Also known as software developers, software engineering is one of fastest-growing specialty fields in the whole world. In this article, I’ll share the essential skills to become Software Developer in 2021. Without further ado, here is a list of skills which I personally believe, every programmer should know, irrespective of the job he is doing. These are essential skills and will serve you for a long time. Any investment made into this in terms of time, money, and effort will help you to reap the rewards throughout your career.
Software engineers usually have a degree in computer science. They should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. A software engineer has a thirst for new technologies, as well for maintaining strong communication and interpersonal skills. Software engineers must be highly motivated and experienced in various programming languages, so given below the Essential Skills to become Software Developer in 2021
Essential Skills of a Software Developer
- Multitasking
As a software engineer, you will be required to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment. Whether you work remotely as a freelancer or as a full-time employee in an office, you’ll need to manage multiple projects at once, each with their own urgent timeline. A successful software engineer will be able to prioritize, triage, and manage all of the various milestones of all the various projects on their plate at a given time.
Along with managing timelines, a software engineer will need to be able to thrive in an environment where deadlines occur regularly. You’ll have to manage other people’s priorities and balance them with your own, along with the needs of your other clients or projects.
- Coding / Programming Skills
This one is pretty obvious: computer programming is essential. You must be able to build something from scratch but also improve and change existing software, which asks for a strong familiarity with programming languages and operating systems. You might feel more comfortable and enticed by a specific one and it’s great if you can master it, but don’t forget that ideally, you should be comfortable with several of them and keep up as they evolve.
If you can develop your mobile development skills, even better. Getting comfortable with mobile development gives you an advantage considering that companies are becoming increasingly mobile-focused and looking for developers able to build apps and navigate mobile operating systems.
- Organisational & Time Management Skills
You might hear from some developers that these are probably the most important skills right after programming. Organizational and Time management are crucial whether we talk about it on the big spectrum (project management) or in the individual one (your time management).
Stakeholders will ask for estimates. Your boss will ask for estimates. Your project manager will ask for estimates. Time is everything, so practicing and improving your organizational and time management skills while you study to get certified as a programmer.
- Accuracy & Attention To Detail
Be attentive and extensively run through your work. Software developers are problem solvers and sometimes the problem is the tiniest glitch that’s messing around with lines and lines of coding. Practicing bug fixing will help you get more comfortable with it when it’s time to do it in a professional context.
- Mathematical Aptitude & Problem Solving Skills
Software development might require algorithmic work, solving complex problems with graph theories or even look out for trees, which means that a good mathematical background or at least, a basic understanding of such methods is key to performing well as a programmer. In programming, smallest errors can lead to big problems, requiring the developer to have structured thinking and constantly challenging himself outside the box!
- Understanding Trends & Roles in a Commercial Environment
Understanding where you fit inside a business, what you can do to help and the latest trends is also a plus. Not that you have to do business mandatorily (that’s also an option if you have that entrepreneurial spirit), if nothing else in order to understand which skills you have to improve and the trends that will be thriving in the near future.
- Teamwork Skills
Although people tend to ignore soft skills, they’re extremely valuable and just like programming languages, they’re something you can learn and practice. As a software developer you’ll work on a team and interpersonal skills are an essential part of the job. Effective communication must become one of your priorities when pursuing this career.
- Staying Curious
Self development and innovation are fueled by the same secret ingredient: curiosity. Curiosity fuels self improvement and will make you stand out from the competition. Keep that sense sharp and don’t stop challenging yourself!
It would be silly to consider this is the complete and ultimate list of skills a software developer must have (there’s a lot more to it) but this is a good starting point.