How to Become a Software Developer Without CS Degree: A Complete Guide

With the increasing demand for software solutions in the digital world, the employment of developers, quality assurance, analysts, and testers is definitely going to increase.

In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has also reported that the employment of developers is projected to grow 25% from 2021 to 2031. This is much faster compared to any other occupation. This means there is surely an opportunity to build a career in software development.

But how to become a software developer?

Here are the points you will learn:

• Step-by-step process to become a software engineer
• How much time does it take to become a software developer?
• FAQs related to software development

Step-by-step Process to Become a Software Developer

1. Get Clear With Basics of Computer Software Programming

   Computer programming is a process of writing code for a specific action that you want to run on a software solution.

   If you want to be a successful software developer, then it is essential that you not only start with the basics but continue to upgrade your programming skills to hold a firm grip over them. Knowing programming skills will help you write code efficiently for your software.

   With programming languages, you are able to communicate with computers. Even if you go for pursuing a computer science degree, without having programming skills, you won’t be able to build software. So, you will need to start with the basics of programming languages.

   However, you need to choose the programming languages based on your career requirements. For example, if you want to make your career in machine learning, then start learning C++, JAVA, and Python. Do you have an idea for developing web-based software? Do you want to create software without getting into the nitty-gritty of technical things? We have a team of experienced software developers to help you succeed.

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2. Learn Fundamentals to Design UI/UX in Software

   Software development is divided into 2 parts that include:

   • UI/UX Design
   • Back-end development

   In this section, you will learn about the user interface that is responsible for developing the graphical user interface of software that a user can see and interact with.

   Not only the visual components but also involves designing and managing the interactive functions of the software, such as navigation, buttons, or any other feature which impacts the functionality of the software.

   To help you with complete details of learning front-end, here is the roadmap of design the UI/UX of your software.

   Note : To view the below graph properly, use the Ctrl key and “+” for Windows and CMD key and “+” for macOS.

   Image Source: Roadmap.sh

   What are the Skills You Need to Design the UI/UX?

   To successfully design the UI/UX of software, you need to hold a firm grasp of the following skills.

   • Java Swing : Learn about how to create a user interface in desktop and internet-based applications.
   • SwiftUI : Learn about SwiftUI to create great applications and user interfaces for macOS apps.
   • HTML : You need to start with HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) as it has good browser compatibility and integration with other programming languages
   • CSS and Javascript : Go ahead with learning new scripting languages like CSS and JavaScript
   • Frameworks: Learn React or Angular, CSS processors, and other development tools will add an advantage to it

   Best Resources to Learn Front-end Development

   Following are the courses to master front-end development.

   No.	Platform Name	Name of the Course	Time	Ratings Out of 5
   1.	Udemy	Java Swing (GUI) Programming: From Beginner to Expert	14 hours	4.5
   2.	Udemy	SwiftUI Masterclass 2023 – iOS App Development & Swift	30.5 hours	4.5
   3.	Coursera	Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML and CSS	33 hours	4.6
   4.	Educative	Become a Front-End Developer	42 hours	4.4
   5.	Simplilearn	Introduction to Front-End Development	12 hours	4.5

   Next, you need to learn about programming languages.

3. Learn Programming Languages for Developing Software

   A back-end developer is responsible for the development of server-side logic, along with writing code for the databases, servers, and software. It is also known as client-side programming. It works behind the scenes that a user doesn’t see but that powers every function.

   To build software, the back-end developer performs database migrations and API integrations and sets up the server-side technologies.

   Here is the complete roadmap for learning the back end.

   Note : To view the below graph properly, use the Ctrl key and “+” for Windows and CMD key and “+” for macOS.

   Image Source: Roadmap.sh

   Which Skills are Required to Develop Backend of Software?

   To make your career as a back-end developer, you need to have the following skills.

   • Understanding of back-end development, which includes configuration, administration, and management of databases and servers
   • Learn programming languages like PHP, C#, and Java
   • Get to know the database technologies, such as MySQL and SQL
   • Best practices of security and authentication
   • Experience writing RESTful APIs

   Best Online Resources to Learn Backend Software Development

   Learn from the below courses to master backend development.

   No.	Platform Name	Description	Time	Ratings Out of 5
   1.	Codecademy	Back-End Engineer – learn interactively	4 – 8 months	NA
   2.	Udemy	Complete Backend Development 2023 Bundle – Python Roadmap	15.5 hours	4.6
   3.	Coursera	Meta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate	8 months	4.7

   Once you develop the proper understanding of the backend, let’s learn about the database.

4. Learn Database

   Basically, a database helps you store all the essential files related to the software solution. Therefore, having knowledge of databases is needed to build your career in software development.

   The information you will store will surely be sensitive. Therefore, ensure you are focused enough while allowing or manipulating the information in the database. Choose the database based on your project requirements, experience, and ease of usage.

   Which are the Skills Required to Learn Database?

   To master databases for software development, you need to learn the following skills.

   • Get training on the technologies and programming languages, such as SQL programming language
   • Data structure & algorithm for database creation
   • Basic understanding of data science

   Best Online Resources to Learn About Database

   Avail of these online courses to hold a strong grip over your database skills.

   No.	Platform Name	Name of the Course	Time	Ratings Out of 5
   1.	LinkedIn	Database Foundations: Database Management	2 hours	4.8
   2.	Google Digital Garage	Database Management Essentials	29 hours	4.6
   3.	Udemy	Database Management System	1 hour	4.5

   Once you are clear with all three core components of software development, next you should opt for online bootcamps and courses.

5. Purse Online Courses and BootCamps

   Though over 65% of developers hold a computer science degree, it is not always essential to find a job in software development. Either you can choose to learn through free or paid online courses or a coding Bootcamp. We have already mentioned the online courses in the above steps, so now let’s discuss more coding bootcamps.

   Attending bootcamps will simply give you a chance to gain job-ready programming skills. It is specially designed for those students who are not able to be a part of a four-year degree program. It lasts for just 6 months and is cheaper than the degree programs covering computer science theory.

   What You Need to Learn

   To make your software development career without a CS degree, you need to learn through bootcamps and online courses. You can focus on the following points.

   • Start with the basics of the software development process and architecture
   • Understand all that is required on how to build a software solution
   • Join bootcamps and pursue online courses based on your career choice options

   Where You Should Learn

   The following are some of the top bootcamps to learn software development.

   1. Flatiron School
   2. Fullstack Academy
   3. Hack Reactor
   4. Lambda School

   Getting a proper understanding of coding to develop software. Then you need to find your specialization whether you want to move into web-based or desktop software development.

6. Find Your Specialization in Software Development

   Software development is like a deep sea. Covering everything beginning itself would be challenging for you. Hence, you would need to focus on a specific niche, such as web development or mobile app development, or either you just want to be a front-end developer or a back-end developer.

   Based on your choices, you will further need to go ahead to learn the software tools and technologies. Therefore, decide on your specialization at the beginning. In case you want to learn more skills later or want to change your specialization because of a lack of interest, you can do it anytime. Next, you need to build a software project to excel in your chosen field and practice real-time development.

7. Start Developing Your Own Software Project

   Just as developing a project is important for your portfolio, consistency is also essential to identify your strengths and weaknesses. And when you find that you are weak in some of the areas, you can focus more with your consistent practice and overcome it within no time.

   So, devote your time to programming languages and try your hand at development. Then, slowly and steadily, you move on to developing more complex software projects to build a strong portfolio.

8. Build Your Portfolio

   As you begin practicing, compile all your projects into a portfolio. Try to add your best work because the portfolio makes the first impression of your work and increases your chances of impressing the interviewer. Here are the following things a portfolio must have.

   • Provide a brief introduction about you, your interests, and your capabilities
   • Include your portfolio and work experience (don’t include simple projects)
   • Highlight your technical skills
   • Link to your resume, include your LinkedIn and GitHub or GitLab profiles
   • Accolades or awards, if received any
   • Mention your contact details

   Follow these best practices for your software development as it helps enhance the performance of software and face fewer issues later on. After having a strong grip on software development, apply for internships.

9. Apply for Internships

   Before you apply for internships, you must create your technical resume.

   Here are the things that you need to consider before you go to create your resume.

   • Customize your resume that matches the skillset aligned with the specific job requirements
   • Include your technical skills and level of proficiency
   • Don’t try to fabricate your qualifications and experience in your resume
   • Stick to a clean format when it comes to designing a resume
   • Don’t add too much personal information and make any typing errors

   So once you are ready with your portfolio and resume, start to apply for internships. Find the company that provides customized software development solutions and which fits your qualifications and skill sets.

   If you are nervous about appearing in the interviews, then it would be best if you could go through some of the most asked interview questions and check the company’s profile to get a clear insight.

10. Apply for Full-time Software Developers Jobs

    Only your consistent practice, hard work, dedication, and positive attitude will help you convert your internship into a full-time job. After completing your internships, it is time for you to apply for a full-time job.

    There are various job search portals that you can leverage to apply for software development jobs, such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed. Or you can also find clients directly through the portals like Fiverr, Upwork, and Clutch and work as a freelance software developer.

    Here are some tips for surviving a cut-throat competition in an organization after getting a job.

    • Be enthusiastic and passionate about learning and helping your co-workers
    • Know your colleagues and team to learn from them and expand your knowledge
    • Do hard work because this will help employers to notice your endeavours
    • Be professional and adhere to all the policies

    These are the core steps that you need to follow for becoming a dedicate software developer. Now, you might want to know about the time duration to become a software developer.

How Much Time Does It Take to Become a Software Developer?

The time duration depends on your technical experience, background, and the path you choose. Either it could be taking professional training from any institute or pursuing a bachelor’s degree, and many go on to earn a master’s degree in Computer Science.

How Much Does a Software Developer Make?

Have a look at the following image to check the average salary of seasoned software engineers.

Image Source: Payscale

The following table illustrates the average pay salary based on the experience level of software developers. Have a look.

Image Source: Payscale

Are you looking to develop web-based software? Do you hire developers instead of getting into technical aspects? You can get in touch with us.

Want to know other related questions on software engineering? Check the following section.

Get Started With Your Dream Job as a Software Developer

Following all the steps mentioned in this blog will help you become a software engineer and lend you a dream job in a multinational company. Along with this, all you will need is your consistent hard work, dedication, and efforts.

As we know that the average salary of software developers is pretty high, a software engineer role will surely turn out to be a rewarding career option for you. In case you want to consult your idea or discuss a project, get in touch with us through the ‘Contact Us’ page.