Software Engineering Basics for Everyone from edX

The demand for software engineers doubled according to the “State of Software Engineers” report by the tech specialist Hired. Nearly every industry uses software to accelerate its growth, providing a vast number of opportunities. With the importance of software engineers and the technical skillset required, it isn’t surprising that according to Indeed.com, “The good starting software engineer salary in the US is considered to be $113,211 per year. Competitive starting salaries will vary depending on location and cost of living.”

This course is suitable for anyone wanting to start in a software development related role, including those aspiring to be Software Engineers, IT Product and Project Managers, Scrum Masters, Information Developers, UI/UX Designers, QA Engineers, as well as Sales Executives, and Marketing Managers in the Tech industry. No prior programming experience or degree is required.

This course teaches you about the power of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and software development methodologies such as Agile. You will explore fundamental programming principles and foundations of design, architecture, and deployment, investigate skills that a software engineer needs and identify job opportunities with hands-on projects. You will also learn about programming basics and software development tools and stacks.

Throughout this course, you’ll hear first-hand experiences from expert software engineers to geta feel for the job and their perspectives. After completing this introductory course, you will be familiar with the software engineering tools, technologies, terminology, processes, and practices.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explain software engineering, software development lifecycle (sdlc), and software development tools, technologies, and stacks.
Describe the difference between types of programming languages and create basic programming constructs such as loops and conditions using python.

Outline approaches to application architecture and design, patterns, and deployment architectures.
Summarize the skills required in software engineering and describe the career options it provides.

Explain software engineering, software development lifecycle (sdlc), and software development tools, technologies, and stacks.
Describe the difference between types of programming languages and create basic programming constructs such as loops and conditions using python.
Outline approaches to application architecture and design, patterns, and deployment architectures.
Summarize the skills required in software engineering and describe the career options it provides.

Syllabus

Module 1: SDLC – The Software Development Lifecycle

What is Software Engineering?

Insiders’ Viewpoint: What is software engineering?

Introduction to the SDLC

Activity: Phases in the SDLC

Building Quality Software

Requirements

Software Development Methodologies

Software Versions

Software Testing

Software Documentation

Roles in Software Engineering Projects

Insiders’ Viewpoint: Job Roles in Software Engineering Teams

Module 2: Introduction to Software Development

Overview of the Web and Cloud Development

Learning Front-End Development

The Importance of Back-End Development

Teamwork and Squads

Insiders’ Viewpoint: Teamwork in Software Engineering

Pair Programming

Insiders’ Viewpoint: Pair Programming

Activity: Categorizing Front-end and Back-end Technologies

Introducing Application Development Tools

More Application Development Tools

Introduction to Software Stacks

Hands-on Lab: Getting Started With an IDE

Insiders’ Viewpoint: Tools and Technologies

Module 3: Basics of Programming

Interpreted and Compiled Programming Languages

Comparing Compiled and Interpreted Programming Languages

Query and Assembly Programming Languages

Understanding Code Organization Methods

Insiders’ Viewpoint: Types of languages

Activity: Programming Logic and Organizational Methods

Branching and Looping Programming Logic

Introduction to Programming Concepts Part 1, Part 2

Hands-on Lab: Programming Fundamentals with Python

Module 4: Software Architecture, Design, and Patterns

Introduction to Software Architecture

Software Design and Modeling

Object-Oriented Analysis and Design

Insiders’ Viewpoint: Importance of Design and Software Architecture

Activity: Create an Architectural Diagram

Approaches to Application Architecture

Architectural Patterns in Software

Application Deployment Environments

Production Deployment Components

Insiders’ Viewpoint: Deployment Architecture

Module 5: Job Opportunities and Skillsets in Software Engineering

What Does a Software Engineer Do?

A Day in the Life of a Software Engineer

Skills Required for Software Engineering

Insiders’ Viewpoint: Advice to Future Software Engineers

Insiders’ Viewpoint: Women in Software Engineering

Job Outlook for Software Engineers

Career Paths in Software Engineering

Software Engineering Job Titles

Insiders’ Viewpoint: Career Paths

Activity: Matching Roles with Responsibilities

Software Engineering Code of Ethics

Module 6: Final Quiz

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a stepping stone into a software engineering career, starting with a general overview and progressing to more specific skills

Taught by instructors with proven industry experience, providing real-world insights into software engineering

Incorporates hands-on projects and exercises to enhance practical understanding

Covers the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies, providing a comprehensive foundational knowledge of software development

Suitable for individuals with varying backgrounds and experience levels, making it accessible to a wider audience

May require additional resources depending on prior knowledge and career aspirations

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 Software Engineering Basics for Everyone with these activities:

Review algebra

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Review basic algebra skills that will be assumed knowledge for this course

Browse courses on Algebra

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Solve linear equations in one variable
Solve quadratic equations
Graph linear equations

Review statistics

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Review basic statistics skills that will be assumed knowledge for this course

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Calculate mean, median, and mode
Construct histograms and scatter plots
Perform basic probability calculations

Follow tutorials on Python

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Help develop and refine coding skills in the Python language

Browse courses on Python

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Find a tutorial on Python basics
Complete the tutorial
Test your understanding by writing a simple Python program

Four other activities

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Solve coding problems

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Develop problem solving and coding skills through practice

Browse courses on Problem Solving

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Find a website or book with coding problems
Select a problem and try to solve it
If stuck, consult resources such as online forums or documentation
Once solved, move on to the next problem

Join a study group or online forum

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Connect with other learners to discuss course material and ask questions

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Find a study group or online forum related to software engineering
Join the group or forum
Participate in discussions and ask questions

Read 'Introduction to Algorithms'

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Gain a deeper understanding of algorithms and data structures

View Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition on Amazon

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Read the book
Work through the exercises
Implement some of the algorithms in code

Build a simple web application

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Gain hands-on experience in building a complete web application

Browse courses on Web Development

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Plan the application and its functionality
Design the database
Develop the front-end and back-end code
Deploy the application to a web server

Career center

Learners who complete Software Engineering Basics for Everyone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Architect

Software Architects design, build, and maintain software applications. They are responsible for ensuring that applications meet requirements, are scalable, and are performant. The course's modules on software architecture, design, and patterns, as well as the section on application deployment architectures offer a practical introduction to the core responsibilities of a Software Architect. The course's framework-agnostic approach is helpful as the role is often technology agnostic as well.

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Software Developer

Software Developers, are responsible for the implementation, testing, and maintenance of software. The course is a good overview of many of the responsibilities common to the role. Topics such as software development methodologies, software testing, and software documentation are all areas that Software Developers are tasked with. Additionally, the section on programming basics in Python would be a useful starting point.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply engineering principles to the development of software. They are responsible for the design, implementation, testing, and maintenance of software systems. The course's focus on the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) provides the foundational knowledge needed for this role, while the course's review of programming basics in Python would be helpful for a role that often requires scripting abilities.

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Software Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst

Software Quality Assurance (QA) Analysts are responsible for planning, executing, and managing the software testing process. The course's overview of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) is a key component of this role, including the methodology and roles involved. Additionally, the course's module on software testing provides a strong foundation in this core aspect of the job.

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Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer

Quality Assurance (QA) Engineers plan, execute, and manage the software testing process. They are responsible for maintaining the quality of software products and ensuring that they meet requirements. The course's focus on the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) is key for QA roles, and the module on software testing provides a solid foundation for understanding how testing is conducted.

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Front-End Developer

Front-End Developers are responsible for developing client-side logic of web applications. This includes use of HTML, CSS, and Javascript. The course's coverage of the fundamentals of Python would be helpful for building a foundation in scripting, and the unit on the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) would be relevant to understanding development roles and processes.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain code for software applications. They work with software engineers to design and implement software solutions. Responsibilities include writing code in a variety of programming languages and using software development tools. The module on software development methodologies provides a good foundation for this role, while the sections on programming basics in Python and software testing provide additional background.

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Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. Responsibilities include writing code in a variety of programming languages and using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and Javascript. The section on programming basics in Python may help build a foundation in scripting. Furthermore, the unit on the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) would be relevant to understanding development roles and responsibilities.

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UX Designer

UX Designers are responsible for the user experience of software products. They work with stakeholders to define user requirements, create prototypes, and conduct user testing. The course's overview of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) is helpful to understanding the role of UX designers in engineering. Additionally, the course's modules on application architecture and design may provide some background in prototyping and design.

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Back-End Developer

Back-End Developers tasks include writing, testing, and maintaining the server-side logic and databases of web applications. A core responsibility is development of web API's that power online products. The course module on basics of programming with Python lends well to the Python and SQL skills required in the job. Furthermore, the course's review of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) offers an overview of the engineering principles used in application development.

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Scrum Master

Scrum Masters are responsible for facilitating and coaching Agile teams using Scrum as their framework. Key duties include managing backlogs and facilitating sprint retrospectives. The course's module on software development methodologies provides an overview of Scrum, and the section on teamwork and squads is also useful for understanding Scrum team principles.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain documentation for software products. They work with technical engineers to gather information and write user manuals, technical reports, and other documentation. The section on software documentation in the course would be helpful to potential Technical Writers.

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Computer Science Teacher

Computer Science Teachers prepare students to enter into higher education in Computer Science. Responsibilities include developing lesson plans, teaching students about computer science fundamentals such as coding, data structures, and algorithms, and grading assignments. The material on programming constructs in the course would provide a strong review for potential teachers, while the section on approaches to design and architecture would be directly applicable to the craft of developing curricula.

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Software Product Manager

Software Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of software products. They work with stakeholders to define product requirements, set product vision, and prioritize product features. The section on roles in software engineering projects would be useful for understanding the role of Software Product Managers.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts identify, mitigate, and resolve security risks for their organizations. Roles involve detecting vulnerabilities in applications, implementing security solutions, and ensuring compliance with security regulations. The section on programming basics in Python may be helpful in working with scripting languages like bash and PowerShell. Furthermore, the course's introduction to software versions, software testing, and software documentation might be of some benefit to those seeking to understand the software development lifecycle.

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