How to become a software developer in South Africa can be quite simple. If you register with redAcademy, you could potentially fast track your career in Software Development within a year.
A computer programmer, sometimes called a software developer, a programmer or more recently a coder, is a person who creates computer software. The term computer programmer can refer to a specialist in one area of computers or to a generalist who writes code for many kinds of software.
What is the role of a software developer?
The role of a software developer engages in identifying, designing, installing and testing a software system they have built for a company from the ground up.
How many years will it take to be a software engineer?
It can take anywhere from six months to four years to learn software engineering. If you participate in a coding boot camp or course, you can become a software engineer in six months to a year, on average.
Can software engineers work from home?
Software engineering can be one of the most flexible careers, because software engineers can work anywhere where they have computers and access to the Internet. They can work from home, or from the beach if the job allows!
How to Become A Software Developer In South Africa
What Does a Software Developer Do?
Software developers are the creative minds behind software programs, and they have the technical skills to build those programs or to oversee their creation by a team. They create software that enables users to perform specific tasks on computer devices.
Those tasks might involve playing a game, watching a movie, writing a business letter, or building a spreadsheet. Specialised software is created or customised for virtually every profession, industry, and government department.
Software Developer Duties & Responsibilities
Developers can work in systems software or in applications such as those for mobile devices, but their duties are similar in many cases.
- Develop and test software to meet consumers’ and clients’ needs.
- Recommend and develop upgrades for existing applications.
- Create models and diagrams to show programmers the code needed for applications.
- Monitor quality and performance of applications through testing and maintenance.
- Document all work for future reference.
Education, Training & Certification
This profession requires education and training, but certification isn’t necessary.
Education: Software developers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a strong set of programming skills. Students studying computer science should focus on classes related to building software. Some employers may prefer applicants with a master’s degree.
Internship: Internships are highly recommended because they provide both hands-on training and insight into various industries, as well as exposure to various programming languages. A firm knowledge of industry best practices and emerging trends in software development is essential.
Software Developer Skills & Competencies
Here are some of the skills and attributes that can help you become successful as a software developer.
Creativity and innovation: Yours should be the minds behind new software capabilities, even when others say it can’t be done.
Interpersonal and communication skills: You won’t be working in a void. This job often involves collaboration with a team, and you’ll have to be able to concisely and clearly communicate instructions to others.
Analytical skills: You’ll have to match improvements and creations to users’ and clients’ needs.
Concentration and focus: Software development involves numerous and minute interlocking pieces. You can’t be prone to distraction if you want to be successful.
Problem-solving skills: Software developers need to be able to solve the problems that occur during the development process.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs in this field will grow by a significant 22% from 2020 to 2030, compared to 8% growth for all jobs overall.
There are many factors driving the demand for software developers, including competition to create new applications for mobile devices, the needs of the health and insurance industries for innovative software to manage patient care, and concerns over threats to computer security that require investment in security software.
Work Environment
Software development is a team endeavour, so you’ll be working with and interacting with others on a regular basis. This is the case even if you work remotely, as some developers do. You must still maintain ongoing communication with others involved in the process, even remotely.
Work Schedule
Hours can be erratic, depending on deadlines and the project you’re working on. This is generally a full-time job at a minimum. Overtime is common. This career won’t always stop for weekends and holidays.
Is software development a good career in South Africa?
Software development continues to be the most in-demand job in South Africa. , numerous reputable sources reported that software development was the most in-demand job in South Africa and in various countries across the globe. Not much has changed in 2019.
How many years does it take to be a software developer?
Four years, however with redAcademy you can career sprint with one year!
For most job positions in software development, you will be required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Therefore, it generally takes four years to become a software developer. The most common major among software developers is computer science.
Is software development hard?
Software development is a difficult field to work in, despite being one of the fastest-growing in the South Africa . Developers burn out quickly and often. One survey shows burnout rates of nearly 60% among tech workers.
What language do software developers use?
Although there are a variety of programming languages for software development, aspiring developers will be well-served by mastering four essential languages: Java, Python, C++, and Scala.
What is the difference between software engineer and software developer?
Software Development is a solitary activity, while Software Engineering involves team efforts. Software Developers develop apps with readily available tools, while Software Engineers create tools to build software. Software Developers write programs. Software Engineers work with other components of the hardware system.
What is a software developer salary in South Africa?
The average salary for a Software Developer in SA is R 40 654 gross per month (R 487 800 gross per year), which is 73% higher than the South Africa’s national average salary. Salary Range: a Software Developer can expect an average starting salary of R 22 488. The highest salaries can exceed R 85 700.
This article was written by: SAFacts.co.za
