Being a software developer can be a lucrative career choice.Those people have skills that are in demand.They are doing what?Since you can't beat them, you will have to join them.Do you have the tech-savviness to develop a good product?You will, starting with Step 1 below, with a bit of creativity.
Step 1: Determine what type of software development interests you.
There are two types of software development.Programs that meet users' needs are the focus of applications development.These can include mobile phone apps, high-production video games, and enterprise-level accounting software.Life-cycle development is used to create and maintain operating systems.Network operability and data security are often involved in systems development.
Step 2: You have to learn a programming language.
Anyone can come up with ideas, but a developer can turn them into something.If you only want to work on the design aspects of software, you should have some familiarity with coding and be able to create basic prototypes.You can teach yourself a lot of programming languages.C - C is one of the older languages that is still being used, and is the basis for most other languages on this list.C works very closely with the computer's hardware, and is used to develop low-level programs.C is the most popular programming language in the world.The programs that are built with C++ are some of the most popular.It's a very popular language for making video games.C++ developers are in high demand.Java is an evolution of the C++ language and is easy to use.Any system can run a Java Virtual Machine.Many people recommend it as an essential language because it is used in video games and business software.C# is a Windows-based language that is part of the.NET framework.If you learn Java, you can quickly transition to C#.Developers working with Windows or Windows Phone software should use this language.The C language is designed for Apple systems.It sees a lot of popularity in iPad and iPhone apps.It is a great language to learn.One of the easiest languages to learn is Python.Python is used in web development.If you want to get into web development, you need to know how to use the PHP programming language.Though it isn't as lucrative as software development, there is always a lot of work done by PHP developers.
Step 3: You can find resources that can help you learn.
There are a lot of programming books available on Amazon and other e-tailers.A well-written programming book will allow you to quickly reference it while working on projects, and is likely the best resource you can have.The internet is full of guides and instructions.You can find guides in many languages on websites such as CodeAcademy, Code.org, Bento, Udacity, Udemy, Khan Academy, W3Schools, and many more.
Step 4: It's a good idea to take some classes.
It is possible to get into software development if you take a few classes at your local community college or learning center.If you are learning on your own, this will give you the benefit of one-on-one instruction, and you will be challenged to solve problems that you likely wouldn't.It's important that you sign up for classes that will help you learn what you want to know.If you have a bachelor's degree in computer science from a four-year university, you'll be able to stand out from the crowd.A degree will allow you to take more helpful classes such as math and logic.
Step 5: There are pet projects that need to be worked on.
If you want to apply your new programming skills to real-world jobs, you need to work on some projects for yourself.Use your programming language to solve problems.This will help you develop your skills and build your resume.Instead of using your computer's calendar program to stay organized, try designing your own!Simple games that don't focus on graphics or complex mechanics are ideal for video game development.Make them fun and unique.A collection of small games created by you will look great in your portfolio.
Step 6: Ask questions.
The internet can be used to connect with other developers.If you're stumped on a project, ask for help on StackOverflow.If you ask in an intelligent manner, you can prove that you have already tried several possible solutions.
Step 7: Every day, practice.
If only for an hour, you can work on your pet projects.Constantly learning new techniques will help you stay fresh.It is possible for developers to learn a language by exposing them to it on a daily basis.You can either set a time every day that you can dedicate to coding or a deadline.If you can work on your projects every day, you will be able to relax on the weekend.
Step 8: There is a brainstorm of ideas.
A good program will make life easier for the user.Look at the software that is currently available for the task you want to perform, and see if there are ways that the process could be simpler.Users will find a lot of utility in a successful program.On your computer, look at your daily tasks.Is there a way to automate some of those tasks?Every idea should be written down.It could change into something useful or even brilliant even if it seems silly at the time.Look at other programs.What do they do?How could they make it better?What are they missing?It is possible to come up with ideas for your own take on it by answering these questions.
Step 9: A design document is written.
The features and what you intend to achieve with the project will be outlined in this document.Referred to the design document during the development process will help keep the project on track.There is a guide for writing the document.
Step 10: A prototype is what you would create.
This is a basic program that shows you what you can do.A prototype should be iterated on until you find a design that works.If you are creating a calendar program, your prototype would be a basic calendar with correct dates.There is a way to add events to it.As you come up with new ways to tackle problems or think of an idea that you want to incorporate, your prototype will change a lot.The prototype doesn't have to be pretty.One of the last things you should focus on is art and design.If you use the calendar example again, your prototype should be text.
Step 11: Do it over and over.
Every developer has bugs.Errors in code can cause problems in a finished product.As you work on your project, make sure to test it as much as possible.Try to keep it from breaking in the future by doing everything you can to break it.Have your friends and family test your program.If you can get feedback, it will help your development process.If your program deals with dates, try inputting odd dates.The program may have odd reactions to really old dates.The wrong type of variables should be input.If you have a form that asks for the user's age, enter in a word and see what happens to the program.Click on everything if your program has a graphical interface.When you click buttons in the wrong order or go back to a previous screen, what happens?
Step 12: It's important to polish your projects.
If you want others to use your project, you need to spend some time polishing it.The User Interface is clean and easy to use, there are no glaring or show stopping bugs, and it's coated in a nice looking finish.It can be difficult to make a design that works.Designers make a lot of careers out of their work.Make sure that your project is easy to use and understand.Without a budget and a team, a professionalUI may not be possible.If you have the budget, there are a lot of graphic designers who are willing to work for you.If you have a solid project that you're hoping will become the next big thing, find a goodUI designer and make them part of your team.
Step 13: Put your projects on the web.
You can share your code with others in the open-source community of GitHub.This will allow you to get insight on your own code as well as benefit others who are looking for solutions that you may have come up with.It's a good way to learn and build your portfolio.
Step 14: Distribute your software.
You can distribute the finished product or not.Depending on the type of software you created, there are a variety of ways to do this.A personal website is one of the most common ways for small teams to distribute their software.All of your features need to be documented and include some examples.If you are selling software, make sure you have a good digital payment system and a server.There are multiple digital stores that you may be able to use if you are developing software for a specific device or operating system.If you want to sell your software on the internet, you can either sell it through the Play Store, the Amazon App Store or your own website.
Step 15: Take jobs that are contract-based.
Although these aren't as reliable as full-time employment, you can bulk up your portfolio by taking a series of contract jobs.You can find work on sites like Elance and ODesk.It can be difficult to get considered for a contract, but once you get your first one it gets a lot easier.Hacker News is a great place to find jobs.You can ask in the "Ask" section.It's tempting to bid low to get a contract job, but don't sell your services short.You will anger others in your field and end up working more for less than you deserve.Sometimes good work on a contract job can lead to a full-time position.Put your best foot forward!
Step 16: Network as much as is possible.
Attend as many hack-a-thons as you can.It will expose you to more code and help you meet other people in the industry.The majority of full-time developers are part of a team and networking is just as important as any other field.
Step 17: You can apply for full-time jobs.
Once you have a few contract jobs under your belt, you can start sending your resume and portfolio to larger organizations for full-time employment.There are a variety of developer-specific job sites that you should be looking at, including Monster and Indeed.
Step 18: Diversify your skills
A good software developer is proficient in more than one language.While a lot of what you learn will be on the job, use some of your free time to expand your knowledge and learn the basics of another language.You will be a much more desirable job candidate because of this.
Step 19: Don't worry about how much you make.
Not every entry-level software development job will pay six figures.None of them will.The job market for software development is very strong.It is relatively easy to move to a new position in a company if you feel like you aren't earning enough.If you want to focus on your retirement plan, treat your first few jobs as necessary experience.