Mastering Software Development: A Beginner's Guide

Are you a fresh graduate or young professional looking for a rewarding and in-demand career in India? Have you considered becoming a software developer?

In today's digital age, software developers are crucial to the success of many businesses and industries. As companies continue to rely heavily on technology, the demand for skilled software developers is only increasing.

According to NASSCOM, the National Association of Software and Services Companies, India's software industry is projected to reach ₹5.2 trillion by 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing industries in the country.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with valuable insights into different degrees that can help jumpstart your career as a software developer.

What is software development?

Software development is the process of designing, creating, testing and maintaining computer programs and applications. It involves writing code or instructions in a programming language that a computer can understand to perform specific tasks. 

Software developers work on different aspects of software development, including research, design, development, testing, maintenance and documentation. 

There are different types of software developers such as:

• front-end developers - who work on the visual elements of user interfaces
• back-end developers - who build the server-side infrastructure
• full-stack developers - who work on both front-end and back-end
• mobile app developers - who create applications for mobile devices and many others.

Job roles and career growth in software development

The demand for software developers has been increasing rapidly with the growth of technology across industries. There are various job roles available for software developers such as:

• web developer
• mobile application developer
• game developer
• AI/ML engineer
• DevOps engineer

As a software developer gains experience and expertise in their field, they can progress into higher positions such as team leaders or project managers. They can also choose to specialise in areas like cybersecurity or cloud computing.

The career growth opportunities for software developers are immense with various companies across industries requiring their services. They can work in IT companies or R&D firms or even start their own businesses as entrepreneurs.

Salaries for software developers

As a software developer in India, you can expect a good salary package that varies based on your experience level and company size.

Average entry-level salaries range from ₹3-8 lakh per annum, depending upon the educational qualifications and skills of an individual. With some experience and skill development in specific technologies, software developers can earn anywhere between ₹10 to ₹30+ lakhs per annum based on their expertise.

The following table shows average wage estimates by experience level:

‍

‍

How to become a software developer: A step by-step guide

To become a software developer in India, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. However, it is also possible to enter this field through coding bootcamps or online courses. Here are some steps you can follow:

• Choose your educational path: Pursue an undergraduate degree in computer science, information technology or related fields from reputed institutes like IITs, NITs or private universities.
• Learn programming languages: Gain proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript by completing online courses or attending coding bootcamps.
• Build projects: Practice writing code by building your own projects or contributing to open-source projects on online platforms.
• Gain work experience: Look for internships or entry-level jobs in software development roles to gain real-world experience and build your portfolio.
• Upskill regularly: Keep learning new skills and stay updated with the latest technologies by attending workshops, conferences and short-term courses.
• Build your network: Attend industry events and connect with professionals in the field through social media platforms.

Courses and certifications  

To become a software developer in India, you need to have an educational background in computer science, information technology, or electronics and communication engineering. These degrees can provide you with a strong foundation in programming languages like C++, Java, Python, and more. 

There are various courses available that can help you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge needed for a career in software development. Some popular certification programs include: 

• Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP)
• Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 11 Developer
• Microsoft-Certified Azure Developer Associate

Upskilling opportunities in software development

Upskilling courses can help you develop specific skills needed to excel as a software developer.

Here are some upskilling opportunities that can provide hands-on training:

• Full Stack Web Development Course: This course teaches everything required to build high-quality web applications, from front-end coding through back-end coding, using languages like HTML/CSS/Javascript/React/AngularJS/NodeJS/Ruby on Rails/Python.

• Mobile App Development Course: This course provides training on mobile application development using programming languages such as Java/Kotlin/Swift/Objective-C which are used for mobile app development across different platforms such as Android/iOS.

• Data Science Courses: Data science courses help you understand how data is collected, analysed, and used to make better business decisions. This course involves programming languages like Python/R, and machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow/Keras/PyTorch, etc.

How to keep improving as a software developer

Becoming a software developer in India is a great career option that offers endless opportunities for growth and success. Remember to keep practising, collaborating with peers, and being curious about new developments. 

Keep these tips in mind, and you will be on your way to becoming a successful software developer. To learn more, read about software developers on the WIZR website. 

FAQs 

1. Is it necessary to have a degree in computer science to become a software developer?

While having a degree in computer science can be helpful, it is not always necessary. You can gain the skills needed through upskilling programs and certification courses. 

2. What are the top skills needed to become a good software developer?

The top skills needed to become a good software developer include programming languages like Java or Python, problem-solving ability, communication skills, attention to detail, and curiosity towards new technologies.

3. How long does it take to become a software developer?

It can take anywhere from 6 months for intensive boot camps/courses to 4 years for an undergraduate degree programme, depending on the educational path chosen.

4. What is the demand for software developers in India?

The demand for skilled software developers in India is high due to the rapid growth of the IT industry and digitalization across various industries.

‍