When you have many years of experience doing test automation, you might like to use your coding skills for a broader usage and become a full-stack software developer. This article provides hints on how to transition from software tester to software developer.
Do you want to switch from being a software tester to a full-stack software developer? If so, you have come to the right place.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, there has been an increase in applications being developed for different platforms.
No matter whether these apps are for laptops, refrigerators, desktops, or mobile devices, they all require a team of software developers to make sure that the app is finished within budget, scope, and time.
A full-stack software developer handles the back-end and front-end development of an app (or website); they are responsible for the database, system engineering, design, and clients.
If you have been a software tester for a long and want to transition to being a full-stack developer, read on to get some advice on making that career switch.
Steps to Become a Software Developer
Software developer roles are among the hottest career paths in the tech niche right now. These talented people can develop a whole site or app from scratch.
A full-stack software developer is a combination of a back-end developer and a front-end developer. These two are full-time jobs and most people normally make great careers out of them.
If you want to transition from being a software tester to a software developer, here are some steps you can take to attain your goal:
1. Learn the basic programming languages
If you want to pursue a career in software development, then you require a good foundation in programming languages. Four languages that you may want to master include:
- Python is regarded as one of the easiest programming languages to learn, which makes it a perfect place to start if you are new to coding.
- Java is a multi-purpose programming language utilized for building server-side applications. It operates on different platforms, including Android smartphone apps and the Internet.
- C/C++ is a famous language for program systems. C++, which is domiciled in C, is also a popular language among game developers.
- Scala is an advanced-level programming language that combines object-oriented and functional concepts. It was built to resolve some of the drawbacks of Java.
2. Consider your end goal
Software developers work in different industries, including finance companies, software publishers, and computer system design firms. You might work in manufacturing, health care, engineering, or another work environment.
Having a good grasp of what you want from your software developer job can assist you to navigate your career path forward successfully.
3. Pursue a software developer education
The educational route you take to transition from a software tester to a software developer via software development courses depends on your timeline and career goals. According to a recent survey, software developers hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
While you don’t always require a degree to find a job in software development, getting one can assist you improve your technical skills and open more job opportunities.
To get started, you can complete a coding boot camp within a few months or get a four-year computer science degree.
4. Obtain hands-on experience in software development
Whether you take the self-taught route or opt for formal education, you are required to devote time to try your hand at programming languages and software development in general.
It is important to get a complete understanding of the software development process, which will assist you become a more efficient, accurate, and productive professional.
If you are passionate about designing apps, you could opt to develop your skills by creating mobile apps.
5. Build a portfolio of your past software development projects
As you practice building applications and programming, compile them into a great portfolio.
Having a portfolio of your best software development projects demonstrates to potential employers that they can leverage your skills to make an impact in the real world. Your software development portfolio should contain the following:
- Contact information
- Relevant skills
- Link to your resume
- Short biography
- Awards or accolades
- Personal and professional projects.
6. Develop your technical skills
Here are the most crucial technical skills that you require to move from a software tester to a software developer. Examples include:
- Integrated development environments, which help the modification, running, writing, and debugging of the site or app development code.
- SQL, is a language employed to energize database engines.
- Tools such as Mercurial SCM and Git, are control systems that are normally utilized in software development.
7. Improve your non-technical skills
As a software developer, you will be responsible for giving instructions to other team members while working on your projects. These capabilities and skills are as crucial as the technical ones. They indicate whether or not you can become a good software developer.
- Communication skills – Since you will be working with teams to build features of a site or app, you need to be a good communicator to remain in sync with them.
Besides excellent communication skills, software developers should be detail-oriented, creative, and have awesome problem-solving skills.
8. Certify your skills
Certifications can assist you to validate your skills for employers and showcase your proficiency, which can be great if you don’t have a lot of work experience.
Check some software development job listings for positions you want to apply to know what certifications are normally requested or needed.
9. Apply for Jobs with Confidence
The final step to help you transition from a software tester to a software developer is applying for a job. Figure out the area of software development you would love to work in and apply there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you move from a software tester to become a software developer?
Once you have worked as a software tester or test automation engineer, it’s going to be pretty easy to transition into a regular software role at any company since you have some hands-on experience being paid to code.
Why do you want to move from software testing to development?
The software development job prospects look bright and rewarding. As more apps are built every day, the demand for software developers is generally high.
What qualifications do you require to become a software developer?
Transitioning from a software tester to a software developer is pegged mostly on your skill with your expertise in building projects and programming languages. Some developers attended a few months of boot camp, while others have master’s degrees.