Finding the right resources for software development can be a challenging feat. With the vast array of available options, it can be difficult to filter out the best. To ease your search, this guide outlines the top resources that are available to help you get started and begin honing your skills in software development. Have a look at the various topics included here and you’ll quickly find yourself on your way to mastering the craft.

Start with Self-Taught Programming

If you’re eager to get a quick start in the world of programming, the most straightforward way to do so is by teaching yourself. The internet is home to an abundance of resources and tutorials that serve as an excellent starting point. Youtube is one great place to begin, featuring countless comprehensive channels dedicated to software development. Some channels focus solely on a specific topic, such as Frontend development, Backend development, APIs, Servers, Linux, Ubuntu, and Digital Ocean.

Additionally, many major programming languages also have websites that offer an array of tutorials and resources. Everything from HTML, CS, and JS to frameworks like Python, ReactJS, and Django can be found with an internet search or two.

Identify Your Preferred Tech Stack

What is it?

A tech stack is a group of programming languages, frameworks, software, and other components used to build an application with specific functionality. Different stacks are suited for different types of applications, so it’s important to identify your preferred or ideal tech stack prior to starting.

How to Identify?

To figure out your tech stack, there are a few questions that you should ask yourself:

• What kind of application do you need to build?
• What languages and frameworks are necessary for the job?
• Will the application need a dedicated server or will cloud be an option?
• Are there any libraries or software that you’ll need to use?

With these questions answered, you can start to compile a list of the programming languages and frameworks that you will need. You’ll want to select a tech stack that’s suitable for the job and one that is relatively easy to learn and maintain.

Putting it All Together

Now that you have the necessary information for getting started and have identified the tech stack you’ll be working with, all that’s left to do is to begin learning and digging deeper into the specifics of each language and framework. The combination of self-taught programming and targeted online resources will help you to grow as a software developer and provide you with the knowledge and skills on the modern technologies needed for the job.

Software developers come in all shapes and sizes, so never worry if the way you prefer to learn and grow isn’t up to the standards of others. There are plenty of options available, both traditional and unconventional, that can help you reach the objectives of your software development project.

Conclusion

Software development is an ever-changing landscape, but with a well-informed approach, an individual can remain competitive in the industry. With the selection of resources outlined above and this guide's advice, you can get the jump-start you need for becoming a software developer. There's never been a better time to learn and grow your skillset so get out there, start exploring, and make developing software projects more convenient and productive.