But it’s also a challenging job that can come with frustrations and long hours worked. And it’s a competitive field, because many young people have the goal of a career in Game Development.

Are Game Developers compensated well enough in light of these facts, then?

The quick answer is:

Game development, on average, does not pay as well as many other Software Engineering jobs.

Top-end developers do make over six figures a year, but as a Junior Game Developer, you might have to start at around $60k annualy.

Let’s have a detailed look at what salary you can expect.

Game Developer salary in numbers

According to salary.com, the average base salary of a Game Developer in the US is $73,427 as of 2023. This comes out to an average hourly rate of ~$37.

The low end

10% of Game Developers are earning the low of $57,000 per year – or $19/hour.

The high end

The top 10% of Game Devs take home the high of $131,000 per year – or $70/hour.

Profit shares and bonuses

Some game development companies are paying bonuses and profit shares to their developers. These vary widely from $2,000 to $70,000 per year and are dependent on the company’s release schedule, individual performance, and product success. A survey by Game Developer Magazine found average additional compensation to come out at $26,872.

By experience

• According to the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), as a first- or second-year Game Developer, you can expect to make a salary of $57,000 on average. 
• With over 6 years of experience, on the other hand, you can expect an average annual compensation of $70,000.

By location

According to salary.com, game developer salaries by US state are as follows:

• Arizona: $69,295
• California: $87,684
• Idaho: $65,326
• Massachusetts: $59,808
• Montana: $62,820
• Nevada: $71,305
• New York: $82,423
• Oregon: $73,080
• Washington: $77,401

Comparing game developer salaries with other fields

Game Developer: $74,000

Software Engineer: $125,000

Software Tester: $55,000

Cloud Engineer: $133,000

Blockchain Developer: $145,000

Video Game Artist $69,000

The post The REAL Salary of a Game Developer in 2023 appeared first on Simple Programmer.

Types of Software Developers

The main distinction is between two types of Software Developers — Applications and Systems Developers.

Applications Software Developer

An Applications Software Developer writes and modifies the code making up programs for PC and mobile.

Systems Software Developer

A Systems Software Developer, on the other hand, is working on the Back-End, creating operating systems, database software, and networks. 

The History of Software Development

The history of Software Development reaches back to the mid-1900s, when the first program to perform a mathematical operation was run on the computer “Manchester Baby” in England.

In the 1970’s and 80’s, Apple and IBM created the first personal computers, which jump-started the demand for Software Developers.

The field has continued to grow, over the last two decades especially: The rise of the internet and the ever-increasing need for software solutions across almost all industries have solidified the major role Software Development is playing in our time.

Job & Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that during the 2020’s, Software Development jobs in the US will grow by 25% (versus 5% average for all fields), with over 400,000 more Software Developers becoming employed during that time.

Salary

The median salary of Software Developers in the US is just over $120,000 per year, with the lowest 10% earning around $64,000 and the highest 10% earning more than $168,000 per year.

Why Software Developer? The Benefits

Here are just a few of the benefits of being a Software Developer:

1. Challenging and engaging work. Developers are using their expertise and cognitive ability to in solve pressing problems for their customers on a daily basis, adding value to the marketplace and the lives of others.
2. Ability to work remotely. Coding tasks can be done from anywhere in the world, and video conferencing is often enough for team collaboration or client communication. The job of Software Developer is a prime candidate for being done remotely, and a reality for many currently working in the field.
3. High potential for growth. As a Software Developer proves his extraordinary impact on a company’s results, he’ll be considered for positions such as Senior Software Engineer or Tech Lead. The potential to be paid above and beyond the already impressive starting pay and benefits of a Junior Developer — in exchange for taking on more responsibility inside the company — makes for an even more attractive career path.

Job Satisfaction

Are Software Developers happy with their job choice, then? According to StackOverflow, 70% are. These happy developers appreciate the high pay, plenty of free time and flexibility, as well as the ability to produce value and grow their profession is offering them.

Software Developer Job Description & Duties

“The person responsible for creating new software, launching it, and performing upkeep” is a concise job description of a Software Developer. 

His duties include:

• Research.
• Software design.
• Writing code.
• Testing & debugging.
• Software deployment (launch).
• Code maintenance & software management.
• Communicating with his team (and occasionally, customers).

Languages

Some of the most common programming languages used in software development are:

Python

Python is an easy-to-learn language with many use cases. Hackerrank established that 50% of hiring managers are looking for Python skills in Software Developers.

Java

Java is in third place when it comes to in-demand languages from hiring managers. It’s an object-oriented language, which means that the developer uses objects containing code and data to create a program. Java is also easier to learn and use than some other software development languages.

C#

The C# (or C-Sharp) language, released by Microsoft in 2002, is getting more and more popular, mostly because it’s useful for making games and mobile apps. It is similarly powerful for desktop apps and enterprise solutions, though, making it a good choice for any Software Developer to learn. 

C++

As a so-called low-level language, C++ is close to how a computer operates on a basic level. When you learn C++, you’ll get familiar with all intricate parts of computer programming. The language is very flexible and suitable for many different use cases, from Game Development to Machine Learning.

JavaScript

JavaScript is a highly popular language that’s used for developing web apps and servers. It’s fast, because programs written in JS run right in the browser. If a Software Developer plans to work on web apps either in the Front-End or Back-End, learning JavaScript is the way to go.

Software Developer vs Software Engineer – What’s the difference?

A Software Developer is working on the program itself — while the Software Engineer is applying Engineering principles to Software Development. The main difference between a Software Engineer and a Developer is that the former designs the architecture of a program, in addition to creating the code.

Current Demand

According to Hired.com, the demand for Software Developers/Engineers has risen by 17% in 2023 across all industries. The trend towards digitalization isn’t slowing down, so it is projected that even with the advent of AI, demand for developers will continue to increase.

The Highest-Paying Software Development Jobs

As a developer you can specialize in many different career fields. With these Software Dev jobs you can get paid up to $150,000 per year:

• Algorithm Developer
• Open Source Developer
• iOS Developer
• Software Development Manager
• Quantitative Developer

Skills

To be effective at their job and compete in the marketplace, Software Developers need a number of skills, both technical and non-technical (“soft” skills):

Technical Skills

These are the most important technical skills for Software Developers:

Programming logic. Much of a developer’s job is about solving problems, using the most sensible program structure and code. Proper programming logic is what will guide the developer to write successful software.

Programming language(s). A Software Developer should command at least one programming language at a good level — preferably multiple languages relevant to what he’ll be tasked with.

Writing clean, quality code. To write the most usable, efficient code, he needs to stick to clean code principles when creating his programs.

Algorithms & Data Structures. A Software Developer has to know these important building blocks of software programs and understand when and how to use each. This knowledge is also essential to passing a coding interview in the first place.

Soft Skills

Crucial non-technical skills for developers include:

Teamwork, Empathy & Leadership. While most developers are more introverted, connecting with coworkers is an important part of the job. As is the ability to set an example for others with positive actions, and to help pull the team through challenging times.

Communication, Confidence & Charisma. Being a personable, strong communicator lets you express ideas and explain concepts better, represent the company professionally and engagingly, not to mention opening up opportunities for your own career advancement.

Productivity & Emotional mastery. There’s no doubt Software Development can at times be a tough and frustrating job — and its complexity can lead to lapses in productivity. Software Developer burnout is a real issue. This is why developers need to be masters at managing their attention, time, and emotional state.

Negotiation. Negotiation is a valuable soft skill for developers that helps them get a higher salary and benefits, as well as aid the company in their dealings with customers.

How to become a Software Developer

1. Start learning & building. The first step to becoming a Software Developer is building up the necessary skills. A proven approach is to pick simple programs you’d like to create, while at the same time studying the fundamental programming concepts you’ll need to know to complete those projects.
2. Get academic accolades or certifications (optional). Some employers say they require a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree for a position as Software Developer in their company. In practice, what counts most is your demonstrable skill in finishing industry-relevant projects. Self-taught developers get into dream jobs all the time. While getting certified in Software Development might not always be necessary, it also won’t hurt, but rather help your chances of getting a high-paying job.
3. Prepare for interviews. Software Developer interviews are a game of their own. Whenever you feel ready, start creating your coding interview preparation strategy. With a few months of focused study, you’ll be ready to take on whiteboard coding problems, programming challenges and behavioral questions. Wiith enough dedication to your job hunt, you’ll be able to land a job in the field sooner rather than later.

Courses

Learning sites such as Codecademy and Udemy offer abundant resources for the aspiring Software Developer. For a reasonable price, you can go all the way from your first steps to programming proficiency using their Software Development courses.

Software Development from A to Z at Udemy is the perfect course for beginners to start learning to code software from the ground up.

Codecademy’s Full-Stack Engineer Career Path is a 6-month deep dive into front-end and back-end development.

Remember to keep working on your own projects alongside your coding education.

Degrees in Software Development

If you’re ready to commit a few years to a university education, you can choose to get a degree in Software Development.

There’s a myriad of options available to study in the US or internationally.

Job Security

Job security for Software Developers in the next years is hard to predict, considering the rise of AI, just like it is for most industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does estimate over 20% growth in the Software Development job market until 2030. 

Yet it’s hard to say if automation won’t throw a wrench in the works.

One thing that’s for certain: Learning the skills needed for Software Development will still set you apart during the transitionary period into an AI-dominated future. And even after it has arrived fully, I can’t imagine the logic skills, problem-solving ability, and creative powers you’ve acquired as a developer not helping you cope with the challenges of such times better than most other people.

Best Resources for Software Developers

• Official documentations & tutorials. All programming languages feature free documentation and tutorials. They’re a good way for autodidact developers to get familiar with concepts and task execution in their chosen language.
• Paid education websites. The aforementioned Codecademy and Udemy, as well as many other great education platforms, will help you advance your technical and career skills as a Software Developer.
• Software development tools. From code editors and development environments, to language libraries, to productivity and project management tools: There’s plenty of apps out there making development possible or/and more efficient.
• Podcasts, YouTube and blogs. Today’s abundance of online Software Development content has you absorb valuable lessons learned by expert developers during decades of experience in the field.
• Programming books. Especially for a deeper dive into high-level concepts such as Software Architecture, creating clean code, look no further than some of the excellent programming books available. 
• Developer communities. In forums like StackOverflow, LeetCode or Reddit, you can bond with your developer peers, ask for assistance with coding problems, share your own stories, or get inspired by those of others.

Software Developer Associations & Organizations

If you’re looking to further your involvement in the matters of Software Development as a profession, look into joining associations and organizations in the field, such as:

• Agile Alliance
• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
• Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
• Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)
• Network Professional Association (NPA)
• Society for Modeling & Simulation International (SCS)

You’ll be able to connect with peers and take advantage of networking opportunities.

What’s more, it’s a good credential to make your resume, website and social media profiles look more professional.

Job Openings

A good platform to look for jobs in Software Development is Triplebyte. 

The post What is a Software Developer? A Top Career for the 2020’s? appeared first on Simple Programmer.

One important thing in this field, though – is to never stop learning.

So whether you’re looking to become a Software Developer from scratch, or you already have some experience and want to level up your skills, it’s a great idea to take an online course to get to the top of your Software Development game. 

Software Development courses reviewed

There’s a wealth of resources out there to make you a better developer. To spare you the time of sifting through all those yourself, I’ve compiled a list of 8 of the best online trainings you could take. It won’t take long to scan through these reviews, and by the end you’ll have clarity about which course will fit your needs best. 

Let’s go.

Who am I?

My name is John Sonmez, CEO of Simple Programmer. I have over a decade of experience as a Software Engineer and Software Consultant. I’ve created 50+ programming courses and written two best-selling books on career skills for Software Developers.

How I picked & rated the courses

• Relevance. We’ll be focusing on courses aimed at teaching or improving the core skills every Software Developer needs. I’ve left the Blockchain or Machine Learning specializations for another article.
• Depth & range of topics covered. I’ve chosen courses that provide the appropriate depth for you to dive into a topic and come out the other side with a new level of command over the skills taught in it. Alternatively, if you’re already familiar with a field of study, the training should allow you to learn some new concepts and deepen your existing expertise.
• Quality of instruction. Many online courses are of questionable quality, with instructors who are out to make quick money, instead of provide you the most valuable learning resource. I’m only recommending courses from established platforms, with experienced instructors, and many favorable reviews by their alumni.
• Beginner-friendliness. Almost all courses are accessible to complete beginners. If you’re more advanced, you can skip the introductory sections. But I want anyone to be able to start Software Development. An overly complicated online course stands in the way of that.
• Pricing. I’ve favored trainings that give you a lot of bang for your buck: You get extensive learning material at a low to moderate cost. Only the last course on the list, an online bootcamp for Software Developers, demands a higher investment (but in exchange for months of intensive training – which might make it worth it if you have professional ambitions as a developer).

The best courses to become a (better) Software Developer 

Let’s get into the 7 courses offering you the most quality Software Development education at decent prices.

Full-Stack Engineer Career Path (Codecademy Pro)

The Full-Stack Engineer career path is a 51-course, 169-lesson beast of a specialization program. It takes 4-8 months to complete and will take you from coding beginner to someone proficient in full-stack programming.

Best for: Serious learners who want to master front-end and back-end fundamentals, as well as multiple frameworks and languages.

Prerequisites: Experience not strictly required (but it’ll cut down on your learning time)

Features:

• You’ll learn Web Development, Back-End Engineering (including how to work with databases), Data Structures and Algorithms, and more.
• Upon completion you’ll have created three different projects
• You’ll be able to acquire your Full Stack Engineering certificate.

Pros:

• Codecademy’s platform teaches the courses in a uniquely engaging & motivating way, with progressive code challenges, skill assessments, live coding environment, and more.
• Although it’s preparing you for a Software Engineering career, the monthly subscription will cost you much less than a typical online coding bootcamp
• The course contents are of high quality, having been created by a team of experienced Engineers. Codecademy has been a major website for over a decade and has taught tens of millions of students – it’s legit.
• You can try the course for free with a 7-day trial of Codecademy Pro

Cons:

• There’s few videos in the course, it’s mostly written explanations and hands-on coding prompts.
• It’s focused on being as practical as possible. With Codecademy, you learn programming concepts by applying them directly. If you’re looking for a Computer Science theory deep-dive, you’ll want to check out other resources (which I recommend you do in any case)

Verdict:

Taking into account practicality, content quality and price, Codecademy’s Full-Stack Engineer Career Path is a prime choice if you want to improve as a Software Developer, in an engaging learning environment, while spending only a moderate amount.

The Complete Software Engineering Bootcamp Path (NuCamp)

Looking for an immersive experience over multiple months to learn Software Development as fast and deeply as possible? Check out NuCamp’s Complete Software Engineering Bootcamp Path.

Best for: The most ambitious, who are ready to invest more time and money to seriously build their career. 

Prerequisites: No experience required

Features: 

• Four multi-month bootcamps in a row, teaching you everything from web development fundamentals, to back-end engineering with Python, to full-stack web & mobile development, to job-hunting skills.
• A total of 1,400 hours of lessons over the span of 11 months.
• Cohort-based with weekly group lessons so you build a connection to your peers and learn more effectively
• Includes 1:1 sessions with a mentor

Pros & Cons:

• Doesn’t stop at technical skills, but has a whole month dedicated to teaching you the best job-hunting strategy and tactics
• Within less than a year, it’ll turn you into a job-ready Full Stack Developer
• The immersive format is motivating and great for retaining what you’ve learned

• The investment, as with any Software Development bootcamp, is considerable
• The course uses JavaScript and Python – if you’d want to learn C++, C# or Java, it’s not the right resource for you.

Verdict: Out of all courses we’ve covered, this one is the most likely to get you a job as a Software Developer. The online bootcamp format means you’ll be learning much more intensively, with a lot of personal attention given to your development of technical and career skills. If you want to maximally push your career forward – and you don’t mind spending a good sum of money to do that – then check out the NuCamp bootcamp.

Accelerate Your Software Developer Career (Simple Programmer)

This is one of Simple Programmer’s flagship courses, aimed at giving you the career skills to become a highly paid Software Developer. It is unique in its focus not just on the hard skills you’ll need to pass coding interviews, but also on how to cultivate the behavioral attributes and job-hunting plan that make all the difference.

Best for: Developers looking to get a good job, a raise, or switch jobs to a higher paid one.

Prerequisites: Software Development fundamentals.

Features:

• The coding interview prep module. It gets into data structures & algorithms, programming language questions, object-oriented programming questions, and SQL & database questions. The course is teaching you the best approach to solving whiteboard coding problems.
• Behavioral interview questions – how to prepare for & answer them most powerfully.
• How to negotiate your salary and benefits.
• How to dress to impress as a Software Developer.

Pros & Cons:

• The focus on career skills and soft skills is much needed – most courses brush over this subject, even though it’s so important for getting the most offers to the highest-paying jobs you can.
• The video lessons give you patterns and a problem-solving approach you can apply to any coding question, even those you haven’t encountered before. 
• This course doesn’t teach you how to code. Its goal is to help you make the most of your career if you’re already a learned Software Developer.

Verdict:

Get Accelerate Your Software Developer Career if you’re ready to focus on your job-hunting and interview skills, especially your soft skills. There’s many courses out there for improving your raw, technical programming ability – but few focus on these other crucial skills in enough detail. My course does, and I recommend you check it out if you’re in that phase of your Software Developer career.

Software Development From A to Z (Udemy)

Udemy’s courses are great if you want to dive into a topic without paying a whole lot of money. Nonetheless the value you get out of the most highly rated, video-based courses on their platform is usually considerable – as is the case with Software Development From A to Z.

Best for: Absolute beginners wanting an overview of what Software Development entails, and to take their first steps at coding in Python

Prerequisites: No prior experience required

Get started learning to code in Python

Pros & Cons:

• It’s a perfect introduction for beginners. The instructor really does start you out with the very basics. Everything is easy to understand. Yet you have a good idea what a Software Developer has to do daily after completing the course, and you’re well on your way to becoming one.
• It’s affordable. If you’re unsure whether you really want to become a Software Developer, which means you probably don’t want to spend a huge amount upfront for a multi-month developer bootcamp — you can take this course, pay only a small amount,, and re-consider after you’ve received this introduction to your potential new career.

Features:

• Introduction to Software Development methodologies: Agile vs Waterfall
• Introduction to Agile Frameworks (SCRUM & Kanban)
• Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
• Using UML to construct & visualize software programs
• Short introduction to Algorithms
• Web Developer module
• 129-page ebook included for free (sells on Amazon for $28.80)
• Private student community. 
• Udemy’s solid 30-day money-back guarantee removes any financial risk you’re taking with the course. If halfway through you realize it’s not for you, or you end up not liking the content, you’ll be able to get a full refund without any fuss.

Verdict: I love how this isn’t a pure coding course (although you do get to learn Python’s concepts & syntax) – but it’s taking a higher-level view of what a Software Developer does and teaching you the concepts and methodologies you’ll need for this career.

How to Market Yourself as a Software Developer (Simple Programmer)

This is my best-selling course on one of the most impactful soft skills you can possess as a developer: The ability to market yourself like a pro. It has helped many a developer score jobs they thought unattainable – often while bypassing the standard process of applying to positions advertised on job boards.

Best for: Developers trying to maximize their value & visibility in the marketplace.

Prerequisites: You’re on your way to being, or already are, a Software Developer

Features:

• A module on building your brand as a developer.
• How to use social media to get your name out there.
• How to build an online developer portfolio and blog.
• How to craft the perfect resume.
• Advice from 11 successful Software Developers in interview format.

Pros & Cons:

• This is the most detailed course on developer marketing available on the internet.
• You’ll get priceless tips from those who’ve “made it” in Software Development (myself and other accomplished names in the field)
• The skills you’ll learn in this course will set you apart from millions of your competitors who focus 95% of their time only on the technical aspects of being a Software Developer.
• Again, my courses focus mostly on “soft skills”, this one in particular. It’s an all-in-one solution for your marketing as a developer – not for teaching you how to code. I recommend you pick one or multiple technical resources, and get How to Market Yourself as your guide to make the most money with the coding skills you’ve gained. 

Verdict:

If you’re not shy to invest some money into promoting yourself as a developer – opening up new opportunities for lucrative jobs, business deals, even speaking engagements – How to Market Yourself as a Software Developer is the best resource teaching you how to achieve that.

Diploma in C# Programming (Alison)

If you’re planning on coding in C# during your Software Developer career, this compact course at the education platform Alison could be a great way to receive an introduction to the language, as well as quickly gain a certificate you can display on your website, social media, or your resume.

Best for: Would-be C# Developers with no or little programming experience.

Prerequisites: You don’t need to know anything about programming to begin this course

Pros & Cons:

• The course itself is free, you’ll only need to pay if you want to receive the actual diploma to show off online or print out
• Alison’s diploma is CPD-accredited, which means the training is certified to the highest professional standards
• The summaries at the end of each module are useful for revisiting what you’ve learned.
• The video lessons are engaging and easy to follow

• The course spans over only 3-4 hours of learning. It’s not enough to master C# programming, but makes for a short & sweet introduction to the language.
• Apart from the lesson summary, there’s no written material to refer back to – it’s all video.

Features:

• Learn about why or why not to use C#, it’s advantages and disadvantages.
• Guidance on how to install Visual Studio Code, a powerful IDE from Microsoft.
• Get to know important concepts and functionalities of the C# language.
• Follow along with the creation of a real-world application.
• A total of three assessments on the course contents. If you pass, you’ll be able to buy the certificate to add to your bio or resume. 

Verdict: Alison’s courses are the quickest way to get a professional diploma in several Software Development topics. Along the way, you’ll get an introduction into the most important concepts and functions of your programming language of choice. I wouldn’t recommend the course if you’re a more advanced programmer, but if you’re a newbie, it’s a great option.

How to become a Senior Developer (Udemy)

How to become a Senior Developer is an interesting training that gives you clarity on the next steps to take in your developer career. It shows you which skills set advanced developers in leadership positions apart, and teaches you the right approach & mindset to get there yourself. Think of it like a career roadmap – one which could end up saving you a lot of trial & error.

Best for: Somewhat experienced developer or Software Engineering student looking to reach the next level

Prerequisites: Several years involvement with Software Development

Features:

• Writing error-free code.
• Effective debugging.
• The best approach to problem-solving.
• A compass for choosing the right path on your career journey.
• How you as a Software Developer can become more valuable to your team and in the marketplace.
• How to learn efficiently & be a more productive developer

Pros & Cons:

• With an Information Systems Engineering degree, 13 years of experience, and a current position as Director of Software Development, the instructor is highly qualified – and teaching you valuable lessons from the real world 
• The course’s meta-approach is unique and something most Junior Developers can benefit from
• You get lifetime access to the course for a reasonable one-time payment
• With two total hours of video, this isn’t a comprehensive masterclass in Software Development. (It’s a high-level guide to help you on your path to becoming a Senior Developer).

Verdict: Recommended if you want to go beyond studying programming syntax, and start thinking more like a Senior Software Engineer. The career and productivity advice is valuable, too.

How to choose the perfect Software Developer course for yourself

Your ambition & goals

Some courses are less involved, some much more so: Are you looking to dip your toes into Software Development, or would you prefer a multi-month career deep dive? There’s short courses spanning a few hours, but also full-on online bootcamps – and anything in between. Depending on your motivation and your ultimate aim, a different training will be the right one for you.

Budget

As a rule of thumb, the courses that guarantee you a big leap forward in your Software Developer career will be more expensive. If you’d like to spend a low, one-off amount, look into the Udemy platform. Codecademy is somewhere in the middle with a reasonable monthly subscription fee. If both your ambition and budget are high, NuCamp’s Software Developer bootcamp could be for you.

Topic of focus

While there’s general coding courses out there, they’re still focused on a particular language. And you’ll find courses specializing in certain disciplines, like Data Analysis with Python, Game Programming in C#, or Web Apps with JavaScript, for example.

Learning preference

If you prefer video lessons over text-based learning, you can rule out some training platforms that focus on the latter. Some courses are more theoretical, others feature a live code editor to have you write your own programs as part of the learning experience. 

Make sure to compare the courses in these regards to find the Software Development training that fits you perfectly.

The post 7 Software Development Courses to Level Up Your Skills appeared first on Simple Programmer.