How To Become a Software Developer in 2021

 


 

There is growing consensus that we are indeed in the 4th industrial revolution. One of the most pervasive pillars of the contemporary industrial revolution is digital technology. So pervasive and undeniable is the impact of said technology on today's society that this era has been termed the digital age.

Now, with a mass shift to and embrace of digital technology, comes a transformation of the demands of the workplace; roles that have traditionally been staples of the workplace are fast being replaced by digital equivalents of themselves. These digital equivalents are requiring less human participation - unfortunately. Driving this change are leaps that have been made in the field of computing and the dominance of the internet. The consequence has thus been that software developers are arguably becoming the most sought after professionals in many industries.

Therefore, with all of the aforementioned realities in mind, how does one go about becoming a software developer today?

Well, there are several ways to go about becoming a developer. The first and most obvious way is to enroll into a computer science program offered at a university. Not only does a university program guarantee that one will possess the skills necessary to become a professional, it also provides chance to acquire non-technical skills which are necessary for a fruitful and flourishing career. Effective communication is an example. One's communication abilities inform how they write, interact with others and how they pass their technical know-how to others.

The most glaring disadvantage is that of time. Most university programs require a minimum of 3 years of devotion to the subject matter. Moreover, a significant portion of university programs is devoted to subject matter that does not pertain to software development or the very field of computer science in some cases. Some university courses are offered at prohibitively high costs and this acts as an additional barrier of entry for some individuals.


Another way to become a developer is through a coding bootcamp. Bootcamps have been on the rise for a couple of years and are now a popular option for those looking to break into the industry but have limited time and funds. Crucially, bootcamps are specialized and in them, prospective developers focus on developing skill-sets that are specific to their area of interest in the realm of software development - nothing more. There are data science bootcamps, web development bootcamps and 'software development' bootcamps alike.

Despite what many marketing campaigns preach, bootcamps still require a solid foundation when it comes to the 'fundamentals'. From knowledge of basic algebra to above average abilities when it comes to basic computer literacy. Assuming that one possesses the fundamentals, bootcamps are still a relatively arduous endeavor owing their fast paced nature and the complexities of some of the subject matter at hand.

A bootcamp can also become a significant financial commitment. Despite their relatively low financial demands, bootcamps are still a significant investment both in terms of the sheer amounts of money that often exchange hands and the undivided attention for months at a time that they require.


The third way to become a software developer today is to self teach. This is by far the cheapest way to become a developer as the internet is full of resources that can be accessed for free. One or two book purchases coupled with an occasional paid online course may be necessary but it is still a far-cry from what one would spend on a bootcamp or a university program.

There are however many impediments that one may face in one form or another when self teaching. One of these is structure; knowing what to learn next is important and it may not always be apparent in the absence of a structured program. It is also relatively difficult to gauge oneself when it comes to technical know-how; by nature, university programs and bootcamps have communities within them wherein peers learn from each other and have access to industry experts who can be a guiding light when the intricacy of the subject matter arrives at its zenith.
However, all of this is changing. There is a growing body of open-source curricula and platforms like FreeCodeCamp and The Odin Project not only boast vast and diverse communities but offer absolutely free access to their resources - all you need is a laptop and an internet connection to become a part of the community.


It is important to note that becoming a software developer is no easy feat and that there are no shortcuts to getting there. Keen curiosity and tremendous perseverance are always the order of the day if one is to find themselves in this arena. It is thus prudent to consider one's options carefully when plotting a trajectory of entry into the world of tech.


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