? From zero to Software Engineer in 11 steps ???
If you are starting your path towards software engineering, here is a detailed guide to master the basics, grow in your career and become a professional with solid knowledge, using Python as a base language.
It is impossible to cover the entire roadmap to becoming a software engineer in detail in a single article. Therefore, at each stage links to specialized resources that address specific topics are included.
1. ? Set up your development environment
Before writing your first line of code, it is crucial to have the environment ready.
- Code Editor:
Download and configure Visual Studio Code (lightweight and flexible) or PyCharm (powerful for Python).
- Python Installation:
Visit python.org to install the latest version.
If you are using Windows, Set the PATH on your system to run Python from the terminal.
- Installation of additional tools:
Install pip (Python package manager) to easily install libraries.
Set up a virtual environment (venv) to isolate projects.
- ?Extra:
Learn how to use Jupyter Notebook to explore interactive code.
2. ? Master the fundamentals of programming with Python
Learning the fundamentals will give you the tools to solve any problem. Focus on:
- Basic syntax: variables, input/output (print, input).
- Control structures: if-else, for and while loops.
- Functions: definition, arguments, return.
- Error Handling: Use try-except blocks to prevent your program from breaking or generating unhandled errors.
- Collections: lists, dictionaries, tuples and sets.
- ? Exercise: Create a basic calculator and a program that sorts a list.
? Resource: Python Basics - FreeCodeCamp.
3. ? Learn Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
OOP is key in software engineering, as it allows you to organize and reuse your code. Learn:
Classes and Objects:
python
Copy code
class Person:
def init(self, name):
self.name = name
p = Person("Ana")
print(p.name)
Encapsulation: Protect attributes with _private or __very_private.
Inheritance: Extend existing classes without rewriting everything.
Polymorphism: Methods with different behaviors.
? Practical exercise: Create a Vehicle class with attributes and subclasses such as Car or Motorcycle.
4. ?? Learn to use Git and GitHub
Every software engineer must master version control.
Install Git:
Configure your name and email with git config.
Learn the basic Commands:
git init: Initializes a repository.
git add .: Add changes.
git commit -m "Message": Save the change.
git push: Upload your code.
? Practical project: Upload a Python script to your first repository. Make changes and view history with git log.
5. ? Develop web applications with Python
Python is excellent for backend development. Starts with:
- Flask (light and fast): Learn to create routes (@app.route) and responses.
- Django (complete and robust): Generate a project structure with django-admin startproject. Learn about views, models and templates.
- ? Practical exercise: Create a basic server that displays “Hello World” and deploy your app to Heroku or Render.
6. ? Master databases
Data management is essential in software. Learn:
- SQL: Use SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE commands.
- SQLite/PostgreSQL: Configure your local database.
- ORM with Django/SQLAlchemy: Manage databases using Python code.
- ? Practical project: Create a database that stores pending tasks and access it from your Flask app.
7. ? Improve your logic with algorithms and data structures
Problem solving improves your critical thinking. Master:
Search and sorting algorithms: binary search, merge sort.
Data structures: lists, queues, stacks, trees and graphs.
? Daily Practice:
Solve problems in LeetCode and HackerRank.
Break down big problems into smaller solutions.
8. ? Learn about Testing and code quality
Write robust code using automated tests:
Pytest: Simple and powerful framework for testing.
Doctest: Add tests in your code documentation.
Basic test example with pytest:
def sum(a, b):
return a b
def test_sum():
assert sum(2, 3) == 5
9. ? Learn about APIs and microservices
The creation of APIs allows communication between applications.
- RESTful APIs: Use Flask or FastAPI to create routes and return data in JSON.
- API consumption: Use libraries as requests.
- ? Practical exercise: Create an API that sends weather data using external data such as OpenWeatherMap.
10. ? Build real projects and create a portfolio
Apply everything learned in practical projects:
- CRUD Application: Management of tasks, users or notes.
- Automated script: For example, a bot that checks your email.
- REST API: Publish useful data and documentation (with Swagger).
- Web Portfolio: Create a portfolio using Flask or Django.
- ? Resource: Use GitHub Pages to deploy projects and show your code.
11. ? Apply and get a job
Prepare your CV and start applying for vacancies. Practice makes perfect; little by little you will improve in the interviews.
To look for a job in the IT sector, you can use a specialized portal for IT profiles such as:
- We Work Remotely
- Getonbrd
- Hireline
- Findjobit
- Wellfound
? What's next?
Once you execute these 11 steps, consider exploring:
- Cloud development (AWS, Azure).
- DevOps and automation with Docker and CI/CD.
- Distributed systems.
? Start now and advance step by step! Each line of code brings you closer to your goal: becoming a software engineer. ?
The above is the detailed content of From zero to Software Engineer. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!
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