Key skills to look for in a software developer

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software developer

Good Knowledge of Programming Languages

To become a developer, you must be proficient at programming. There are a lot of programming languages that are used for diverse reasons. The languages are even divided into different categories. such as frontend, backend, scripting and many more. An applicant for the software developer position must be skilled in at least two or three coding languages.
Here are some programming languages. you should learn for the role of a software developer:

Javascript

HTML

CSS

Python

Java

C++

GoRuby

PHP

C#

Understanding Data Structures and Algorithms

The comprehension of data structures and algorithms is the second most significant talent in every organization. looks for a candidate after programming languages. For software developers to build efficient programs and organize data , they should possess knowledge of data structures.
Developers employ data structures to create algorithms that simplify tasks quickly and efficiently. Trees, linked lists, heaps, arrays are some concepts you will learn in data structures.
Data structures and algorithms are covered in a variety of online courses. Try to complete them and acquire certificates, demonstrating your DS expertise and piquing the recruiting manager’s interests.

Software Testing

The next step after planning and developing a project is testing. Before releasing a product, organisations typically do a series of tests using various digital technologies to find and correct any potential faults, difficulties, bugs, or latencies. So, as a software developer, you should be familiar with software tools and construct algorithms that run tests.
There are numerous testing methods; here are a few that you should be familiar with:

Unit Testing

Every line or block of code is tested in unit testing. This test aims to ensure that the codes are working.

Integration Testing

The interaction between distinct blocks or modules is assessed during integration testing.

System Testing

After all, tests are complete, the final test is the system test, in which the software is tested. Again, external testing professionals usually do this test.

Source Control

Source control allows software developers to save and track changes to their code. As a result, almost every software firm is seeking a software engineer. who is already familiar with source control software like GIT.

Text Editors

If you are a programmer, you are aware of text editors. Every programmer starts their coding by writing various codes in a text editor. such as notepad, visual code, and many more. There are a variety of text editors to choose from, each with its own set of features for better code execution. So, software developers must be familiar with text editors.
Some text editors in which you can implement your codes:

Knowledge in Databases

For a developer, adequate knowledge of databases is a must. The database is an organisation stores all data. arranged fields and records. A professional software developer must be able to alter, delete, update and secure the organisation’s data in a database. 
The developer must be familiar with SQL, or structured query language, to deal with the database. You should be familiar with the following databases:

Cryptography

Cryptography is the technique of implementing strong passwords and security systems to ensure the security of a system. To prevent malicious malware or attacks from infecting software. software developers must be well-versed in encryption software and methodologies.
A developer should be aware of two concepts in cryptography. symmetric encryption, which uses one key to access data, and asymmetric encryption, which uses two keys to unlock the original data.

Operating Systems

When developing software. the developer must be aware of the platform and the challenges. that may arise when the software is launched. such as memory issues, tool clashing issues, sluggish performance, and so on. which may interrupt the project performance.
Adequate understanding of operating systems will aid software developers in creating software. that can run on any platform without lag.
The following are the operating systems that software developers prefer to use:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Android
  • IOS

Versed in Spreadsheet Software

Spreadsheet software knowledge will assist developers in performing data analysis, tracking progress, and performing necessary computations. Though it is not a mandatory skill. expertise with spreadsheets can assist developers in executing tasks like sorting, filtering, merging, and so on.

Cloud-Based Software 

Developers can use cloud-based software. to store their software on the cloud rather than on physical media. The popularity of cloud storage is growing by the day, and businesses are opting to store databases and software on the cloud rather than building their data warehouses. So, having some knowledge of cloud-based technologies is a wise choice for software developers.

Non-Technical skills

While it’s obvious that you must know how to programme to become a software developer, non-technical skills are important. Employers appreciate career changers for various reasons. they appreciate the dedication and time it takes to change careers, which says a lot about the candidate. Likewise, they like the extra skills that a career changer can take with them.
Because software development is now a part of every industry, employers. like it when their software developers have other skills too. For example: 

  • Communication skills
  • Management skills
  • Marketing skills
  • Social Media skills
  • Sales skills
  • Storytelling skills

If you have these skills, your resumé must show them. career changers don’t realize the importance of their previous skills. when applying for software developer roles. 

What skills to look for in a product developer?

Of course, a product developer need to be highly proficient in the coding and programming skills, to have an upper hand technically with scripting platforms and languages.
However, not just knowledge based skills but even soft skills need to be an instrumental part of a product developer.
Let us look at those soft and technical skills a product developer must possess.

Know what the business has in store

A product developer need to have a concrete understanding of what the client wants from the end product and what goals are to be achieved from the same.
It is the product developer who doesn’t divert from the end goals so as to never lose sight of the product development objectives.

Understanding technicalities is a must

How can a product developer understand the technical coding and complexities if (s)he is not well versed with the same? Unless a product developer is technically sound about programming there is no way the designing and development aspects could be grasped.

Analysing the data after collecting them

Data is the oil to be fed into information technology machinery for digital economy to reach new heights. It is the duty of a product developer to get data from all possible sources related to the product especially the real time feedback from people to help build right products.
It is this analysis of data that has to be carried out by a product developer to draw inferences on what kind of product with features or functionalities could be beneficial for a business.
Moreover, it is imperative for a product developer to collect raw data, analyse the same for drawing conclusions, and then produce results to succeed in building products.

Prioritisation is a key trait to possess

Sometimes there are just too many activities going at the same time in product creation, and prioritising activities become ultimately essential to have the project modules completed as planned and on time.
Hence, a product developer needs to withhold a long term vision by focusing on benefits on a longer term and hence completing important modules in prior.
There are multiple modules to be completed within a project and hence completing important ones first can enable a project to be completed on time. This also enables the project not to miss out on primary modules and secondary modules can be tackled later on.

Strategic plan has to be a proactive approach

Before the actual process of building a product starts from scratch, it is very much necessary for a product developer adopting a proactive strategy so that there is always a backup plan if in case the process gets stuck in any of the creation stages.
Moreover, it is also important to have an immediate plan of action in place in case of uncertainties.
Strategies always help in planning way ahead of time so that there is no panicking whatsoever during actual stage of problem solving. It is also equally important to plan your team members by allocating them to the processes they are best for.

Learning curve should always be on the mind

A product developer has to be exceptionally open minded in learning from team members whether be on technical front or behavioural front.
Also, a product developer should not be limited to implement same old methodologies, but also learn to adopt new ones making it easier for the team to fulfil project requirements in a more effective and efficient manner.
Not just learning from the peers help but self analysis and self learning can be a major difference maker. Doing a SWOT analysis of one own self can be another determining factor to propel the skills and behavioural abilities on a whole new level.

Empathising with peers leaves a sizable impact

Empathy is one big quality capable enough to gain tremendous respect from peers and that is what should be there in a product developer to keep the subordinates motivated and take part in problem solving whenever needed.
Empathy also helps in understanding the state of one another and hence it has a major impact on breaking the ice between teammates.
Empathy is equally important when a product developer has to deal with clients while patiently listening to what clients have to speak up thinking from their point of view.
Empathising with one own self keeps self confidence on the top accompanied by self belief.

Communication is always a vital part of the job

To and fro communication is the key to keep the teams together and that is what a product developer has to be well proficient with. Smart communication is the key to have the work carried out smoothly within time and budget.
There are a number of instances wherein offshore developers need to frequently communicate with clients on a regular basis whether be call, email, chat, or in person. Hence, a proficiency in correspondence skills is equally mandatory in a product developer.

Sit down with the team to perform in collaboration

Most of the time developers are busy doing their own stuff but discussions are a part and parcel of the job for brainstorming sessions that can result in useful conclusions.
Not just that but a product developer can have a positive mindset in accepting feedback if a good team player.
Respecting the opinions of others and listening to what team mates or subordinates have to speak is the key to play a participative role and bring outstanding results in end products. Being emphatic towards your peers is critically important to win hearts.

Problem solving approach keeps one ready in advance

A product development process is meant towards solving problems fundamentally and foreseeing that much before is what a product developer should be able to do.
The success of a product depends on how effectively and fast a product could resolve business problems.
A product developer should be ready with tactical problem solving for all kinds of hurdles whether be coding related, design related, or interpersonal. Sooner the problems resolved, better it be for projects not to compromise on time or budget constraints.

Managing time with a systematic project planning

There has to be a sequential approach towards planning for a project and that too in an ethical manner following complete code of conduct. Hence, this tend to be another important quality to look for in a product developer.
Adopting to different time management techniques and giving ample time to each module and people behind that has to be the key to accomplish the project. Herein, the factors that need to be considered are time for coding, time for designing, time for discussions, time for implementation, and so on.

Creative mind can bring in a lot more to the table

Technical coding skills is a must have in a product developer but even out of box thinking bringing great deal of creativity has to be quality to be required in a product developer. With creativity on high, a product developer can come up with innovative end product ideas.
A product developer need to be multidimensional when it comes to thinking from all possible angles. A one track mind can’t be useful in creating out of the box products and requires a great deal of creativity in a product developer.

Accountable for all the project actions and activities

Every product developer is greatly responsible for the actions and processes performed individually or within a team. Whatsoever a developer does reflects in the project outcomes and furthermore it affects other modules and the project on the whole.
It is henceforth necessary for developers to take full accountability in case of any mistakes or errors committed. This way when the errors or mistakes are confessed and rectified, they are never repeated again with the solutions brought about at the same time.

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