Are you interested in the world of software? Do you want to understand how they are written? Have you ever tried to know more about it, asked people/friends about it or tried to Google it? If you are imaginative, creative, technically inquisitive and most importantly persevering, then a career in software programming may be a good choice for you and you can run miles as a Software Programmer.
Software Programmers create or author, develop, test, debug, and maintain application software (set of instructions for performing a set of specific tasks) or systems software (set of instructions for the computer hardware to work). Maintenance means troubleshooting, fixing errors, debugging when required, and improving the software features, functionalities, and user experiences.
Why become a Software Programmer?
As a Software Programmer, you will be authoring and developing software programs, which are essentially a set of instructions for the computer about how to perform a task or a set of tasks.
In general, the software is of two types – system software and application software. System software is a set of instructions for the computer hardware to work. For example, the Windows 10 operating system is system software. System software offers the basic functionalities to operate a computer. Without system software, computers would not even start. Application software is a set of instructions for performing a set of specific tasks for a computer user. For example, MS Word is an application software that helps you to write, edit, and compose documents, letters, stories, etc.
As a Software Programmer, you will be mainly creating or authoring, developing, testing debugging, and maintaining application software. Maintenance means troubleshooting, fixing errors, debugging when required, and improving the software features, functionalities, and user experiences.
You will be using different programming languages such as C, C++, Python, Java, Ruby, Swift, Perl, LISP, SQL, and MATLAB for developing software. Most of the software today is developed using an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) such as Eclipse, Visual Studio, NetBeans, and Android Studio etc. IDE provides you with a range of functionalities to the author and develops software such as code editor, debugger, and various automated programming tools.
For software programming, you will also be using development tools such as GitHub, Bootstrap, Dreamweaver, Atom, etc.; operating systems such as Windows 10, Linux, Android, Ubuntu, Mac OS, DOS, Unix, etc.; and project management tools such as Agile and SCRUM.
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What does a Software Programmer do?
As a Software Programmer, you will be engaged with one or more of the following roles and responsibilities: –
- Understanding the software requirement specifications of the client; understanding the elements, features, functionalities, utilities, etc.
- Analyzing the system requirements and designing the overall computer systems or coordinating with System Analysts and System Architects.
- Sourcing and selecting the languages, development tools, operating systems, IDE and project management tools for the programming work.
- Authoring and developing the computer program as per the client’s requirement specifications.
- Testing and debugging computer programs.
- Troubleshooting, fixing errors, debugging when required, and improving the software features, functionalities and user experiences.
- Performing regular updates of software applications.
- Maintaining backup files and databases of software applications in local directories.
How to become a Software Programmer – eligibility criteria
After Class 10, you can do a Diploma in Computer Science & Engineering / Software Engineering / Electronics Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Information Technology / Information & Computer Technology or similar courses.
After Class 11-12, you can study in the following fields:
- Computer Applications (Business)
- Information Technology Management
- Programming and Software Engineering
- Information Technology
- Computer Applications
- Computer Science
- Information and Computer Technology
You may do a vocational diploma:
- Programming and Software Engineering
- Data Preparation and Computer Software
Educational fees
The cost of pursuing a degree in software programming in India varies depending on the institute and course duration. It can range from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5,00,000.
Job Opportunities
At the entry-level, you will get a work opportunity as a Software Programming Trainee or Software Development Trainee. Based on your educational background and programming skills, you will get a job role as a Computer Programmer, Software Developer, Software Programmer, etc.
You will get a work opportunities in various types of companies such as:
- Software development companies
- Web design and development companies
- Mobile app development companies
- Various other companies in their IT departments.
You may also work as a freelancer or set up your own software development agency too.
Salary of a Software Programmer
Salaries vary according to job profiles and the kind of facilities you get to work at.
In entry-level jobs: You may get about Rs.10,000 – Rs. 20,000 or more per month.
Salaries increase with your work experience and as you get promoted.
After having 6-12 years of experience, you may get about Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 80,000 or more per month.
In senior-level jobs, with 12-20 years of work experience, you may expect to get about Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 100,000 or more per month.
Career progression in software programming profession
From entry-level job positions as a Software Programmer, you may rise up to roles like(with higher qualifications)
- Senior Android Developer
- Sr. Java/.net C# Developers
- Senior Software Programmer
- Lead Java Developer
- Head Software Programmer – Embedded Software Product
- Team Lead
- Senior Software Developer – Web Services
- Project Lead
- Software Programmer II / III
- Full Stack Developer – Software Implementation
- Project Manager – IT
- Program Manager – Computer Software
- Project Manager – Software Development
- Service Delivery Manager
What does industry trends say – future prospects
The future of this pathway looks bright. India is the biggest outsourcing destination for major IT companies throughout the world. The IT and ITeS (Information Technology Enabled Services) Industry has contributed around 7.9% to the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Products or gross value of all goods and services produced in the country) in 2018. It is expected to generate more than 100,000 jobs in 2019. Many startups are being born in India focusing on this sector. Today there are more than 5,200 startups. It is estimated that the size of this industry will increase to 350 billion US Dollars by 2025. The export revenue coming from this industry is predicted to grow by 7-9% CAGR (Compounded annual growth rate) to touch the 135 billion US Dollars mark in 2019 itself. The IT-BPM (Business Process Management) Industry is expanding wildly to provide IT service across the globe in fields like health, telemedicine, clinical information systems, remote monitoring solutions, laboratory information systems etc.
Also Read:
- How to Become a Software Engineer After 12th
- Career as a Stenographer
- Cyber Security
- Front End Developer Courses
- Ethical Hacker
- Career as a Software Testing Assistant
- Career as a Business Analyst
- Career as a Cloud Computing Specialist
- Career as Web Development
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