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Amy Brereton
and
Click Start
Developing software challenges you to think in different ways and to come up with creative solutions to problems in a range of industries. So if you are a problem solver who likes to be challenged, then software development is a promising career to consider.
Read more
Developing software challenges you to think in different ways and to come up with creative solutions to problems in a range of industries. So if you are a problem solver who likes to be challenged, then software development is a promising career to consider.
Read more
Developing software challenges you to think in different ways and to come up with creative solutions to problems in a range of industries. So if you are a problem solver who likes to be challenged, then software development is a promising career to consider.
In this course, you will learn about the dynamic field of software development and uncover the crucial roles, from requirements engineers to backend developers, and the skills essential for success.
You'll learn to navigate the development process, including gaining insights from an inspiring career changer who has thrived in the software development field.
Whether you're a coding novice or an enthusiast, this course empowers you with the knowledge and confidence to pursue an exciting and rewarding career in software development.
Click Start, a nationwide training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills, offers this course. Click Start offers scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK. Follow the link in the Click Start icon on the top, to check if you are eligible for free access!
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/o81l4a/how
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What's inside
Syllabus
Week 1: The software development team
Software development is a team-based process and this week, you'll find out what the different members of a development team do. You'll also explore the different types of jobs in development, and learn about the important skills and knowledge that developers need. We'll also focus on some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand.
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1: The software development team
Software development is a team-based process and this week, you'll find out what the different members of a development team do. You'll also explore the different types of jobs in development, and learn about the important skills and knowledge that developers need. We'll also focus on some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand.
Read more
Week 2: Starting your career
In this lesson, you'll discover some of the diverse industries that hire developers and you'll have an opportunity to reflect on which sector suits your interests. We'll also cover the hiring process and look at how you can secure your initial development job.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Develops an understanding of software development teams, roles, responsibilities, and job market
Exploers career opportunities in software development across various industries
Provides insights from an inspiring career changer who has succeeded in software development
Accessible for both coding novices and enthusiasts
Offered by Click Start, a programme that helps young people develop digital skills and offers free access to eligible individuals
Save this course
Save How to Get Into Software Development to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in How to Get Into Software Development with these
activities:
Review algebra
Show steps
Review the basics of algebra to ensure you have a strong foundation before starting this course.
Browse courses on
Linear Equations
Show steps
-
Review your notes from a previous algebra course.
-
Take practice problems on Khan Academy or a similar online resource.
-
Attend a review session offered by your school or a local community college.
Review object-oriented programming
Show steps
Review the basics of object-oriented programming to ensure you have a strong foundation before starting this course.
Browse courses on
Object-Oriented Programming
Show steps
-
Review your notes from a previous OOP course.
-
Take practice problems on Khan Academy or a similar online resource.
-
Attend a review session offered by your school or a local community college.
Follow online tutorials
Show steps
Follow online tutorials to learn new skills and concepts related to software development.
Browse courses on
Software Development
Show steps
-
Find online tutorials that cover the topics you are interested in.
-
Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
-
Take notes on the key concepts you learn.
-
Practice the skills you learn by completing the exercises provided in the tutorials.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'The Pragmatic Programmer'
Show steps
Read 'The Pragmatic Programmer' to gain insights into best practices for software development and to enhance your understanding of the concepts covered in this course.
View
The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow a copy of 'The Pragmatic Programmer'.
-
Set aside time each day to read the book.
-
Take notes on the key concepts you learn.
-
Discuss the book with other students or a mentor.
Join a study group
Show steps
Join a study group to discuss the course material with other students, work on projects together, and learn from each other.
Browse courses on
Software Development
Show steps
-
Find a study group that meets your needs.
-
Attend study group meetings regularly.
-
Participate in discussions and ask questions.
-
Work on projects with other members of the group.
Solve coding challenges
Show steps
Solve coding challenges to practice applying the algorithms and data structures you are learning in this course and to improve your problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on
Data Structures
Show steps
-
Find a website or platform that offers coding challenges.
-
Choose a challenge that is appropriate for your skill level.
-
Attempt to solve the challenge on your own.
-
If you get stuck, seek help from a mentor or online forum.
-
Once you have solved the challenge, review your solution and identify areas for improvement.
Build a basic website
Show steps
Create a website to apply the skills you are learning in this course and to demonstrate your understanding of web development fundamentals.
Browse courses on
HTML
Show steps
-
Choose a topic for your website.
-
Design a layout for your website.
-
Code your website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
-
Test your website to ensure it works properly.
-
Deploy your website to a web hosting provider.
Volunteer at a local tech nonprofit
Show steps
Volunteer at a local tech nonprofit to gain hands-on experience and to make a difference in your community.
Browse courses on
Software Development
Show steps
-
Find a local tech nonprofit that you are interested in.
-
Contact the nonprofit and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Attend volunteer training.
-
Volunteer your time at the nonprofit.
Review algebra
Show steps
Review the basics of algebra to ensure you have a strong foundation before starting this course.
Browse courses on
Linear Equations
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from a previous algebra course.
- Take practice problems on Khan Academy or a similar online resource.
- Attend a review session offered by your school or a local community college.
Review object-oriented programming
Show steps
Review the basics of object-oriented programming to ensure you have a strong foundation before starting this course.
Browse courses on
Object-Oriented Programming
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from a previous OOP course.
- Take practice problems on Khan Academy or a similar online resource.
- Attend a review session offered by your school or a local community college.
Follow online tutorials
Show steps
Follow online tutorials to learn new skills and concepts related to software development.
Browse courses on
Software Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online tutorials that cover the topics you are interested in.
- Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
- Take notes on the key concepts you learn.
- Practice the skills you learn by completing the exercises provided in the tutorials.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'The Pragmatic Programmer'
Show steps
Read 'The Pragmatic Programmer' to gain insights into best practices for software development and to enhance your understanding of the concepts covered in this course.
View
The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow a copy of 'The Pragmatic Programmer'.
- Set aside time each day to read the book.
- Take notes on the key concepts you learn.
- Discuss the book with other students or a mentor.
Join a study group
Show steps
Join a study group to discuss the course material with other students, work on projects together, and learn from each other.
Browse courses on
Software Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group that meets your needs.
- Attend study group meetings regularly.
- Participate in discussions and ask questions.
- Work on projects with other members of the group.
Solve coding challenges
Show steps
Solve coding challenges to practice applying the algorithms and data structures you are learning in this course and to improve your problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on
Data Structures
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a website or platform that offers coding challenges.
- Choose a challenge that is appropriate for your skill level.
- Attempt to solve the challenge on your own.
- If you get stuck, seek help from a mentor or online forum.
- Once you have solved the challenge, review your solution and identify areas for improvement.
Build a basic website
Show steps
Create a website to apply the skills you are learning in this course and to demonstrate your understanding of web development fundamentals.
Browse courses on
HTML
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic for your website.
- Design a layout for your website.
- Code your website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Test your website to ensure it works properly.
- Deploy your website to a web hosting provider.
Volunteer at a local tech nonprofit
Show steps
Volunteer at a local tech nonprofit to gain hands-on experience and to make a difference in your community.
Browse courses on
Software Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local tech nonprofit that you are interested in.
- Contact the nonprofit and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Attend volunteer training.
- Volunteer your time at the nonprofit.
Career center
Learners who complete How to Get Into Software Development will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Software Developer
Software Developer
Software Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to software development or who are looking to make a career change into this field.
Web Developer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to web development or who are looking to make a career change into this field.
Mobile Developer
Mobile Developer
Mobile Developers design and develop mobile applications for smartphones and tablets. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to mobile development or who are looking to make a career change into this field.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to database administration or who are looking to make a career change into this field.
Network Administrator
Network Administrator
Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to network administration or who are looking to make a career change into this field.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access and attacks. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to information security or who are looking to make a career change into this field.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for software and other technical products. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to technical writing or who are looking to make a career change into this field.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers design, build, and maintain robots. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. A course in Robotics may be particularly helpful for those who are new to this field or who are looking to advance their career.
Software Architect
Software Architect
Software Architects design and develop software systems. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. A course in Software Architecture may be particularly helpful for those who are new to this role or who are looking to advance their career.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design and implement complex systems, including software systems. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to systems engineering or who are looking to make a career change into this field.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to computer systems analysis or who are looking to make a career change into this field.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. A course in Project Management may be particularly helpful for those who are new to this role or who are looking to advance their career.
Software Quality Assurance Engineer
Software Quality Assurance Engineer
Software Quality Assurance Engineers test and evaluate software to ensure that it meets quality standards. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to software quality assurance or who are looking to make a career change into this field.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to extract insights and solve problems. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to data science or who are looking to make a career change into this field.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help organizations to improve their business processes. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to business analysis or who are looking to make a career change into this field.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/o81l4a/how
Reading list
We've selected 14 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
How to Get Into Software Development.
A comprehensive and authoritative work on computer programming that is essential reading for any serious software developer.
A comprehensive guide to software development that covers both technical and non-technical aspects.
Save
A seminal work on design patterns that is essential reading for any software developer.
Save
A comprehensive guide to designing data-intensive applications that is essential reading for any software developer working with big data.
Save
A classic work on software development best practices.
Save
A comprehensive guide to deep learning that is essential reading for any software developer working with artificial intelligence.
A classic work on software engineering that is still relevant today.
A comprehensive guide to software architecture that covers all aspects of the process.
Save
A comprehensive guide to agile software development that covers all aspects of the process.
Save
A classic work on software development that focuses on the human side of the process.
Save
Good companion book to the course. Would be especially helpful to students new to Java programming.
A practical guide to test-driven development that shows how to write tests that drive the design of your code.
A comprehensive guide to domain-driven design that shows how to model complex business domains in software.
Useful introductory text that covers development concepts and processes in detail.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/o81l4a/how
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Effort
Two weeks of study, 6-8 hours per week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Leeds
Instructors
Amy Brereton
Click Start
Language
English
Good to know
Develops an understanding of software development teams, roles, responsibilities, and job market
Exploers career opportunities in software development across various industries
Provides insights from an inspiring career changer who has succeeded in software development
Accessible for both coding novices and enthusiasts
Offered by Click Start, a programme that helps young people develop digital skills and offers free access to eligible individuals
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