Skill path
How to become a Programmer
How to become a Programmer: skill roadmap with 3 core skills, degree usually required, courses and salary data. Updated weekly.
Education & experience requirements
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.
- On-the-job training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Foundations
Skills assumed by employers — the base to build on
- MathematicsFoundation
- Data StructuresFoundation
- AlgorithmsFoundation
Step-by-step procedures to solve problems efficiently. Core to software development and data processing. Learn via textbooks and algorithmic problem-solving.
Core skills
The skills that define the role today
- Software architecture & system designHigh demand
Planning the structure and components of software. Programmers use this to build robust and scalable applications.
- Code review & AI pair-programmingHigh demand
Collaboratively writing and checking code. Programmers use these methods to improve code quality and efficiency.
- Debugging complex systemsHigh demand
Identifying and fixing errors in intricate software. Programmers need this skill to ensure program functionality and stability.
Tools in demand
Specific tools that appear in live postings
- C#In demand
- Cascading style sheets CSSIn demand
CSS is a stylesheet language that controls web page presentation. Designers and developers use it to create responsive and visually consistent interfaces. Learn through coding practice and documentation.
- Microsoft SQL ServerIn demand
A database management system. Programmers use it to store, retrieve, and manage data for applications.
- GitIn demand
Version control system tracking code changes. Essential for teamwork and code management. Learn through regular use and guided practice.
- DockerIn demand
Platform for containerizing applications. Ensures consistent deployment across environments. Learn by using containers and understanding images.