Are you looking to get into Software Engineering? Hear from our experts on how to get started.
Software engineers are masters of code that use a range of programming languages, frameworks, and databases to transform an idea into a product. It’s the ideal career for anyone who loves problem-solving and technology – and could be a stable and lucrative one too.
Careers in software engineering are always evolving, with advancing technology opening new doors and creating new branches.
Whether you want to specialise in code or use your skills to lead a project team, it’s a career with limitless potential. But you must always start by mastering the fundamentals.
What is Software Engineering?
A software engineer uses a systematic approach to design, develop, and maintain software applications. They are the digital architects, building bridges between complex algorithms and the tangible applications we use every day.
While writing code is indeed a major aspect of the role, software engineering is so much more—it's art and science combined. These professionals ensure that software is not just functional but also user-friendly, efficient, and adaptable to user needs as they change.
It’s worth noting, however, that job listings won’t always necessarily call for a software engineer. The role might be advertised as anything from a systems programmer to a web developer. It might also include the programming language the company uses if they are looking for specialists in that specific language. That’s why it’s important to learn as many programming languages as possible and keep expanding your skillset.
Required Skills for a Software Engineer
A software engineer's expertise goes beyond just understanding a programming language. The industry seeks individuals who can wear many hats, blending technical knowledge with a range of complementary soft and hard skills.
Analytical thinking: Beyond simply identifying a problem, software engineers must be able to dissect complex issues, understand system interdependencies and provide several optimal solutions.
Programming proficiency: While mastery of one language is crucial, familiarity with multiple languages makes an engineer more versatile and will open more doors for them. An in-depth understanding of data structures, algorithms, and basic system design is also essential.
Software testing and debugging: This is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. Engineers need to ensure software runs smoothly, with as few bugs as possible. They should be proficient in manual testing, automation tools and debugging techniques, as well as be comfortable collaborating with fellow engineers during the testing and debugging process.
Systems architecture and design: A good software engineer should have the ability to design efficient and scalable system architectures. This involves understanding both hardware and software components and how they interact with each other.
Database management: Engineers should understand database structures, querying languages like SQL, and concepts like normalisation and database optimisation.
Soft skills: While often overlooked, skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and empathy are invaluable skills for the modern software engineer, particularly for those working as part of a large team. A project's success can hinge on clear and empathetic client interactions, efficient team collaboration, and understanding the needs of the end user.
Mathematics: It should go without saying that proficiency in algebra, calculus, discrete maths, and statistics should be mandatory as they form the foundation for many of the algorithms and modelling processes that are integral to software development.
Continuous learning: The tech world is fluid and always evolving at an exponential rate, with new languages, tools, and practices emerging every day. If you want a successful and long-lasting career in software engineering, you’ll need to embrace a lifelong learning mindset.
Cybersecurity fundamentals: Digital security breaches can be catastrophic so a basic knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and vulnerabilities can serve as another valuable string to the software engineer’s bow.
Project management: While not mandatory, understanding project management methodologies, like Agile or Scrum, can be a major boon, helping in streamlining processes and ensuring timely delivery. If you’re eventually looking to progress your career into team leadership, this should be a priority.
Best Programming Languages for Software Engineers
In the vast world of programming, there are hundreds of languages to consider, many of which are tailored around specific tasks or functions. While every software engineer should be adaptable, understanding the following languages can provide a significant edge and help you understand which to work towards adding to your digital lexicon.
Python: Renowned for its simplicity and readability, Python's adaptability is its primary strength. From web development with Django to data science with Pandas and TensorFlow, its versatility is arguably unmatched in the industry, and it remains one of the top 5 most widely used programming languages.
JavaScript: JavaScript is the language the modern internet is built on and when coupled with frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, allows the creation of dynamic, user-friendly web applications. Often abbreviated to just JS, it’s the most widely used programming language among software engineers globally, as of 2023.
It’s also worth mentioning that Java, a separate language, which is generally used for programming applications, is designed to be easier to use than its bigger brother. We’d recommend having at least a working knowledge of both.
HTML/CSS: It might technically be a markup language, but when it comes to structuring your web content, HTML is indispensable. CSS, meanwhile, is the framework that styles and animates HTML, bringing it to life on the screen.
C#/C++: Building upon 'C', which was one of the very first programming languages and C++, which was introduced in the mid-80’s, ‘C’ offers object-oriented features. It's particularly useful for system/software development, game development, and applications where performance is critical. However, while C# has been around since 2002, some software engineers still choose to use C++ for console applications, as C# is restricted to the Windows operating system. Apple’s version of C#, Swift, shares a lot of similarities with C# so those wishing to code for both platforms might want to learn both.
SQL: Not a general-purpose programming language, SQL specialises in managing and querying relational databases. Its importance cannot be understated in the world of big data and SQL literacy will almost certainly become a more desirable skill in the coming years.
While this list is by no means exhaustive, these languages represent a mix of modern demands and foundational systems. A well-rounded software engineer should ideally be proficient in several languages, always ready to adapt and pick up new ones as the tech landscape evolves.
Software Engineer Salary Expectations
While passion often drives individuals into software engineering, the financial perks are undeniably attractive. Geographical location, expertise level, and specialisations play a pivotal role in salary brackets. However, software engineers, even at entry levels, command competitive salaries. With experience, these figures can soar, especially if one ventures into specialised domains like Artificial Intelligence or Cloud Computing.
.NET Application Developer
CGI
Lafayette, LA, USA
.NET Core Developer
EMIS Group
Chennai, India
.NET Developer
Tesco Technology
Farringdon, London, UK