How to Become a Software Developer in 9 Steps: Salary, Skills, Career Guide 2024

A software developer creates computer programs to assist users with specific tasks. More than 20,000 students each year pursue several undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs to become software developers. Moreover, there are over 5.8 million individuals in India who are working as software developers. On average, the software developer's salary in India is INR 5,91,604 per year.

In order to become a software developer, aspirants should first complete a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or information technology. They must then acquire the necessary software developer skills. Further, it is required to get internships, build a strong portfolio and resume, and proceed with applying for jobs. Approximately, it takes a minimum of 4 years to become a software developer.

Table of Contents

• How to Become a Software Developer in India
• Who is a Software Developer?
• What does a Software Developer do?
• Types of Software Developers
• Skills Needed to Become a Software Developer
• Career as a Software Developer: Jobs and Salaries

How to Become a Software Developer in India

Let us understand how to become a software developer in India through these simple steps:

• Step 1: Check the Software Developer's Eligibility
• Step 2: Pursue Relevant Degrees and Certifications
• Step 3: Enhance Programming and Coding Skills
• Step 4: Choose a Specialisation
• Step 5: Get a Software Developer Internship
• Step 6: Develop a Portfolio
• Step 7: Create an Impactful Resume and Cover Letter
• Step 8: Apply for Software Developer Jobs
• Step 9: Prepare for Interviews and Secure a Job

Step 1: Check the Software Developer's Eligibility

Aspirants can get started by knowing the software developer qualifications and other required criteria. Here are the minimum requirements that must be met in order to become a software developer:

• Candidates should have passed 10+2 in the science stream from a recognised institute with at least 50-55% marks. It is required to complete graduation with a minimum of 50% marks in computer science or software engineering fields. For example- B.Tech in Computer Science, B.Tech in Information Technology, etc.
• Candidates must appear for entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, WBJEE, VITEEE, SRMJEEE, KCET, etc., and clear them to get admission into B. Tech, BSc, or B.E courses.
• Candidates should have a very good knowledge of using programming languages such as Python, Ruby, Java, JavaScript, etc with prior hands-on experience in using various software tools may have a competitive advantage. 

Step 2: Pursue Relevant Degrees and Certifications

Students can opt for any engineering or science courses that can be taken to hone their skills and for better career prospects. The software development course fees shall differ based on institutes and the level of the programs.

Given below is the list of courses that can be pursued to become a software developer along with entrance exam details:

Undergraduate Courses

Listed below are the undergraduate courses that can be taken to become a software developer along with the entrance exam details:

Post Graduate Level Courses

Listed below are the postgraduate courses that can be taken by students to become a software developer:

Certification Courses

Apart from the degree courses, candidates can also opt for certification courses offered both online and offline in different durations to start their career as a software developer.

Listed below are the top certification courses students can opt for to become a software developer:

• Mobile App Development with React by Coding Elements
• Programming for Everybody by Coursera
• Advanced Certification in Software Engineering by IIT Madras
• Introduction to Software Testing-Revised by Alison
• ACCP Pro by Aptech Learning, Delhi
• Certificate Course in JAVA Programming by CDAC, Pune

Step 3: Enhance Programming and Coding Skills

Software developers have to write codes and use several programming languages daily to build new software. Thus, besides having theoretical knowledge, it is very important for aspirants to gain knowledge of the following coding languages, software, tools, and systems.

• Coding languages like JavaScript, HTML, Python, Java, C++
• Database and SQL
• Data structures and algorithms
• Testing procedures
• Source control
• Operating systems
• Debugging knowledge
• Cryptography
• Text editing software
• Software frameworks
• Cloud platforms
• Spreadsheet software

Step 4: Choose a Specialisation

Based on their interests, knowledge, and skills, aspirants must now select a software development specialisation. Either they can specialise in particular programming languages like Java or SQL or fields like full stack development, web development, mobile development, etc.

Given below are some of the software developer specializations that aspirants can opt for:

• Front-end web development
• Back-end web development
• Full-stack web development
• Mobile development
• Game development
• Desktop application development
• Operating system development
• DevOps

Step 5: Get a Software Developer Internship

The field of software development requires real-world practical experience, and hence it becomes very important for an aspirant to pursue internships. Whatever knowledge has been gained so far must be applied in order to get hands-on experience & gain the required skills. Moreover, an internship shall add value to the resume and help candidates secure decent jobs.

Step 6: Develop a Portfolio

The candidate’s portfolio will showcase all the experience and work done in the past. A good portfolio will grab the attention of the employer during the job interview process. Therefore, candidates must add all the real-time projects in their portfolios to increase their chances of securing a job.

Step 7: Create an Impactful Resume and Cover Letter

A good resume should contain all the information regarding the candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience. Candidates who are freshers can add details about their projects. However, only relevant and crisp content must be included in the resume. Moreover, the tone of the resume must be professional and formal.

Next, aspirants must prepare their cover letters very carefully. The cover letter should be customized for each company and job role and should demonstrate the skills and experience of the candidate.

Step 8: Apply for Software Developer Jobs

After preparing the resume and portfolio, it is time to look for job opportunities. There are a number of software developer jobs in India offered by top software development companies. Candidates can visit online job portals and check the job description, salaries, and experience required for various software development roles.

Step 9: Prepare for Interviews and Secure a Job

The next step is to prepare for the interview process once candidates get calls from organisations. It is vital for candidates to go through their resume, company profile, and job description before appearing for the interview. Additionally, it is recommended that candidates brush up on their subject knowledge.

Following are some of the frequently asked questions in a software developer interview:

• What is a framework?
• Explain the stages of the software development lifecycle (SDLC)
• What is refactoring?
• How do functional requirements differ from non-functional requirements?
• What is the concept of object-oriented programming (OOP)?
• Have you ever created unit tests?
• What debugging tools do you use?

Also, Check: Tips on How to Introduce Yourself in an Interview

After successful completion of the interview process, candidates should start their careers as software developers by landing a job. As a fresher, a software developer may earn anywhere around INR 5,91,604 on an annual basis. Remember that it is crucial to keep learning and acquiring new skills as a software developer to secure high-paying jobs.

Who is a Software Developer?

A software developer is a skilled professional involved in the development of computer & mobile applications. From designing and writing to coding and testing, software developers carry out all the processes associated with developing new programs and systems based on client needs. 

The day-to-day responsibilities of a software developer require using various programming languages. Therefore, candidates who wish to pursue a career as a software developer must gain advanced knowledge in subjects like computer science and mathematics.

What does a Software Developer do?

The software developer job description involves creating applications & systems through planning, designing, writing, coding, encrypting, and testing. Check out the software developer roles and responsibilities in detail:

• Designing and developing software: The major role of a software developer is to create functional software in accordance with user needs by carrying out comprehensive research.
• Checking new and existing software: Software developers have to ensure that the software is functioning properly & free from bugs. They perform quality assurance checks on existing & newly developed software to check their reliability and efficacy.
• Resolving Problems: A software developer looks into various problem areas related to programs and systems and determines feasible solutions for the same.
• Improvement of systems: The software developer job description also involves improving systems by carrying out systems analysis and suggesting modifications in policies and processes. 
• Obtaining licenses: Software developers gather necessary data from vendors, recommend purchases, & test and approve products to obtain a licence for the software.
• Collaborating with different teams: Another responsibility of a software developer is to collaborate and work with various other developers, including computer programmers, project managers, database administrators, graphic designers, etc.

Also, Check: Steps to Become a Software Engineer

Types of Software Developers

Here we have provided a list of different types of software developers and a brief overview of each of them. 

1. Web Developers

A web developer is involved in designing a website based on the company’s requirements. It is a must for web developers to have sound knowledge of computer programming and graphic design.

2. Desktop Developers

The desktop developer writes codes using coding languages like Java & Python to develop or modify source code for software applications.

3. Mobile Developers

They work on designing and developing mobile applications by using programming languages. 

4. Full Stack Developers

Their job is to work on both frontend & backend development procedures to develop complete web applications. 

5. Big Data Developers

Big data developers work on heavy chunks of data to develop software. Their daily tasks involve the usage of languages like C++, Ruby, Java, etc. 

6. Security Developers

They use the latest technologies to build efficient security applications for organisations.

7. Game Developers

Game developers are involved in game development, including working on user interface, visuals, game logic, & artificial intelligence.

8. DevOps Developers

They are involved in combining code, maintaining and managing applications and developing software as per the needs of stakeholders.

Skills Needed to Become a Software Developer

A candidate must demonstrate certain soft skills and hard skills such as creativity, coding skills, technical skills etc. as a software developer skills to excel in their career. Listed below are some of the most important skills for software developers:

• Analytical Skills: This will help the candidates to analyse any complex data and to derive solutions from it.
• Communication Skills: Software developers need to have strong communication skills as it will help them to deliver the findings and solutions to the clients.
• Attention to Detail: Software developers must be able to generate code with quality and less error hence developing a strong observation skill will help them perform better.
• Programming Languages: Must be well versed in the coding languages as per the trend such as Python, Ruby, Java, JavaScript, C, C++, and C# to land their dream job as a software developer.

Also, Check: How to Become a Web Developer

Career as a Software Developer: Jobs and Salaries

There is wide scope for pursuing a career in software development. With advancements in technology, there has been a rise in the demand for software developers. Top companies like Google, Microsoft, Tata Consultancy Services, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, Accenture, Siemens, and Capegemini recruit software developers across the country.

The average software developer salary in India is INR 5,91,604 per year. Aspirants can find the experience-wise and job-role-wise software developer salary details below. 

Software Developer Salary: Experience-Wise

The salary details for entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level software developers are listed below:

Software Developer Salary: Job Role Wise

Check out the job profile-wise software developer salary information through the table below.

Also, Check: Salary of a Software Engineer

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Software Developer

Aspirants who have decided to choose the software developer career path must go through the pros and cons of this career:

Pros of Becoming a Software Developer

• High-paying jobs: The software developer's salary is around INR 5,91,604 per annum in India. While candidates may draw this amount at an early stage, there is great earning potential in this profession once they gain relevant experience. 
• High demand: In recent years, the demand for software developers has increased exponentially in industries like healthcare, finance, business & IT services, etc. Thus, more and more candidates are willing to pursue a career as a software developer.
• Job security: Another benefit is that there is job security in this career. In the long term, software developers can also start their own businesses. 
• Continuous learning: A lot of creativity goes into developing new software. Software developers need to constantly update their knowledge of new technologies and acquire the required skills. Thus, the learning process goes on.

Cons of Becoming a Software Developer

• High competition: There is huge competition in the market for software developers. Therefore, it is very important for the candidate to have the right skills in order to get a good job opportunity.
• Long working hours: Designing software and testing them is a time-consuming process. Hence, software developers are required to work for long hours, which becomes stressful at times.
• Tight project deadlines: Software developers usually get strict deadlines to complete specific projects. Thus, time management skills play a crucial role here.