Learn software development online
Online software development courses can help you develop or sharpen your programming skills, often without having to leave the comfort of your home. Explore the details of distance learning for software development in this in-depth guide, including information on typical coursework, available career pathways, and more.
Why learn software development online?
Stand out in your field
Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.
Learn at your own pace
On your computer, tablet, or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.
Earn a valuable credential
Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.
What is software development?
Software development involves creating, building, and maintaining applications, frameworks, and other projects. It's more than just having a great idea. It's knowing how to build an idea into a real-world application or framework, testing it, and fixing any bugs that pop up. To learn software development, professionals must commit to the art of problem-solving. This skill can help those in the field test and adjust their product until it is viable and maintain it throughout its lifecycle.
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Browse online Software Development Certificates
Find new interests and advance your career opportunities
Stand out in your field
Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.
Learn at your own pace
On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.
Earn a valuable credential
Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.
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What can you learn in an online software development program?
Taking software development online courses can help aspiring professionals learn basic programming languages. Programming languages are fundamental, so learners may want to pursue courses that teach the basics of Javascript, Python, SQL, and other frameworks. An understanding of the development of software, from inception to testing to maintenance, is also important, as is knowledge of how to create UX/UI for reliable user interfaces. Other relevant skills could include Agile and platform-specific knowledge (think Android or iOS).
Software engineering expands to object-oriented design and designing enterprise solutions. Learning design patterns to build platforms for data science can help open up multiple career paths.
The software development life cycle is always changing, so a steady stream of software development online courses and certifications can keep job candidates' skills relevant.
What careers can you have in the software development field?
The career outlook for software development professionals varies among positions but appears encouraging. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers to grow by 17% from 2023-33, much faster than the average across all occupations (4%). However, the agency also projects a 10% decline in employment for computer programmers during this period.
Fortunately, software development degree programs can prepare you to pursue many different professional roles that are in high demand. Some of these positions only require a bachelor's degree and are projected to grow faster than average over the next decade, including database architects, computer systems analysts, and computer network architects.
With a master's degree in a software-related field, you can often pursue higher-paying roles that also receive strong job growth projections. For example, the BLS projects that employment for computer and information research scientists will grow by 26% from 2023-33, six times faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
How to become a software developer
To work in software development, aspiring professionals may need to complete a bachelor's degree program in computer science or a related field. Employers may require candidates to have a master's degree in data science or a similar subject. You can also pursue many careers with a master's in software development.
Alternatively, a boot camp can provide in-depth instruction for beginners. Software development online courses may help individuals learn new skills, keep up with the latest tools and strategies, and brush up on prior knowledge developed throughout their careers. Still, a master's in software development may be worth it for specific professional pathways.
In addition to learning technical skills, such as programming languages, software development often involves creativity, problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong analytical skills.
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