12 software developer skills to learn (with examples)

Professional software developers have a diverse repertoire of technical skills that enable them to succeed. They know how to operate multiple software programs, configure hardware devices and develop key procedural steps that can help them create their own applications. By learning about the different skills of software developers, you can find out which option matches your preferences and can improve your career opportunities.

In this article, we explain what software developer skills are and outline 12 technical skills you can acquire.

What are the skills of a software developer?

Software development skills are the technical skills a person learns to create successful programs and applications. These typically include mathematical knowledge and the ability to solve problems to write the source code, which is the sequence of words and symbols that allows a program to function. There are many types of skills that can be learned, including digital tools and computer systems. Many software developers learn them in a computer science degree program or certification course.

1. Programming languages

Programming languages are the different types of source code that a person can write for a software program. It is important for software developers to specialize in at least one type of programming language in order to increase job opportunities, as hiring managers often expect applicants to have specialized knowledge. To choose a language to learn, find out what type of program matches your interests. For example, some options are better suited to mobile app development, while others are more suited to video game development.

Source: lerneprogrammieren.de

Here are some common programming languages that you can learn:

• JavaScript: This option helps developers design the system for an interactive website application, such as a web page that displays certain information after a user clicks a button.
• HyperText Markup Language (HTML): This standardized option allows you to display text and image content in a website application, e.g. paragraphs, bulleted lists and diagrams.
• Cascading Styles Sheets (CSS): This option allows you to add fonts, colors and spacing to text content in a website application. This is why many developers know HTML and CSS and use both languages at the same time.
• Python: This option is a versatile programming language that you can use to accomplish various software development tasks, such as writing code for an entire program or debugging the language. It has a simple structure and may therefore be easier to learn than other options.
• C++: You can use this programming language to develop programs that optimize hardware functions, e.g. software for medical devices. Many video game developers use C++ because it allows them to design complex game systems with high-quality computer graphics.
• Java: You can use this language to create programs and applications for various computer systems. Video game developers also use Java to develop high-quality video games, as it has a similar structure to C++ but is less complex.

2. Knowledge of databases

Databases are electronic systems that allow individuals to organize and structure information, especially records for a business. Software developers need to know how to search for information, enter new rows of data into a table format and update a system with new material. They also know how to back up a database and how to perform a data backup to preserve an organization's information under unforeseen circumstances. To operate a database, it can be helpful to learn a standardized source code called Structured Query Language (SQL), which allows you to operate different systems for different companies.

3. Data structures and algorithms

Data structures are different organizational methods for storing information in a database, while algorithms describe the process required to perform tasks. Software developers often know many data structures and algorithms in order to find out which combination they can use to optimize the information in the program code. For example, a closed array structure can store different variations of the same data type, such as a writing program that stores font information. If the developer has used the correct algorithm, the user can select a font and its size.

To learn different data structures, it can be helpful to take a relevant course that teaches you how to set them up and implement them in a program. Here are some certification courses you can take:

• Coursera's Data Structures and Algorithms specialization
• Udemy's JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures Masterclass
• EdX's professional certificate in data structures and algorithms
• Udacity's Data Structures and Algorithms Nanodegree Certification

4. Source code control

Source control management (SCM) is a system that helps a software development team track updates and changes to a program's programming language. It gives each developer the ability to work on the code separately and then merge their efforts into one version. SCM systems can create a list of code revisions and help you revert a language to a previous state if needed. It can be helpful to learn how to use some type of SCM system, as organizations often require software developers to work in teams on the same coding projects.

Companies and individual developers often use a program called Git, an SCM application that allows you to store different versions of a program's code in a folder system. It uses a branching system to organize each project, meaning that a primary branch represents the original version of a code, while all other branches associated with it represent changes or modifications. Git is also an open source program, which means it can be used by anyone.

5. Test procedure

Source: softwaretestingmaterial.com

Every software program requires a complicated testing process before a company can release it to consumers. A number of digital tools are used to ensure that a product works and meets design requirements. It also checks whether a program works on different hardware devices and can store confidential information. Since companies often design their testing processes based on a few critical components, it can be helpful for a software developer to understand basic aspects before applying for a job.

Here are three components of software testing that developers should know:

• Unit testing: This test evaluates individual lines or areas of code to determine if they need to be changed. Developers often create a different unit test for each project they complete to ensure that they examine the key elements of a program.
• Integration testing: Software developers use this testing process to determine whether they can successfully merge different areas of program code. You can also use integration tests to observe how one software program interacts with the code of another.
• System tests: After integration testing is completed, an external test specialist usually performs this process to determine whether a product meets user expectations. It is important for a software developer to understand the steps of this process, as test experts often make critical suggestions for change.

6. debugging knowledge

Debugging is a software development process used to detect and fix errors in a program's coding language. It involves running a program through special software to observe each error and then using problem-solving skills to determine which part of the code caused it. Many software developers debug their code as they write it to ensure the program works during the testing phase. It is important to learn how to use debugging software so that you can learn basic strategies for debugging and developing an effective process.

7. Operating systems

Operating systems describe software that configures the hardware of a device and enables a program to run. Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux are the main operating systems for computers, while iOS and Android are two common options for cell phones. For a software developer, it can be helpful to gain some knowledge of the different types mentioned above, as this will allow you to better perform testing procedures and transfer lines of code between them. Depending on your preferences and the requirements of a job, you can also specialize in developing code for a specific system.

Source: bluesource.at

8. Textverarbeitungssoftware

Word processing software is a program that allows developers to create and edit simple text. Software developers often use word processing software to write the text and symbols required for a programming language, as it allows them to seamlessly transfer the code to another system and add formatting. It's important that you master a specific type of word processing software so that you can list it as a skill on your resume and streamline your overall software development process.

Here are some examples of common word processing software:

• Atom: This option is open source and optimized for software developers, i.e. it provides access to Git and other useful programming tools.
• TextMate: This software can be used on macOS operating systems and offers interface support for all programming languages.
• Notepad++: This open source software works on Microsoft Windows operating systems and offers numerous customization options, including the ability to work with another development program.
• Brackets: You can use this program on Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems and merge it with software that uses Git or similar development tools.

9. Cryptography

Cryptography is a method of concealing confidential data using an encryption key or password, often referred to as a key. An algorithmic formula is used to develop a corresponding decryption key that can reveal the original data to a user. Software developers often use encryption techniques to prevent external agents from obtaining information about a product. The two main types of cryptography that can be learned include symmetric encryption, where one key is used, and asymmetric encryption, where two keys are needed to decrypt the original data.

10. Software frameworks

A software framework is an application that allows developers to create a program using existing information, such as lines of code you have previously written or software knowledge from other developers. Each operating system has a different framework, which usually includes the most common programming languages. They may contain some predefined structures and functions that streamline the development of software code. For example, you can use the .NET framework to create code on a Microsoft Windows system, Cocoa for a macOS computer system or Cocoa Touch for an iOS mobile device.

11. Cloud platforms

Cloud platforms describe the hardware and software required to run a company's decentralized database, often referred to today as the cloud. Configuring these types of platforms usually requires knowledge of programming languages and server management, which are common skills for software developers. Since many companies use these platforms to store information, it can be helpful to acquire skills in developing programs and applications that use cloud-based technologies. For example, you can become certified to use Amazon Web Services (AWS), a cloud platform that is purchased and used by many companies.

12. Spreadsheet software

Spreadsheet software allows individuals to organize data sets and perform calculations. It can be helpful to learn how to use a spreadsheet program because a company may need software developers to track their data and project progress. They may also use a spreadsheet to solve necessary equations or organize information before transferring it to a larger database system.