How to Become a Software Developer in 12 Weeks

If you take a closer look at the world today, you can’t help but notice that it’s running on technology. Systems have changed and everything is almost run through a software. Whether you are looking to get a cab to pick you from home or seeking medical help from home, there always seems to be a software that will come in handy. This technology has not only revolutionized the way we live and do things, but has brought forth numerous job opportunities. With the affinity for technology in its all-time high, there are vacancies and job opportunities left right and centre for you and I to take up.

It goes without saying therefore, that having software development skills in this generation will be a massive boost. Whether you already have majored in another area or are looking for a new career to venture into, software development is always a gold mine. There are numerous opportunities in the digital world to be filled and your skills in software development, will never go unrewarded. You therefore need to start thinking about learning software development today and open yourself up to numerous opportunities.

Although software development is a highly skill-oriented profession, web development is not rocket science and learning it is a very easy ask, if you are willing to learn. Although you can choose to take it up as a major in college and graduate with a degree, you don’t need to go to university to learn web development. I personally never attended a class of web development, but today I am one of the best web developers in the industry thanks to perseverance and desire to learn. Today, I want to show you easy steps of how to become a software developer in 12 weeks. Yes, you got me right, I want to show you how you can hone all the skills required to become a qualified web developer in just 3 months. If you want to learn these tricks, then pick a pen and paper and then read on. Here are the 5 steps of becoming a software developer in just 12 weeks;

1. Understand your objectives

The first step is to understand what you want from the training. Do you want to take software development as a part-time job or a full time career? Do you want to just have fun with code and know what happens behind the scenes? Do you want to work as a software developer at an established firm? What are your goals?

Your goals have to be crystal clear if you are to make it in this field. With a final destination well envisioned in your mind, you will be able to overcome obstacles along the way without stumbling down.

2. Research on the available languages and settle on one

This is the most important part of software development. You need to understand the languages used in the coding industry when coming up with software. There are tons of languages to choose from and the choice depends on your preferences. Some can be very complex for novices while others can be grasped easily.

Research thoroughly on the available languages and understand the dynamics of each. Understand the appropriateness of each and if possible the relevance of each language to modern day software development. This research and understanding process, should take you anything from one to three weeks. Thoroughly look into each of the languages during this period while taking notes. Once you have understood the basic dynamics of each language and have an idea of what each one of them entails, now choose the best one to begin with. I personally found Ruby to be easy and enjoyable to start with. Turns out, my instincts were right because from Ruby, I went on to learn many more languages and I still am learning today even though my peers think that I have surpassed the sky limit.

3. Seek for perfection in the selected language through learning and practice

As a software developer, perfection will always be elusive but it is not out of reach. Once you have found a language that you deem appropriate, seek perfection in it. The moment you know a language/stack well to perfection, transitioning into a new one will be very easy. You therefore need to dedicate as much time as you can to learning the selected language.

Practise each and every new skill you learn. Practice makes perfect. Consult your programming friends if you have any and join online forums for more insights. Learn about the tools that other developers use. Possibly seek advice from members of your programming community and read other people’s code. Reading other people’s code helps you understand a program works and will help you iron out mistakes in your own work.

4. Start a project

This is the reality check of any aspiring software developer. After spending months working on long lines of code, it is time to try and build a complete project using the information and tools you have. You can opt to go solo on building a project or engage group members. It is advisable to start out on your own in order to keep an eye on your weaknesses. Use every skill that you have learnt and at the end of the project you will be able to reflect on your prowess. Your first few projects might not be as good but they will help you in learning and problem-solving.

5. Create a portfolio

Once you have learned two to three languages and understood them to near perfection, it is time to create a portfolio and dive into the job market. Using your prior test projects, cultivate your professional network and aim to make your curriculum vitae look as professional as possible. In no time, you will be landing gigs here and there and possibly get long time contracts with big companies.

All in all, it takes passion, commitment and perseverance to become a software developer in 12 weeks. You will need to dedicate a lot of time and be willing to continuously learn.

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