6 Shortcuts to Become a Self-Taught Software Developer

Becoming a software developer takes time, effort, and dedication. However, with hard work and perseverance, you can achieve your goal. Here are some steps you can take to start your journey:

• Learn the basics of computer science and programming: Start by learning the basics of computer science, such as algorithms and data structures, and programming concepts like variables, loops, and functions. You can use online resources like Codecademy, Coursera, and edX to learn for free, or you can take a college course if you prefer a more structured learning environment.
• Choose a programming language: Once you have a good understanding of the basics, you'll need to choose a programming language to focus on. Some popular languages for beginners include Python, JavaScript, and C#. Each language has its own strengths and weaknesses, so research which one would best suit your needs and interests.
• Practice coding: The best way to improve your programming skills is to practice coding. You can start by working on small projects and building your skills gradually. You can also participate in coding competitions or hackathons to gain experience and exposure.
• Gain experience: Building personal projects, participating in hackathons or coding competitions, or contributing to open-source projects are great ways to gain experience as a software developer. Additionally, you can also look for internships or entry-level positions to gain practical experience working on real-world projects.
• Consider obtaining a degree or certification: While a formal education is not always necessary to become a software developer, obtaining a degree or certification in computer science or a related field can help you gain a deeper understanding of the field and provide you with a valuable credential that can help you stand out to potential employers.
• Continuously learn and improve your skills: The field of software development is constantly changing and evolving, so it's important to continuously learn and improve your skills to stay current and competitive.

Is it important to have experience when applying for a software developer job?

It is generally important to have experience when applying for a software developer job. Having experience in the field can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the role.

Experience can come in many forms, such as:

• Building personal projects
• Participating in hackathons or coding competitions
• Contributing to open-source projects
• Internships or entry-level positions
• Work experience in related fields (ex: IT, computer science, engineering)

Having experience allows you to showcase your abilities, skills, and it gives employers a sense of your approach to problem-solving. On top of it, it gives an idea about your ability to work with a team, and how you handle different challenges. Last but not least, it also shows your level of commitment to the field, and how you've been improving your skills over time.

Having experience is not always a requirement for every job. Some companies may be open to hiring entry-level software developers. In these cases, a strong portfolio of personal projects or a good understanding of relevant technologies may be sufficient.

It's also worth noting that some companies may also value a software developer's formal education. In this case, a degree or certificate in computer science or a related field is required.

Top 7 Books to Help You Get Started in Soft Developer

1. "Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship" by Robert C. Martin.
2. "The Pragmatic Programmer" by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas.
3. "Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software" by Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson, and John Vlissides.
4. "Introduction to the Theory of Computation" by Michael Sipser.
5. "Cracking the Coding Interview: 150 Programming Questions and Solutions" by Gayle Laakmann McDowell.
6. "Code Complete" by Steve McConnell.
7. "The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win" by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford.