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How to Get Into Software Development

How to Get Into Software Development

Instructors: Amy Brereton

Included with

Learn more

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explain the software development process, identify key team roles, discuss ethical issues.
Explain the broad applications of software development and the associated challenges, including social, legal, and ethical concerns.
Demonstrate awareness of diverse roles and skill profiles in software development.
Detail the steps in the job application process, providing examples for interview preparation.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

3 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

91%

of learners achieved a positive career outcome

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

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There are 2 modules in this course

Developing software challenges you to think in different ways and to come up with creative solutions to problems in a range of industries. So if you are a problem solver who likes to be challenged, then software development is a promising career to consider.

In this course, you will learn about the dynamic field of software development and uncover the crucial roles, from requirements engineers to backend developers, and the skills essential for success. You'll learn to navigate the development process, including gaining insights from an inspiring career changer who has thrived in the software development field. Whether you're a coding novice or an enthusiast, this course empowers you with the knowledge and confidence to pursue an exciting and rewarding career in software development. Click Start, a nationwide training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills, offers this course. Click Start offers scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK. Follow the link in the Click Start icon on the top, to check if you are eligible for free access!

Module details

Software development is a team-based process and this week, you'll find out what the different members of a development team do. You'll also explore the different types of jobs in development, and learn about the important skills and knowledge that developers need. We'll also focus on some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand.

What's included

3 videos13 readings2 assignments2 discussion prompts

3 videosTotal 8 minutes

Welcome to the course1 minute
Meet the team4 minutes
Being an ethical developer3 minutes

13 readingsTotal 110 minutes

Welcome to How to Get Into Software Development5 minutes
Lesson 1: Overview5 minutes
The software development cycle10 minutes
What to consider when selecting a programming language10 minutes
Exercise: Exploring developer jobs10 minutes
Transferable skills and development10 minutes
Lesson 1: Summary5 minutes
Lesson 2: Overview5 minutes
How do you learn to program?15 minutes
Data security: when things go wrong10 minutes
Intellectual property10 minutes
How to make software accessible10 minutes
Lesson 2: Summary5 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 30 minutes

Check your understanding: The development team15 minutes
Check your understanding: The ethical developer15 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 20 minutes

Introduce yourself10 minutes
Which role interests you?10 minutes

In this lesson, you'll discover some of the diverse industries that hire developers and you'll have an opportunity to reflect on which sector suits your interests. We'll also cover the hiring process and look at how you can secure your initial development job.