Technology

How to become a Software Developer

Starting from no experience. Here is the whole route — what each step is, roughly how long it takes, and the credential it earns you.

Time to get there

1–3 years

Typical pay

$85k–$130k

Starting from

No experience

The steps

1. 1

   Learn one language properly

   JavaScript or Python. Breadth across five is worth less than depth in one.

   4–8 months

   Course that covers thisA Gentle Introduction To JavaScript For Absolute BeginnersUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   Build real projects

   Three things that work and are deployed. This is your actual resume.

   3–6 months

   Course that covers thisThe Complete HTML & CSS Course and ProjectsUdemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   Learn Git and how teams work

   Branches, pull requests, code review. Missing this shows immediately.

   1 month

4. 4

   Get through the interview loop

   Data structures and algorithms practice — separate from building, and necessary.

   2–4 months

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.