What skills does a Software Developer need to have?

To work as a Software Developer, you’ll need to master a variety of both hard and soft skills. 

Hard skills required by a Software Developer include: 

  • Having programming knowledge in an OOP language like Java, C++, C#, etc 
  • Ability to work across all operating systems like Linux and Windows 
  • Skilled in learning different languages and tools quickly (for example, other opensource frameworks)  
  • Should be strong in arithmetic, data structure, algorithms, networking, and databases 
  • Familiarity with software testing principles 

Soft skills required by a Software Developer include: 

  • Attention to detail 
  • Ability to work in a team 
  • Good communication skills (speaking and writing) 
  • Willing to learn new skills regularly and attend seminars, webcasts, participate in virtual training sessions and more  
  • Ability to cope with pressure and tight deadlines 
  • Eagerness to learn new technologies quickly 

You can become a better Software Developer by improving your analytical skills. You should be able to deconstruct complicated issues into individual components. If an application has a particular bug, for example, you should be able to figure out how the various modules interact with one another in order to determine which part of the code is causing the issue. 

How can someone learn essential Software Developer skills?

To become a Software Developer, you must first learn a programming language. There are numerous distinct programming languages to learn, and each has their own path to learning them.  

To become a Software Developer, you’ll need to get at least an undergraduate degree in computer science or another IT-related field. You can pursue a formal education route by first obtaining an undergraduate degree in information technology, computer science, or a similar discipline and then taking on a postgraduate certificate program in software development or software engineering. However, due to a skills shortage in the profession, some employers are willing to overlook formal education to hire those with proven experience. 

Looking to upskill? Hays Learning for IT professionals offers free tech courses online across a wide array of topics which can be completed at your own pace. Start exploring our online courses now. 

Latest jobs

Senior IOS Developer
Auckland CBD
Senior Android Developer
Auckland CBD
Software Engineer
Auckland CBD
Competitive salary
See more

What qualifications does a Software Developer need to have?

For Software Developer qualifications, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as computer science, is usually all that is required to obtain a junior-level position, but more senior positions may require advanced education. You’ll also need to be fluent in the application’s programming language and tools - depending on the industry you work in - as well as how they operate. 

If you wish to study for a postgraduate degree in software development, such as a Master of Computer Applications or an MBA with an IT emphasis, it will help you further develop your programming skills and expertise, which may assist you in obtaining a high-level position. 

Do you need to study or go to university to become a Software Developer?

You don’t need to undertake formal study or go to university to pick up Software Developer skills. Still, they certainly help you stand out when applying for a Software Developer job

How can a Software Developer upskill throughout their career?

You can learn more about software development as you get further along in your profession by reading books and going to seminars to learn new programming languages or tools. You should also be adaptable when it comes to talents; if a firm switches from C++ to Java, you’ll probably need to become fluent in the new language fast. 

Many people like to keep an eye on the newest technological developments by reading blogs or websites that provide software development instructions; you may also join internet forums with other developers in your field. With all of these resources at your fingertips, you should always be prepared for when a new opportunity presents itself. 

Upskilling can be costly and take too long for many IT professionals. Thankfully, Hays Learning, in partnership with Go1, has plenty of free online learning courses covering the IT industry’s most in-demand skills. Sign up now for free

Learn more about Software Developer jobs

Explore related areas of expertise