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Simon Allardice

A fast-paced, practical introduction to software development—explaining core concepts, programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.

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A fast-paced, practical introduction to software development—explaining core concepts, programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.

Get clear on the most important ideas in software development and the entire “software development lifecycle” or SDLC. You’ll learn about different kinds of development, including mobile, web-based and desktop. You’ll explore common applications and tools, and see why there are so many different programming languages. And, you'll see how programming is done in the “real world”, exploring the benefits of programming libraries, testing frameworks, source control, SDKs and APIs.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Software Development Explained

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Guides learners through core ideas in software development and the 'software development lifecycle'
Builds a foundation for beginners or strengthens an existing one for intermediate learners
Relevant for a variety of learners, including those new to software development.
Deepens learners understanding of different programming languages
Develops a 'real world' view of programming by exploring an array of commonly used tools and practices
Taught by seasoned industry experts who bring an impressive repertoire of knowledge and skill to the forefront

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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 Software Development Explained with these activities:
Refresher on Object-oriented Programming and Design Patterns
Review the fundamentals of object-oriented programming and design patterns to prepare for the complex concepts introduced in the Software Development course.
Show steps
  • Read a book on Object-oriented Programming
  • Review online tutorials on Design Patterns
  • Practice creating classes, objects, and implementing design patterns in a programming language
Follow Tutorials on Version Control with Git
Complete tutorials on version control systems like Git to prepare for collaborative coding projects.
Show steps
  • Choose an online tutorial on Git basics
  • Follow the tutorial, installing necessary software and creating a Git repository
  • Practice staging, committing, and tracking changes in code
Join a Study Group
Participate in regular study sessions with fellow learners to discuss concepts, share resources, and collaborate on projects.
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with other students in the course
  • Establish a meeting schedule and online platform
  • Actively participate in discussions and knowledge sharing
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Coding Challenges on LeetCode
Solve coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode to practice applying programming concepts and algorithms discussed in the course.
Show steps
  • Sign up for an account on LeetCode
  • Start solving easy problems in a programming language used in the course
  • Progress to more difficult problems and practice regularly
Attend a Software Development Workshop
Participate in workshops led by industry experts to gain practical insights, learn new techniques, and network with professionals.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant software development workshops
  • Register for a workshop that aligns with interests and learning goals
  • Attend the workshop, take notes, and actively engage with the content
Build a Small Web Application
Develop a web application using technologies introduced in the course to demonstrate practical skills and deepen understanding of software development concepts.
Show steps
  • Design the user interface and functionality of the web application
  • Choose appropriate front-end and back-end technologies
  • Implement the web application, including database integration
  • Deploy the web application to a hosting platform
Become a Mentor to Junior Learners
Share knowledge by mentoring junior learners and guiding them through the software development journey, reinforcing concepts and fostering community.
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor junior learners, such as through online forums or university programs
  • Provide guidance and support on programming concepts and industry practices
  • Encourage questions and facilitate a positive learning environment

Career center

Learners who complete Software Development Explained will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Mobile Developer
Mobile Developers use their programming knowledge to design and develop mobile applications. This course will help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages, frameworks, and tools used in mobile development.
Web Developer
Web Developers use their programming knowledge to design and develop websites and web applications. This course will help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages, frameworks, and tools used in web development.
Full-Stack Developer
Full Stack Developers use their programming knowledge to design and develop both the front-end and back-end of websites and web applications. This course will help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages, frameworks, and tools used in full stack development.
Software Developer
Software Developers use their programming knowledge to design, develop, and maintain software. This course will help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers use their programming knowledge to design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course will help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers use their programming knowledge to write and maintain computer programs. This course will help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts use their programming knowledge to analyze and design computer systems. This course may help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators use their programming knowledge to manage and maintain databases. This course may help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.
IT Manager
IT Managers use their programming knowledge to manage and oversee the IT department of an organization. This course may help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers use their programming knowledge to write and edit technical documentation. This course may help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts use their programming knowledge to test and evaluate software systems. This course may help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use their programming knowledge to analyze and interpret data. This course may help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers use their programming knowledge to design and develop machine learning models. This course may help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.
Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Artificial Intelligence Engineers use their programming knowledge to design and develop artificial intelligence systems. This course may help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers use their programming knowledge to design and develop robots. This course may help you build a foundation in software development, making you a more competitive candidate for these roles. You'll learn about different programming languages and the entire software development lifecycle.

Reading list

We've selected 15 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 Software Development Explained.
Provides a comprehensive overview of software development and the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Easy to understand and follow, even for beginners.
A widely-used textbook for introductory programming courses, this book provides a gentle introduction to Java programming and is designed to make learning enjoyable.
A timeless essay on software engineering management, offering insights into project planning, team dynamics, and the challenges of software development.
An in-depth guide to software construction, covering topics such as design, testing, and project management. Suitable for experienced developers.
A thought-provoking book on the human side of software development, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, communication, and workplace culture.
Provides a clear and intuitive approach to understanding algorithms and data structures, making them accessible to developers of all levels.
A foundational book on domain-driven design, which helps developers create software that closely models the business domain.
Provides a comprehensive guide to designing and building data-intensive applications, covering topics such as data modeling, storage, and processing.
A classic textbook on algorithms and data structures, providing a comprehensive foundation for computer science students and professionals.
A valuable resource for developers looking to build scalable and reliable software systems. Covers topics such as performance optimization, load balancing, and fault tolerance.
A comprehensive guide to agile software development methodologies, covering topics such as Scrum, Kanban, and Test-Driven Development.
A practical guide to software architecture, focusing on the challenges and best practices involved in designing and building complex software systems.

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