I started a Facebook group called Self-Taught Programmers with over 300K members, most of whom are learning how to program for the first time. The thing I've noticed most about people who decide they want to switch careers to become software engineers is how overwhelmed they are by the number of decisions they need to make.
Someone looking to break into software engineering needs to decide what type of developer they should become, what programming language and stack to learn and what resources they should use to attain all this knowledge. Getting started learning to code can be so overwhelming that many people give up before they begin. This article will answer the question: What software development career path should I take?
Software Development Career Paths
You can take many career paths as a software developer. For example, you can go into web development, mobile app development, blockchain development, data science or machine learning and artificial intelligence. Let's look at each of them.
Web Development
Web developers are responsible for creating and modifying websites. They use technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React and AngularJS. Web developers build websites, add new features, write tests and fix bugs. They often work closely with stakeholders and other team members like graphic designers, product managers and UX designers to deliver the final product.
Mobile App Development
Mobile app developers create applications for mobile devices like iPhones or Android devices. They work with programming languages like Swift, Kotlin or Java. Mobile app developers must consider mobile devices' constraints and unique features, such as touchscreen functionality and smaller screen sizes. They often work in teams, collaborating with other developers, product managers and UX/UI designers to ensure the final product offers a seamless, user-friendly experience.
Blockchain Development
Blockchain developers use blockchain technology to solve business problems. They are often responsible for designing, implementing and supporting a distributed blockchain-based network. Their tasks include analyzing requirements, designing blockchain technology around a particular business model and building and launching a blockchain network. They work with programming languages like Solidity and technologies like Ethereum to create smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). Blockchain developers may need to ensure the system's security by implementing advanced cryptographic procedures and security measures. They often work in teams, collaborating with other developers, data analysts and IT professionals to integrate the blockchain with existing business systems.
Data Science
Data scientists use their technical and mathematical skills to extract meaningful insights from large, complex datasets. They employ various tools and programming languages, such as Python, R, SQL and SAS, along with machine learning algorithms and statistical models, to analyze and interpret complex data. Data scientists are responsible for collecting, cleaning and validating data, conducting exploratory data analysis, building predictive models and creating data visualizations to communicate their findings. They often work closely with business stakeholders to understand their goals and determine how to use data to achieve them. Data scientists collaborate with other technical professionals, like data engineers and machine learning engineers, to implement models and insights into systems. As data-driven decision-making becomes increasingly important in business, the role of a data scientist is critical in turning raw data into actionable business strategies.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) engineers work on machine learning models and AI systems. They use large datasets to train models that can make predictions, classify data and recognize patterns, among other tasks. These engineers work with programming languages like Python, R and Java, and they use libraries and frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch and Scikit-learn. Their role often involves understanding complex mathematical and statistical concepts. AI/ML engineers primarily focus on designing and building machine learning models and AI systems that can learn from and make decisions or predictions based on data. While they work with large datasets and use similar tools and programming languages as data scientists, their role focuses more on applying machine learning algorithms and developing AI systems rather than extracting insights from data. They often work in teams, collaborating with data scientists, data engineers and other software developers to integrate AI/ML models into software applications or standalone AI systems.
What Career Path Is Best?
All the software development career paths have pros and cons. There isn’t one best career path; however, some career paths are more suitable for beginners than others.
The conventional wisdom is that web development is the easiest career path for new programmers. That is why web development is the most popular career path at programming bootcamps. Web development is a good choice for beginners because the technologies and concepts you must know are generally more beginner-friendly than the other areas. Fields like mobile app development, data science, AI and blockchain development often require you to learn harder programming languages and to have a more advanced understanding of math and other advanced programming concepts.
For example, to pursue mobile app development, you usually need to learn Swift or Kotlin, data science requires a strong background in statistics, AI involves complex machine learning algorithms and blockchain development requires a deep understanding of cryptography and decentralized systems. These fields can be more challenging for beginners and may require more time to master than is typically available to someone transitioning into software engineering. Additionally, web development skills are in high demand in the job market, making it a practical and attractive starting point for those looking to transition into a tech career.
While web development is a proven path for new programmers breaking into software development, you still may be interested in pursuing another area like mobile app development, data science, AI/ML or blockchain development. Mobile app development can be appealing due to the ubiquity of mobile devices and the opportunity to create applications that directly impact users' daily lives. Data science is a good choice for those interested in leveraging large datasets to solve complex problems and make strategic decisions. AI/ML offers the chance to work on cutting-edge technology transforming industries, from healthcare to finance. On the other hand, blockchain development is a rapidly growing field offering opportunities to work on decentralized applications and contribute to the future of secure, transparent transactions and contracts.
Each area offers unique challenges and opportunities and can often command higher salaries due to the specialized skills required. Choosing one of these paths can also open opportunities in specific industries or roles less accessible to general web developers.
How to Learn to Code
Once you've decided on the career path you want to take, you need to learn to program. Luckily, there are many options available.
One option is to go to college and study computer science. Studying computer science at a university will give you a solid foundation in coding principles and practices. This route often includes theoretical learning and practical projects, giving you a well-rounded education in coding. However, this option requires significant time and monetary commitment and is only realistic for some.
Online courses are an alternative for those who prefer a more flexible and affordable option to learn to code. Websites like Codecademy, Udemy and Coursera offer a range of programming courses you can take at your own pace. These platforms provide interactive lessons and projects that allow you to learn and apply coding concepts. Online courses are more affordable and are accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Another popular choice for learning to code is attending a bootcamp. These intensive, short-term training programs focus on teaching practical coding skills in a condensed time frame. Bootcamps equip students with the skills they need to enter the job market quickly. They are less expensive than a four-year degree but significantly more expensive than online options like Codecademy.
What Interests You?
The journey to becoming a software developer can feel overwhelming. The first step is to decide the path that best suits your interests and skills by understanding the different career paths available, such as web development, mobile app development, blockchain development, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and data science. Each path offers unique challenges and opportunities; the choice ultimately depends on your preferences and career goals.
Once you decide what route to take, many resources are available to learn to program, from pursuing a traditional college education to online courses to programming bootcamps. The world of software development is exciting and offers many career opportunities for those willing to take the plunge. Best of luck on your journey to becoming a software engineer!
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