to new technologies. By following these steps and continuously honing your skills, you can embark on a successful career in software development.
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Mrinalini’s Answer

Hey CJ,

Excellent decision! What's your educational background? I suggest focusing on the science stream and computer subjects. Consider obtaining certifications in Python, Java, and C programming languages. Additionally, explore cloud technologies such as AWS and Azure to boost your resume. If you haven't already, learn various software languages, earn certifications, and apply for jobs. You'll undoubtedly succeed!

Wishing you the best of luck!
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Lotan’s Answer

Hi
As our colleague here wrote , you can start by simply learn by courses online,
Microsoft courses
Aws courses
LinkedIn courses
For simple C++, phyton and more..
It depends on what you want to be special at.
My advice is to learn basic courses for all of them and specialize in one on the long term.

Lotan recommends the following next steps:

Search thru linkedin
Youtube
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Trevor’s Answer

Check out this article: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/become-software-engineer/#:~:text=The%20traditional%20way%20to%20become,their%20knowledge%20of%20the%20field.
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Karan’s Answer

Hey there! If you're considering a career as a software engineer, it's important to think about where you'd like to work. The field of software engineering is very broad, with roles like developer, tester, and solution specialist. To get a better idea of what you might enjoy, explore YouTube videos and online resources about the software development life cycle process. This will help you figure out where you see yourself working in the future. Do some research and then look into which degree can best support your goals.
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Roy’s Answer

Thus, as our fellow members have mentioned, the software engineering field has traditionally not demanded a degree per se, with a two-year college education often being sufficient. However, in today's rapidly evolving landscape, we are witnessing significant changes. As we delve further into the realms of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, software engineering is increasingly embracing automation, making mere knowledge of programming languages insufficient. Cutting-edge technologies now have the ability to automate code with remarkable efficiency. Consequently, modern software engineering demands a more sophisticated skill set, ongoing research, and staying ahead of the curve. A four-year college education is highly recommended, with advanced degrees becoming increasingly essential as we continue to advance toward a future dominated by automation and robotics.
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