Software Development

Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career as software or DevOps engineer, mainframe developer, QA tester, and more.

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[Featured Image] A software engineer smiles in front of a computer monitor with code on the screen.
Status: Featured

Software Engineer Career Path 2024: Overview, Jobs, and Pay

Use this article to follow the timeline of a software engineer career path and learn about specializations within the field.

October 31, 2023

Article

[Featured image] An aspiring software developer takes a programming class in a computer lab.
Status: Featured

7 Tips for Sharpening Software Developer Skills

If you’re interested in sharpening the critical skills needed for a successful career in software development, these tips can help.

March 30, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A person in an orange shirt studies for a DevOps certification.
Status: Featured

5 Popular DevOps Certifications in 2024

Earning the right DevOps certification can help you build expertise, gain recognition, and advance your career.

June 16, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A networking professional navigates the data link layer as she works on her computer in an office setting.

What Is a Data Link Layer?

Explore the role the data link layer plays in the OSI model, including its benefits and common functions, and how to start working with OSI systems.

September 4, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman at home sits at her desk and uses a laptop and a notebook to research how to become a software engineer without a degree.

How to Become a Software Engineer without a Degree

Learn more about how to become a software engineer without a degree, including what a software engineer does, the skills you will need, and how to develop them.

August 29, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman stands outside wearing augmented reality (AR) glasses.

What Is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Discover the difference between AR and VR and how augmented reality (AR) can enhance the world with digital information, including real use cases for AR and careers that work with AR technology.

August 28, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A networking professional navigates the data link layer as she works on her computer in an office setting.

What Is a Data Link Layer?

Explore the role the data link layer plays in the OSI model, including its benefits and common functions, and how to start working with OSI systems.

September 4, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman at home sits at her desk and uses a laptop and a notebook to research how to become a software engineer without a degree.

How to Become a Software Engineer without a Degree

Learn more about how to become a software engineer without a degree, including what a software engineer does, the skills you will need, and how to develop them.

August 29, 2024

Article

Explore popular software development courses

University of Minnesota

Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Agile Software Development, Design and Product, Problem Solving, Software Architecture, Software Testing, Leadership and Management, Project Management, Scrum (Software Development), Software Engineering Tools, Continuous Delivery, User Experience, Application Development, Planning, Product Management, Collaboration, Estimation, Professional Development, Computer Programming Tools, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, Graphics Software, Search Engine Optimization, Business Process Management

4.7 stars

(9.4K reviews)

Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Computer Programming, Software Engineering Tools, Application Development, Programming Principles, Software Architecture, Agile Software Development, Communication, Cloud Applications, Front-End Web Development, Python Programming

4.7 stars

(1.6K reviews)

Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

DeepLearning.AI

Skills you'll gain: Machine Learning, Software Engineering

Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 1 - 3 Months

[Featured Image] Learners in a computer science class attend a lecture about Linux vs. Windows as they explore various operating systems’ benefits and uses.

Linux vs. Windows: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right operating system is an integral part of setting up a computer system. Explore the differences between Windows and Linux and get the details you need to decide on the operating system that best meets your needs.

August 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two coworkers, one male and one female, are at a desk together, looking at the tableau programming language on a computer.

Is Tableau a Programming Language?

While Tableau shares some similarities with programming languages, it’s not a programming language like Python and R. Learn what makes Tableau different.

August 5, 2024

Article

[Featured image] Two computer system analysts are working on a laptop, discussing their current project.

What Is a Computer Systems Analyst? 2024 Career Guide

Find out what a computer systems analyst is, including duties and responsibilities. Explore the requirements to become a computer systems analyst.

June 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An IT professional writes code at his desk in an office with several other workstations and computers.

MATLAB vs. Python: Comparing Speed and Syntax

Explore the speed and syntax nuances in the MATLAB versus Python debate with this comprehensive guide for making informed choices in scientific computing.

April 11, 2024

Article

[Featured image] A software developer learns to conduct grey box testing to ensure optimal performance.

What Is Grey Box Testing?

Learn about grey box testing, a standard method in software development used to assess software programs. Explore what this method does and how you might use it in your career.

April 11, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A programmer sits at a desk and uses a laptop application that includes lexical analysis.

What Is Lexical Analysis?

Lexical analysis is the first step of text processing used in many artificial intelligence algorithms. Learn why this process is a key step in natural language processing, allowing machines to understand human text more effectively.

April 10, 2024

Article

[Featured image] A man is learning how to become a software developer without a degree on his computer.

How to Become a Software Developer Without a Degree

Learn about how to find software developer jobs without a degree. Discover what a software developer does, your earning potential in this field, and how to obtain the necessary skills.

April 8, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A programmer sits at his desk and helps his company integrate AI.

Will AI Replace Programmers and Software Engineers?

Discover answers to the question, "Will AI replace programmers and software engineers?' Explore the benefits and limitations of AI and the future of programming with this guide.

April 5, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A build engineer looks over some code using a tablet and a computer while sitting at a desk.

What Does a Build Engineer Do?

Build engineers are key members of a computer technology team. Learn more about the build and release engineer field, including build engineer jobs, the average build engineer salary, and build engineer versus DevOps.

April 4, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman stands outside wearing augmented reality (AR) glasses.

What Is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Discover the difference between AR and VR and how augmented reality (AR) can enhance the world with digital information, including real use cases for AR and careers that work with AR technology.

August 28, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Learners in a computer science class attend a lecture about Linux vs. Windows as they explore various operating systems’ benefits and uses.

Linux vs. Windows: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right operating system is an integral part of setting up a computer system. Explore the differences between Windows and Linux and get the details you need to decide on the operating system that best meets your needs.

August 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two coworkers, one male and one female, are at a desk together, looking at the tableau programming language on a computer.

Is Tableau a Programming Language?

While Tableau shares some similarities with programming languages, it’s not a programming language like Python and R. Learn what makes Tableau different.

August 5, 2024

Article

[Featured image] Two computer system analysts are working on a laptop, discussing their current project.

What Is a Computer Systems Analyst? 2024 Career Guide

Find out what a computer systems analyst is, including duties and responsibilities. Explore the requirements to become a computer systems analyst.

June 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An IT professional writes code at his desk in an office with several other workstations and computers.

MATLAB vs. Python: Comparing Speed and Syntax

Explore the speed and syntax nuances in the MATLAB versus Python debate with this comprehensive guide for making informed choices in scientific computing.

April 11, 2024

Article

[Featured image] A software developer learns to conduct grey box testing to ensure optimal performance.

What Is Grey Box Testing?

Learn about grey box testing, a standard method in software development used to assess software programs. Explore what this method does and how you might use it in your career.

April 11, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A programmer sits at a desk and uses a laptop application that includes lexical analysis.

What Is Lexical Analysis?

Lexical analysis is the first step of text processing used in many artificial intelligence algorithms. Learn why this process is a key step in natural language processing, allowing machines to understand human text more effectively.

April 10, 2024

Article

[Featured image] A man is learning how to become a software developer without a degree on his computer.

How to Become a Software Developer Without a Degree

Learn about how to find software developer jobs without a degree. Discover what a software developer does, your earning potential in this field, and how to obtain the necessary skills.

April 8, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A programmer sits at his desk and helps his company integrate AI.

Will AI Replace Programmers and Software Engineers?

Discover answers to the question, "Will AI replace programmers and software engineers?' Explore the benefits and limitations of AI and the future of programming with this guide.

April 5, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A build engineer looks over some code using a tablet and a computer while sitting at a desk.

What Does a Build Engineer Do?

Build engineers are key members of a computer technology team. Learn more about the build and release engineer field, including build engineer jobs, the average build engineer salary, and build engineer versus DevOps.

April 4, 2024

Article

Software development covers a wide variety of skills and careers, from programming to quality assurance to DevOps. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore software development topics, including:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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