By DeVry University
July 27, 2020
7 min read
July 27, 2020
7 min read
Today’s world is driven by technology. From how we conduct business to the way we manage our daily lives, we’re constantly connected. But this kind of connectivity and the devices that enable it couldn’t exist without the professionals that develop, maintain and troubleshoot software on a daily basis.
If this type of hands-on work interests you, chances are you’ve considered a career in the software development industry. But with all the different facets of technology, you still may be wondering – exactly what is software development and what does this career path entail?
Read on for a more in-depth look at trends in software development, the software development career path and software development training programs.
Software design and programming.
Big data and analytics work.
Web and mobile applications development.
Software development is a relatively broad term, and the career field itself offers choices to those who pursue it. Some developers work on teams or in larger companies and put their skills to use in a set type of development. Other engineers may take a more creative approach and design their own software to meet a growing need that they see in a set demographic. This discipline paves the way for everyone from entrepreneurs to entry-level developers with tasks like:
Analyzing the needs of users and creating software to meet them.
Auditing and upgrading existing programs and systems.
Specializing in one type of software or application, like computer applications (word processors, games), databases or operating systems.
Creating models that drive software code creation.
Ensuring maintenance and testing is effective without disrupting software functionality.
Documenting how a system or application works to pave the way for effective maintenance and upgrades.
The security of organizational data.
Data backup, permissions management and restoration.
The creation and administration of databases that fit specific user needs.
Efficient operation and maintenance of databases.
The change from old to new databases.
JavaScript.
Java.
C++.
PHP.
Swift.
Ruby.
One role you might pursue in software programming is web development. Web developers are responsible for creating websites and often work directly with clients to design and build the end product. They often write code for the site, create applications, integrate multimedia functionality and monitor traffic, among other integral roles.
Mobile Application Development: Mobile apps have exploded in popularity and are integral for many businesses, as well as for entertainment.
Game Development: Gaming is on the rise, especially in the current 2020 climate. According to Economist, video game traffic on the internet has increased by 75% in 2020. Though this trend is likely to slow a bit as the world continues to return to normal, gaming is an incredibly popular pastime for people around the world. And where there are gamers, there are game developers creating and maintaining the software that drives their fun.
The Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT has taken center stage in the last few years and promises to keep growing. This is the ability to connect devices to the internet for greater functionality and remotely control your surroundings. Some examples of this include home security systems, automobile safety devices, and even thermostats.
Progressive Web Applications
This technology is just starting to take off. Web developers realized that there was something lacking in mobile apps and these designs can be easily created and load quickly.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI has been a staple on trend lists for technology for most of the past decade, but it will not be leaving the list any time in the near future. This technology makes streamlining professional and personal tasks far easier and will continue to grow.
5G
You can't visit a tech news site without reading about 5G. It is one of the latest technologies out there and we’re expecting to see big developments focused on this in the coming years.
Technology and information systems and operating systems.
Programming (including object-oriented programming).
Digital devices.
The fundamentals of information technology and networking.
Database systems.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Data structures and algorithms.
Data analysis and design (structured and object-oriented).
Web architectures.
Business applications of software development.
Product, project and people management.
In the rapidly evolving field of software development, learning never stops. Whether you are troubleshooting a piece of code or keeping up with new strategies, continuous learning is a key component of staying up-to-date in your industry.
Are interested in application development, software systems analysis and software design.
Have strong communication skills for describing methods and findings.
Have problem solving skills.
Are all about data.
DeVry University offers several tech programs that help you focus your studies in the software development niche of your choice. With our Bachelor’s in Software Development, you can choose from the following specializations:
Our Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems also offers the following software development-focused specializations:
Ready to get started? Contact us to learn more – and get on the fast track toward pursuing your career goals.
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In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. The University’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, www.tn.gov/thec. Naperville Campus: 1200 E. Diehl Rd., Naperville, IL 60563. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online compliant system http://complaints.ibhe.org/. View DeVry University’s complaint process https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-complaint-procedure.html Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.
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