What Skills Do You Need to Be a Software Developer?

Published on: April 20, 2023

Person typing code on a laptop computer.

Technology is ubiquitous in every area of modern life. From the smart thermostat in your home to the apps on your phone, you would be hard-pressed to find an aspect of daily existence unaffected by tech. For each of those technologies you use, software is the driving force. If you want to be the one that helps create that software, here are the software developer skills you need to embrace.

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What Does a Software Developer Do?

A software developer designs and builds software programs for companies and other users. They take the time to analyze the needs of their clients and their existing systems or software and then create applications or software programs that will meet those needs.

On a day-to-day basis, this may look like:

Analyzing the requests from users
Brainstorming solutions to those requests
Designing and testing software programs
Interacting with clients to explain these programs

Software developers tend to work in an office setting, but they may also work as independent contractors.

The Importance of Software Developers in Today’s World

The influence of technology on modern society increases almost daily. Today, artificial intelligence is meeting and beating benchmarks, and the launch of ChatGPT has revolutionized the tech and online worlds. An astounding 84% of the population uses AI tools on a daily basis, even if they aren't aware of doing so. Thus, the need for people who can develop and perfect software continues to grow.

Technical Skills Every Software Developer Should Have

If you’re interested in becoming a software developer, there are some technical and soft skills you’ll need. The following are the tech you’ll need to be a software developer:

Programming Languages

Software uses code to create commands and functions, and there are multiple coding languages that developers should know. Being well-versed in more than one will help potential developers find more work opportunities. Some of the more common coding languages include:

JavaScript – This language is ideal for interactive website applications.
Cascading Styles Sheets (CSS) – This software language creates the colors and fonts for a website.
Python – This programming language is a simple language that focuses on software development tasks.
HyperText Markup Language (HTML) – Developers use this language to display images and text on a website.
Java – Java is ideal for video game software and similar.
C++ - is used for video game development and programming that optimizes hardware capabilities.

Database Management

Software developers must be able to use spreadsheets to organize data sets and make their calculations. Managing those databases and spreadsheets is also important. Databases can be used to store the information needed in the program, and they can also be used to track the progress of the software development project.

Web Development

The ability to develop a website using both design and programming languages is important to a software developer. Many software programs are now web-based, so this skill is a necessary addition to our tool belt. Web development requires a complex set of skills, including the ability to design for both the overall function and the user experience.

Understanding of Algorithms and Data Structures

Data structures are the ways in which software organizes and stores information in a database. Algorithms are the rule sets computers use to solve problems and perform actions. Software developers must know many data structures and algorithms to create their programs. An example of the use of algorithms and data structures is a word processing program that has multiple fonts. The data structure houses the fonts in an organized manner. The algorithm tells the computer which font to utilize when the user clicks on a font.

Familiarity With Development Methodologies

Software developers use specific methodologies to develop programs and manage the overall process efficiently. Understanding and using these development methodologies allows programmers to work together because it standardizes the process of development. The four most common are:

Agile – Agile involves developing small increments of the program at a time, checking those for bugs and then putting them together in a final project.
Scrum – This is an Agile project management framework that uses teams to handle the various increments, then brings everything together in the end.
DevOps – In DevOps, the developer uses a continuous deployment process, getting the product to market more quickly but leaving the door open to make changes through updates after deployment.
Waterfall – Waterfall is a linear method that has sequential steps the developer goes through to ensure they complete the project, and it requires each step to be fully completed before moving to the next one.
Rapid Application Development – RAD takes the process through four stages: requirement planning, user design, construction and cutover. The developer repeats the user design and construction phases until their client is satisfied, and cutover involves handing the project to the end user for deployment.

Each of these has its own benefits and drawbacks, so understanding more than one methodology is recommended.

Testing and Debugging Skills

Once a software program is built, it must be thoroughly tested before giving it to the client. There are three types of testing that software developers will use. These are:

Unit testing - Each unit of code within the software needs to be tested. Developers will create unit tests for their projects to analyze their various components.
Integration testing – Once all the units are clearly working, the software developer will perform integration testing to ensure the different areas of the program's code merge together well.
System testing – Finally, the developer will test the entire system and compare their results to the user’s requirements and expectations. They want to see that the system completely fulfills the demands of their user.

During the testing process, software developers usually find some concerns. Debugging skills allow them to troubleshoot these concerns and determine how to fix them. They often use debugging software to find problems automatically and resolve them.

Knowledge of Operating Systems

Microsoft Windows, Linux and macOS are the most common operating systems computers use. Developers must understand these systems to ensure programs work on their customer’s platforms. If developers are building software for mobile devices, they must understand iOS and Android. Sometimes, the code used is more specific to the system.

Soft Skills Needed to Be a Software Developer

While technical skills are at the heart of being a software developer, you will also need some soft skills. From the ability to creatively solve problems to communicating with and leading others, here is what you need to develop.

Problem-Solving Skills

From debugging software to creatively planning a program that fits a client's unique needs, problem-solving skills are vital to success in this field.

Strong Communication Skills

When working as a software developer, you will need to communicate with your clients to meet their needs. First, you will need to be able to listen to what it is they need and be able to understand their requirements. You must then be able to communicate both verbally and in writing about your progress.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Changes are common when working with software. Being able to roll with the punches and be flexible will help you navigate these changes. Having an adaptable attitude will make you more successful as a developer.

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Deadlines are a way of life for the software developer. Sometimes this can create tremendous pressure when your deadline is looming and you aren’t quite where you want to be with the project. Being able to stay calm and keep working even with this pressure will take you far.

Innovative

Thinking outside of the box is vital when working in tech. Creative, innovative thinking is how developers bring new, exciting software products to the market.

Leadership Abilities

When you know software and its uses, you are well-positioned as a leader. Being able to hone some leadership abilities will make you more successful and even place you in roles of management within software companies.

Continuous Learning Mindset

The world of software is constantly changing. As a result, software developers must constantly adjust their mindsets to keep learning new techniques and programming languages. A continuous learning mindset will make you successful.