How to Become a Software Developer
by Ross Heintzkill | Updated on April 10, 2026
When you open your favorite app, shop online, or schedule an appointment, you're coming face-to-face with the work of a software developer. Software developers are the creative minds behind the programs and applications that—let's be honest—the world would fall apart without. They design, build, and maintain software that solves problems, streamlines work, and enriches our daily lives.
For businesses, software developers are essential to staying competitive and productive. Software developers create the tools that help companies automate processes, manage data, and serve customers faster and better.
Are you curious about becoming a software developer or their average salary? Let’s explore what it takes to become a software developer, including skills, education, and certifications you should know about.
If software dev sounds cool but you're unsure it's you, take our IT Personality Quiz. It helps you find your best-fit tech role fast.
What is a Software Developer?
A software developer is an IT professional who designs, creates, tests, and maintains software. Software can refer to huge packages like Windows, or small, specific tools like web browsers and games. Put simply, software developers make software—sometimes they're writing brand new software from the ground up, and other times they're taking existing software code and updating or rewriting it.
Unlike some IT departments, a software developer is a role someone can hold for their entire career. There are also highly specialized software developers or those with broad skills and backgrounds. If you're looking for software dev roles, you might see titles like:
Software Engineer
Web Developer
Full Stack Developer
Front End Developer
Back End Developer
Mobile App Developer
Junior Developer
Entry-Level Software Developer
Software Development Engineer (SDE)
Application Developer
Full Stack Engineer
What Does a Software Developer Do?
As you can likely tell from the list of job titles above, a lot of roles can fall under the title "software developer."
On a daily basis, a software developer might start their day by collaborating with a team to outline the features of a new application or system. They might then write or review code, debug issues in existing software, or test software to ensure it works as expected.
Depending on their role, a software developer might also spend time researching new tools, documenting their code, or brainstorming solutions to complex problems. It's rare for two days to be the same for a software developer, but the focus is always on creating reliable software.
Think of a software developer as a problem solver using computer languages to create digital tools for specific needs. Maybe a non-profit needs a database to manage donor information, or a huge company wants to create a video game that will be played by millions. Software developers combine creativity, technical expertise, and logical thinking to turn those ideas into functional software.
The demand for software developers is incredibly high, and it's only growing. Businesses in every sector need software to function. Whether it's to serve customers, analyze data, or automate workflows, companies in the modern world simply don't function without good software. The demand isn't going anywhere: software development is a stable and rewarding career field with a ton of growth potential.
What Skills Do I Need to Become a Software Developer?
The good news is that a college degree isn't required to become a software developer. A college degree in computer science or a related field can be very helpful to getting a job as a software developer, but you don't need one. Many software developers started their careers through self-study, online courses, coding bootcamps, or by building a portfolio of personal projects.
One of the most attractive things about software development is that it's a career field that's accessible to people from all backgrounds. There isn't a single definition of a software developer, nor a singular training path to become one. But there are some topics, technologies, concepts, and skills you should develop if you want to become a software developer:
Programming Fundamentals: Learn the basics of writing and debugging code, algorithms, and data structures.
Popular Programming Languages: Get proficient in the basic and most popular languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, and/or C++. Different languages are better suited to different types of projects, so your first language should reflect your area of interest.
Version Control: Be familiar with tools such as Git and GitHub to track and manage code changes.
Software Development Lifecycle: Familiarize yourself with the administrative and managerial processes behind planning, designing, building, testing, and maintaining software.
Debugging and Testing: Learn to identify and fix bugs and practice testing software.
Databases: You should know the basics of creating, querying and interacting with databases using SQL and NoSQL.
Web Development: While not strictly necessary, front-end (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and back-end (Node.js, Django, etc.) technologies are applicable to many software developers.
Soft Skills: Just like any job, you'll be interacting with other people, and knowing how to communicate clearly, navigate problems comfortably, and handle interpersonal conflict calmly will help you throughout your entire career.
Can I Become a Software Developer without a Degree?
Yes, you can. While having a degree isn't a bad thing, skills and experience matter more. If you are fresh out of high school or currently working in a non-IT job but dream of becoming a software developer, this five-step process will help you get there.
As with any type of studying, consistency with practice and training is crucial.
1 . Learn the Terminology
Your first step is to learn the basic terms and concepts of programming. At this stage, there's no need to spend money; there are free resources, such as the intro-to-programming videos on our YouTube channel or our Intro to IT courses, which can be viewed with a 7-day trial. These can help you get a feel for what software development is all about and introduce you to foundational skills.
2. Start Learning the Basics
After a while, the shape of the job will make more sense, and that's when it's time to invest in a beginner's course on programming. Free resources are great, but professional courses come with clear advantages. They're designed to teach you everything you need to know in a logical sequence, with exercises and hands-on projects that help you apply what you're learning.
Many also provide support and guidance to help you stay on track – and that can be really helpful for a beginner.
3. Pick an Area of Focus
After completing an introductory course or two in programming, a good next step toward becoming a software developer is to choose a specific area of interest. Figure out which type of software or technology excites you; maybe it's building websites, developing machine learning tools, or automating processes.
4. Learn Programming Languages
Then dive into the programming languages that are relevant to the field (for example, Python is extremely versatile and great for data science, or HTML & CSS if you want to do anything related to web development). Developing a minor specialization early as you become a software developer, can help you stand out as you progress.
5. Build Your Portfolio
With a solid foundation and some specialization, it's time to build out a portfolio. Look for every chance you can to create small projects. Focus on projects that highlight your preferences and the type of work and development you want to pursue. With consistent learning and practice, you'll be well on your way to becoming a software developer.
Not sure what IT career path fits you? Take our IT Personality Assessment test to see which path fits you.
What are the Best Software Development Certifications?
Certifications won't make you a software developer on their own, but the right ones can open doors, validate your skills, and give employers a concrete reason to take a chance on you. Here are 5 worth considering:
Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP™): A great starting point for beginners, PCEP covers Python fundamentals like data types, control flow, functions, and basic object-oriented programming.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate: This Microsoft cert covers building, testing, and maintaining cloud applications and services on Microsoft Azure, which is highly relevant as cloud development continues to grow.
Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE Programmer: Validates core Java skills, including object-oriented concepts, data types, and exception handling. Java remains one of the most in-demand languages for enterprise development.
AWS Certified Developer – Associate: Focuses on developing and deploying cloud-based applications on Amazon Web Services, the dominant cloud platform in the industry.
Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD): Covers designing, building, and deploying containerized applications — a skill set that's increasingly expected in modern development environments.
The value of certifications in software development varies by employer and role. Unlike networking or cybersecurity, where certs carry serious weight, many hiring managers prioritize practical experience over credentials.
That's why building a portfolio of real projects—a functioning calendar app, a web project, a coding challenge—often speaks louder than any certificate. The good news? Many professional courses help you build both at the same time.
What Does a Software Developer's Career Path Look Like?
Most software developers start with entry-level positions and grow into increasingly complex and influential roles over time. Here's what that path typically looks like:
Entry Level: Starting out means building foundational skills and getting comfortable with real-world development workflows. Common roles include: Junior Software Developer, Web Developer, and Quality Assurance (QA) Tester.
Mid-Career: With experience comes more responsibility. Mid-level roles such as Software Developer or Front-end/Back-end Developer involve designing features, leading small projects, and mentoring junior teammates.
Senior Level: Senior roles like Senior Developer or Technical Lead carry real influence over project direction and decision-making. From there, management roles such as Software Development Manager or Director of Engineering open up for those interested in leading teams and aligning development with business goals.
You also don't have to stay in software development. Some software devs transition to fields like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cloud Development, Cybersecurity, or Mobile Application Development.
Software Developer vs. Web Developer: What's the Difference?
In general, software developers build applications and systems on any platform, while web developers specialize in building for the browser. But in their day-to-day roles, there is a bit more nuance.
Web developers specialize in building and maintaining websites and web applications. A web developer focuses on making websites functional, user-friendly, and visually appealing. A web developer tends to use web-specific languages and technologies–such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, or Angular.
Web developers usually fall into one of three categories: front-end developers, who work on the visual parts of a website; back-end developers, who handle server functionality; and full-stack developers, who manage both.
There's certainly overlap between software developers and web developers, but web development is technically a subset of software development. Software developers are usually more broadly focused, while web developers specialize in creating online experiences.
How Much Does a Software Developer Make?
How much money a software developer makes depends on their experience level, where they work, area of specialization, and the industry. Software developer salaries vary so much that it's hard to come up with a useful estimate, since some very junior but highly specialized developers get lucky with a job that pays better than an experienced developer.
Generally speaking, across a wide range of experience levels, a software developer can earn between $90,000 and $130,000, according to ZipRecruiter as of April 2026.
Software developers often have the flexibility to work from home, which usually lets them cast a wider net when applying for jobs in different industries and regions without relocating. That can be a huge advantage, offering more choices and better pay. But it's also a double-edged sword: remote work also means competing in a global job market, where employers can choose from a huge pool of candidates.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Becoming a software developer is an exciting and rewarding journey. It offers the chance to create tools and applications that shape how people live and work. Whether you're building new apps, solving complex problems, or improving existing software, developers are at the heart of modern innovation. Anyone willing to put in the effort – whether that's self-study, formal education, or paid online courses, can become a software developer.
It doesn't matter how much experience or knowledge you have right now; you can take a meaningful step toward becoming a software developer. Explore CBT Nuggets' collection of software development courses.
We have courses for beginners, from software development to advanced topics such as automating systems and networks with PowerShell.
No matter where you are career-wise, there's a path waiting for you. Take the first step today and start creating software solutions tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Software Development Careers
How Long Does It Take to Become a Software Developer?
Most people become job-ready in 1–4 years. A traditional computer science degree takes 4 years. Bootcamps run 3–6 months. Self-taught paths vary widely depending on consistency and goals.
What Programming Language Should I Learn First?
Python is the most beginner-friendly option and is widely used in web development, data science, and AI. JavaScript is another strong choice if you want to build for the web right away.
Is Software Development Hard To Learn?
It has a steep early learning curve, but it gets easier with practice. The biggest challenge isn't the syntax — it's learning how to think through problems logically. Most people find it manageable with the right resources and consistency.
Do I Need A Portfolio to Get a Software Developer Job?
Yes, especially without a degree or formal experience. A portfolio of real projects, such as apps, websites, or coding challenges, shows employers what you can actually build, which often matters more than credentials alone.