How To Learn Software Development Online And Get Employed?

Gibson Ngulube
4 min readDec 22, 2022

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a man coding in his cozy room

Learning software development online can be a great way to acquire new skills and improve your chances of getting hired as a developer. With the abundance of online resources and tools available, it’s easier than ever to learn how to code from the comfort of your own home. In this article, we’ll outline a few steps you can take to get started on your journey to becoming a software developer.

Step 1: Choose a programming language to learn

One of the first things you’ll need to do when learning software development is to choose a programming language to focus on. There are many programming languages to choose from, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Some popular programming languages for beginners include Python, Java, and C++.

When choosing a programming language, it’s a good idea to consider which languages are in demand in the job market. According to a report by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the most in-demand programming languages in 2021 were Python, Java, C, C++, and C#. By learning one of these languages, you’ll increase your chances of getting hired as a developer.

It’s also important to consider your goals and interests when choosing a programming language. If you’re interested in building web applications, for example, you might want to focus on learning a language like Python or Java, both of which are commonly used for web development. If you’re interested in building mobile apps, you might want to focus on learning a language like Swift (for iOS apps) or Kotlin (for Android apps).

Step 2: Find online resources to learn from

Once you’ve chosen a programming language to focus on, the next step is to find online resources to help you learn. There are many online resources available for learning software development, including video tutorials, online courses, and coding boot camps. Some popular options include Udemy, Coursera, and edX.

When choosing an online resource to learn from, it’s important to consider the quality and reputation of the resource. Look for resources that have positive reviews and a track record of helping students learn and succeed. It’s also a good idea to consider the format of the resource. Some people prefer video tutorials, while others prefer interactive courses or boot camps. Choose a format that works best for your learning style.

Step 3: Practice, practice, practice

The best way to improve your coding skills is to practice writing code on your own. You can find coding challenges and projects online to work on, or you can come up with your own ideas for small projects to build.

There are many websites and platforms that offer coding challenges and projects for beginners, including Codecademy, HackerRank, and Project Euler. These resources are a great way to get started with coding and build your skills.

You can also come up with your own ideas for small projects to build. This can be a great way to apply the concepts you’re learning and get some real-world experience. For example, you might build a simple calculator app or a to-do list app. The possibilities are endless!

Step 4: Build a portfolio of your work

As you complete coding projects, be sure to document your work and add it to a portfolio. This will give you something to show potential employers and demonstrate your skills and abilities.

Your portfolio should include a list of the projects you’ve completed, as well as descriptions of what you did and what technologies you used. You should also include links to any code you’ve written and any demos or videos of your projects in action.

Step 5: Network and apply for jobs

As you gain experience and improve your skills, it’s important to network with other developers and professionals in the field. This can help you learn about job opportunities and potentially land a job.

There are many ways to network with other developers, including joining online communities and forums, attending meetups and conferences, and participating in hackathons. By building relationships with other professionals in the field, you’ll be able to learn about job opportunities and get advice and mentorship from experienced developers.

In addition to networking, it’s also important to actively apply for jobs. You can search for jobs through job search websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, or you can reach out directly to companies you are interested in working for.

When applying for jobs, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job and company you are applying to. Include information about your education and experience, as well as any projects you’ve completed that are relevant to the job. Be sure to highlight your skills and accomplishments, and show how you can contribute to the company.

Conclusion

Learning software development online can be a great way to acquire new skills and improve your chances of getting hired as a developer. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can get started on your journey to becoming a software developer and increase your chances of success in the field. Good luck!

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Gibson Ngulube
Gibson Ngulube

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