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What Is Software Engineering?

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What is Software Engineering?

Software engineering is a process of analyzing user requirements and then


designing, building, and testing software application which will satisfy those
requirements.

In this software engineering tutorial, you will learn:

 What is Software Engineering?


 How to Become A Software Engineer/Developer?
 What Does A Software Engineer Do?
 Different Type of Careers in Software Engineering
 Best practices for Software Engineers

How to Become A Software Engineer?

Software engineering is an ever-changing profession. Therefore, one


should adopt as new technologies are developed. As it has shifting nature,
there are many different entry points into the IT profession.

However, there is no single way of achieving this. Here are some steps to
becoming a professional software engineer.

Step #1: Be Clear About Your End Goal


Starting a new career is not easy. However, when you have a final
destination in mind, it helps when you find and deal with a hurdle in your
road. You should have a clear goal like:

 I want to build my career as a software engineer


 I want to work as a software engineer at an established IT company.
 I want to work as a team member and get paid well for it.

Step #2: Select A Language to Learn


Software engineering never focuses exclusively on coding. However, you
should know at least a couple of languages, and a deeper understanding of
how they will function. There is no common agreement on which languages
are most useful.

Below are given the list of some popular programming languages:

 Python
 JavaScript
 C#
 C++
 Ruby
 Java

Step #3: Earn A Degree in Computer Science or A


Related Field
You should first earn a degree in computer science or a related field. You
should have at least a bachelor’s degree to begin your career as a software
engineer.

Majoring in computer science will offer you the most useful background for
designing software. Interviewers will ask questions regarding data
structures and algorithms. Therefore, the theoretical knowledge provided
by traditional computer science degrees best prepares you for this.

However, you will mostly spend your time outside of the classroom coding
software and to learn how to write real software.

Step #4: Supplement your studies


Educational books are frequently outdated. Reference books are revised
much slower than software is updated. All the education institutes provide
theoretical concepts and ways of thinking that can be important for your
success.
Although, how much you will get paid is being able to apply the knowledge
of the real-world software. This is where your study helps you.

Here are some ways to supplement your learning:

 StackOverflow is the most reliable question and answer website for


developers. You can search according to the technology, problem
space, or language you want to improve in.
 Sites like CodinGame and CodeWars offer thousands of
programming solutions which help you to test your skills.

Step #5: Read Code Written by Experienced Developers


Another useful aspect of becoming a software engineer is learning how to
read other people’s code. You can do this easily by visiting sites like
GitHub repositories and looking through documentation.

However, sometimes documentation also goes wrong, but most of the


source code accurate in these sites. Therefore, by learning to read that
code, you’ll be able to understand how a specific program is working.

Step #6: Find A Community of Software Engineers


You need to find a community to learn which guide you to success as a
software engineer. Therefore, when you are surrounded by a community of
like-minded people, you have an automatic support system. A real-world
software engineering community gives you guidance on where to focus
your learning. Sites like Meetup is an ideal choice to find other
professionals.

Step #7: Build Projects


Nothing like practical experience. You need to start building projects on a
language you are comfortable with. By doing this, you not only enhance
your learning but also found a potential employer. As you learn how to
code, build projects, etc., you should slowly help you to build up your
professional network.

Step #8: Master Your Pre-Interview Skills


Next, you need to focus on your resume as it plays a vital part for your
hiring. You’ll need to master three things: resume, cover letter, and your
online presence.

Hiring HR managers still look at them to get a snapshot of your skills and
experience. Moreover, cover letters are needed when applying for jobs
online; they’re your opportunity to get someone’s attention and make an
impression.

Step #9: Ace Your Job Interview


Finally, the time is come to face the interview. Most of IT companies start
with a screening interview, usually done on the internet, at home. After that,
you need to face a phone interview. If you successfully clear both
interviews, you’ll land the on-site interview.

Step #10: Accept the Job Offer


After you successfully clear round of interviews and demonstrate your new
skills, you will likely to get a job offer. Select the best which helps you to
enhance your career.

What Does A Software Engineer Do?


Here, are important roles played by software engineer:

 He or she should be a good programmer and should be well-versed


in data structures and algorithms.
 Should be fluent in more than one programming language.
 Should be familiar with various design approaches.
 Responsible for defining the feasibility of software operations through
problem definition, evaluation, analysis, and solution development.
 Documenting and demonstrating solutions by developing flowcharts,
diagrams, documentation, diagrams, layouts, code comments, etc.
 Developing solutions by following software development standards.
 Improves operations by completing systems analysis work and make
a recommendation for inefficient procedures and policies.
 Obtaining and licensing software after gaining relevant data from
vendors.
 Testing and approving products
 Providing relevant data through the collection, analysis, and
summarizing of service and development issues

Different Type of Careers in Software


Engineering
Having a degree in software engineering offers multiple opportunities for
professionals. Although industry and geographic location play an important
crucial part in earning potential, and employers also consider education
levels and experience to determine salary packages.
Here is the important career option you have after opting for this course:

Job Title Description Degree required


Software engineers work with programmers,
Software
designers, and testers to plan other functions for Bachelor’s Degree
Engineer
the software to function effectively.
Bachelor’s Degree:
Certified Software
Principal software engineers take care of all the
Principal Development
technical details of projects. Their main task
Software Professional
includes efficient scaling and maximizing
Engineer Certification
performance.
Experience: At least
10 Years’ Experienc
Lead Software Development Engineer creates
custom software to meet organizational needs.
All software design prioritizes ease of use. These
professionals also need to manage a team of
Lead Software
junior software engineers.
Development Master’s Degree
The key focus areas for them are project
Engineer
management, developing multithreaded codes,
and networked server applications. Professionals
also require to work with the SEO team and
content writers.

Best practices for Software Engineers


Here are some best practices for software engineers:

 Software engineers should act in such a way that it is beneficial to


the client as well as the employer.
 Ensure software products and related modifications which should
meet the highest professional standards.
 Need to maintain integrity and independence in their professional
approach.
 Promote an ethical approach for software development and
maintenance.
 Software engineers shall be supportive of their colleagues.

Summary
 Software engineering is a process of analyzing user requirements
and then designing, building, and testing software application which
will satisfy those requirements.
 Important steps for becoming a professional software engineer are:
 You should be clear about your end goal and focus on what you want
to achieve
 Need to select at least one programing language to learn
 Next, you should earn a degree in Computer Science or A Related
Field
 Supplement your study by visiting coding sites like StackOverflow
other websites like CodinGame and CodeWars offer thousands of
problems which helps you to test your skills.
 Read code written by other expert software engineers by visit sites
like GitHub repositories.
 After this, you should start building projects on a language you are
comfortable with.
 Next, you need to focus on your resume as it plays a vital part for
your hiring
 In this step, you need to attain an interview. Most of IT companies
start with a screening interview, usually done on the internet, at your
home
 After you successfully clear round of interviews and demonstrate
your new skills, you will likely to get a job offer
 The most important skill for a software engineer is that he or she
should be fluent in more than one programming language.
 Software Engineer, 2)Principal Software Engineer,3) Lead Software
Development Engineer are different types of career options for
software engineer.
 Software engineers should act in such a way that it is benefited to the
client as well as the employer
 The average salary for a professional Software Engineer is $104,682
per year in the United States.

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