How to become a good software developer?

Becoming a software developer is a lucrative career plan. Usually these are people with really good market skills. But what exactly are they doing? Because there are many possibilities that you cannot ignore them, you will have to join them.

Do you really love technology and want to engage users to develop a good software? Let's TipsMake.com think and start step by step to become a good software developer. We believe you can absolutely do it!

Part 1: Mastering the fundamentals

1. Determine which software you are interested in

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There are two basic forms of software development : Application Development (Systems Development) and Systems Development. Application development focuses on creating programs that meet the needs of users, from developed mobile applications to video games with high-budget or enterprise-scale accounting software. System development focuses on creating and maintaining operating systems using lifecycle development processes. System development usually includes data security and network performance.

2. Self-study a programming language

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Any of us can think of interesting ideas, but you must be a new software developer capable of realizing those ideas. Even if you only intend to do software design work, you should still be familiar with writing code and being able to create basic prototypes. There are now many important and useful programming languages ​​that you can learn on your own like:

1. C - one of the old programming languages ​​still in use, is also the basis of most other languages ​​on this list. C programming language is used to develop low-level programs and compatible with computer hardware.
2. C ++ - an object-oriented version of the C programming language and also the most popular programming language in the world. Some programs like Chrome, Firefox, Photoshop and other programs are created in C ++ programming language, the common language used to create video games. C ++ software developers are almost always in high demand.
3. Java - version developed from the C ++ programming language and becomes a familiar language by easily switching platforms. Most systems can use Java Virtual Machine to run Java software. This language is widely used in video games and enterprise software. Many people believe that this is the basic programming language.
4. C # - Windows-based programming language and part of .NET framework from Microsoft. This language is closely related to Java and C ++, so if you have learned Java, you can quickly switch to C #. C # programming language is especially useful for developers creating Windows or Windows Phone software.
5. Objective-C - another version of the C programming language designed specifically for Apple systems. This language is extremely popular in iPhone and iPad applications; It is also a great language for free programmers.
6. Python - the language is easy to learn, can be considered one of the most easily understood languages. Python is dedicated to web development.
7. PHP - This is not really a software development language, but learning PHP is necessary if you are interested in learning about web development. There are always many jobs for PHP developers though not as profitable as software development.

3. Search for documents

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Most bookstores have zones dedicated to programming books, of course, there are many books on Amazon and other electronic retailers. A carefully crafted programming book can become the best document for you, and allows you to quickly reference when implementing the project.

In addition to books, the Internet is also an endless resource repository including reference books and detailed instructions. Moreover, you can search for references on the language you have selected on sites like CodeAcademy, Code.org, Bento, Udacity, Udemy, Khan Academy, W3Schools and many others.

4. Participate in some classes

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Although you do not need to take a regular degree to conduct software development, you do not lose anything while studying at the center or participating in some classes of the local community college. You will be instructed individually and have the opportunity to solve problems that are less often encountered when studying on your own.

If you want to attend classes that require tuition, make sure you only register for classes that help you learn the unknown.

1. Many developers can venture into this industry with their excellent skills, you can become outstanding if you have a Bachelor's degree in computer science after 4 years studying at university. That degree helps you have a deep background to be able to participate in other useful classes like math and logic.

5. Implement the project because of personal interests

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Before proceeding to apply new programming skills to real work, you should try doing some of your own projects. Challenging yourself to handle programming language problems not only improves your skills, but also beautifies your job CV.

1. For example, instead of using your computer's calendar application to organize your work, try designing an app for yourself!
2. If you are interested in developing video games, try creating simple games that don't focus on complex graphics or game rules. Instead, focus on making the game interesting and unique. A collection of small games that you create yourself will make your resume look better.

6. Ask questions

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Using the Internet is a great way to socialize with other developers. If you are having trouble working on your project, you can ask for help on pages like StackOverflow. But be sure to ask subtly and show that you have tried many possible ways.

7. Practice daily

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Project implementation because of passion, even though you only work for one hour every day. This helps you be energetic and often learn new skills. Many developers have succeeded in learning a new language by contacting it every day.

1. Determine the amount of time you can spend each day writing code or setting the deadline to complete. Try to make your project on weekdays for a relaxing weekend.

Part 2: Program development

1. Think of ideas

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A good program will usually perform the task to help facilitate the user. Observe the software available for the task you want to perform, then think about whether there is a solution that makes the process easier or smoother. A successful program is a program that brings many benefits to users.

1. Test the task on the computer . Is there any way to help you automate part of those tasks with a program?
2. Write down all ideas . Though at the time of writing it sounds silly or strange, the idea may become useful or even worthwhile.
3. Learn about other programs . What do these programs do? How do they get better? What are they missing? Answering these questions can help you come up with an idea to handle the problem yourself.

2. Write sketch text

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The draft document will point out the key features and efforts achieved when implementing the project. Referring to the outline in the development process will help your project stay on the right track and achieve the necessary focus.

3. Create prototype (prototype)

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This is a basic program that shows what features you are trying to achieve. The prototype is a fast program that needs to be recreated until a pattern is found. For example: If you create a calendar application, your prototype may be the basic calendar (with the correct date) and add events to the calendar.

1. The prototype will often change during development because you can find new ways to solve the problem or come up with an idea you want to use later.
2. Sample test is not necessarily beautiful. In fact, design and graphic styles should be the bottom of the list of things you need to focus on. Continuing with the calendar application example, your prototype only needs enough text.

4. Run test several times

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Error (bug) is something that any developer has encountered. Errors in writing code and other uses often cause problems in a complete software. When you are working on your project, you should try to run as much as possible. Find out all possible cases of program errors and try not to let the program get the same error in the future. Ask family and friends to test the program and report an error. Any way to bring feedback can support the development process.

1. Try entering a strange date if your program contains dates. Past or distant future dates may cause the program to run abnormally.
2. Type the wrong variable type. For example: If you create a template that asks the user to fill the age, try typing a word to see what happens to the program.
3. Try clicking everything if your program has a graphical interface. What happens when you return to the previous screen or press the wrong buttons?

5. Cultivate your project

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It's okay if you create a sketchy project during the prototype and development phase, but if you want others to use it, you need to spend more time refining it. This means that you need to make sure that the menus are in reasonable locations, clean and easy-to-see user interfaces (UI), no easily detectable errors or serious errors, and the perfect version looks nice. .

1. The design of the user interface and features can be very difficult and complex. There are people who spend the whole time in their careers just designing the user interface. Make sure your program is easy to use and good-looking. Creating a professional user interface can hardly be done without a budget and a development team.
2. If you have a budget, you should know that there are many freelance graphic designers who are able to design the user interface when contracting with you. If there is a big project that you expect to become popular, try finding a good user interface designer and persuading them to become a member of your team.

6. Put your project on GitHub

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GitHub is an open source community that allows you to share your code with others. As a result, you can gain a deeper understanding of the code you write yourself, while contributing to helping those struggling to find solutions that you may have found. GitHub is a great repository to help you learn many things, and is a great way to build your career.

7. Distribute your software

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After creating a complete software, you can choose between two options: software distribution or not. There are many ways to do this depending on the type of software created.

1. One of the most popular ways of distributing software for small-scale development teams or independent developers through personal websites. Ensure all features are fully documented, accompanied by a few screenshots and instructions for use. If you are selling software, make sure you have a good online payment system and a server (server) that distributes the software.
2. If you are developing software for a specific operating system or device, you can take advantage of a digital technology store. For example: If you are developing software for an Android device, you can sell your software through Google Play Store, Amazon App Store or your personal website.

Part 3: Job search

1. Receive seasonal work

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Even if seasonal work does not help you earn as much money as a full-time job and is less reliable, you can significantly improve your profile by getting more seasonal jobs. You can refer to sites like Elance or ODesk (also known as "Upwork" at the present time) to find work. Although it may be a bit difficult to consider signing a contract, after getting the first job, things will become much easier.

1. Hacker News is a great reference for those who want to find freelance jobs and contract jobs. You should pay attention to the "Ask" section .
2. Although sometimes want to surrender, low prices to easily get seasonal work, but do not sell their labor cheaply. Not only do you fall into a situation where you have to do a lot of work, but you get less than you deserve, you also make those who work in the same industry feel annoyed, the results will be harder for you to connect with the community.
3. Doing a good job sometimes helps you get a full-time job. Therefore, you should always show your strongest point!

2. Expand communication network

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Participate lots of conferences and programmer gatherings. You not only have the opportunity to deal with the problem and know more code but also meet the people in the same industry. Maybe you think programmers often work alone in a room, but most developers who work full-time are members of a team and interacting with each other is just as important as any other. .

3. Apply for a full-time position

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After doing some seasonal work to record your resume, you can proceed to send your resume and resume to larger organizations to get a full-time job. In addition to Monster and Indeed, there are many developer-specific job sites you should visit, including GitHub Jobs, StackOverflow Job Board, AngelList, CrunchBoard, Hirelite and Hacker News.

4. Diversify skills

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A good software developer is usually more fluent in one language. Even though most of the learning content is used at work, you should take some free time to expand your knowledge and learn the basics of one or two other programming languages. This makes it easier to move on to new projects and help you become an excellent candidate paid more attention by employers.

5. Don't worry about salary

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Initially, not all software development work gives you a high salary. In fact, there is no such job. However, the advantage of software development is that the job market is growing strongly. If you feel that your current job income is not enough, you can apply for a new company's position relatively easily (if skilled). Consider the initial work as a necessary experience instead of just looking at retirement.

Having fun!

Kareem Winters

Update 26 March 2019