How to become a Software Engineer

Becoming a Software Engineer is an in-demand career path. It requires deep expertise in Software Engineering and a strong network to carry you along. Here are some resources to help you on your journey.

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Why should you become a 
Software Engineer?

Software Engineer

Demand for experts in Software Engineering is growing rapidly. Companies are looking for people with deep expertise in the field of Software Engineering to help them build their products and services.

As a result, Software Engineers are in high demand and command high salaries. According to leading sources, the median salary for a Software Engineer is $140,000 and a senior Software Engineer can earn up to $160,000. Even entry-level positions can command great salaries.

No wonder that interest in a career in Software Engineering is growing rapidly. Explore the resources below to learn more about how to become a Software Engineer.

Table of Contents

Best books to build Software Engineering understanding.

A well-written and thorough book can be an amazing path to build deeper understanding and also act as a handbook as you discover the internet's vast resources.

These are our and our experts top picks to get started building career-relevant skills.

JavaScript: The Definitive Guide

JavaScript: The Definitive Guide

For nearly 25 years this best seller has been the go-to guide for JavaScript programmers. The seventh edition is fully updated to cover the 2020 version of JavaScript, and new chapters cover classes, modules, iterators, generators, Promises, async/await, and metaprogramming. You’ll find illuminating and engaging example code throughout.

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Automate the Boring Stuff with Python

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python

If you've ever spent hours renaming files or updating hundreds of spreadsheet cells, you know how tedious tasks like these can be. But what if you could have your computer do them for you?

In Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, you'll learn how to use Python to write programs that do in minutes what would take you hours to do by hand-no prior programming experience required.

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Pragmatic Programmer

Pragmatic Programmer

At least today, code is our door to building algorithms and complex Machine Learning systems. If you want to invest in becoming a more proficient Machine Learning professional faster, investing in code skills is the way to do so.

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High Performance Python

High Performance Python

Your Python code may run correctly, but you need it to run faster. Updated for Python 3, this expanded edition shows you how to locate performance bottlenecks and significantly speed up your code in high-data-volume programs. By exploring the fundamental theory behind design choices, High Performance Python helps you gain a deeper understanding of Python's implementation.

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Effective JavaScript

Effective JavaScript

In order to truly master JavaScript, you need to learn how to work effectively with the language’s flexible, expressive features and how to avoid its pitfalls. No matter how long you’ve been writing JavaScript code, Effective JavaScript will help deepen your understanding of this powerful language, so you can build more predictable, reliable, and maintainable programs.

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Courses to deepen your Software Engineering skills.

These days, courses are no longer a sequence of videos. They are usually accompanied by projects and a learning community, keeping you accountable and on the path.

Our experts recommend these courses, from free selections to paid programs.

The Complete JavaScript Course 2020

The Complete JavaScript Course 2020

Become an advanced, confident, and modern JavaScript developer from scratch. Build 6 beautiful real-world projects for your portfolio (not boring toy apps). Complex concepts like the 'this' keyword, higher-order functions, closures, etc. This best-selling course can truly take you from zero to one at a reasonable rate!

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Python Bootcamp: From Zero to Hero

Python Bootcamp: From Zero to Hero

Learn Python like a Professional Start from the basics and go all the way to creating your own applications and games.

Create games with Python, like Tic Tac Toe and Blackjack! Learn advanced Python features, like the collections module and how to work with timestamps & Build a complete understanding of Python from the ground up!

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LearnPython.org

LearnPython.org

Whether you are an experienced programmer or not, this website is intended for everyone who wishes to learn the Python programming language.

Just click on the chapter you wish to begin from, and follow the instructions. Good luck!

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Advanced Python

Advanced Python

Over time, Python has exploded in popularity, from being an obscure scripting language to becoming one of the most popular, and widely used languages in the world.

In this Advanced Python tutorial, you'll learn advanced topics, a knowledge of which will set you apart from the greater number of Python developers.

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JavaScript: The Advanced Concepts

JavaScript: The Advanced Concepts

Learn modern advanced JavaScript practices and be amongst the top of JavaScript developers. Functional Programming, Inheritance + Prototype Chain, Asynchronous JavaScript + Event Loop and much more is included in this advanced best-selling JS course on Udemy by instructor Andrei Neagoie, who himself used to be a senior software developer

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Get the guidance you need to become a Software Engineer

There is no better source of accountability and motivation than having a personal mentor. What used to be impossible to find is now just two clicks away! All mentors are vetted & hands-on!

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Simon Lepkin 🇺🇸

Executive Coach for Software Engineers, Ex-Upstart
5.0 (2)

I started my engineering career in 2013 at Upstart, building it from 4 engineers to 400. I’ve contributed, led, and managed Product, Data, and Platform Engineering teams. I’ve created and executed an org-wide internship program and coached numerous engineers 1:1, from fresh boot camp grads to industry veterans. I help …
Engineering & Data Software Engineering Career Data Engineering Backend Career Growth Communication
$210 / month
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Valentino Pellegrino 🇮🇹

Senior Software Engineer
5.0 (2)

I really believe in artistic side of clean code. I am passionate about everything concerns designing system architectures. I am a Full Remote Software Engineer, fast learner, and enthusiastic about new technologies/programming languages/frameworks/methodologies. I studied at Università di Salerno, where I received a full formation in Computer Science and a …
Engineering & Data JavaScript Typescript Frontend Web Development Java React
$240 / month
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Roger Chen 🇺🇸

Software Engineer at Meta
5.0 (19)

I am currently a tech lead at Meta. My area is platform infrastructure that integrates ML models and serves products including Facebook, Instagram and Oculus. My daily role is to support engineers and managers in the organization with planning, hiring, design review, and XFN collaboration. I have 10 years of …
Engineering & Data Full Stack Backend Machine Learning Career System Design Mock Interviews
$120 / month
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Mohannad Elhamod 🇺🇸

Clinical Assistant Profess | Machine Learning Researcher | ex-software engineer at Microsoft at Questrom School of Business @ Boston University
5.0 (11)

**Why can I help you? ** I had been a software engineer at Microsoft for 6+ years, a research intern at NASA, and completed my PhD in Computer Science at Virginia Tech in 2023. I am currently a clinical assistant professor at Questrom School of Business at Boston University, where …
Engineering & Data Data Analytics Machine Learning Deep Learning Python Software Engineering Data Visualization
$170 / month
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Victor Sha 🇺🇸

Software Engineering Manager at Uber
5.0 (6)

I am an Engineering Manager at Uber, with a decade of engineering experience in the technology industry under my belt. I began my career as a Backend Software Engineer at Google, where I developed a solid foundation in creating robust, scalable software solutions. Over time, my career progressed, and I've …
Engineering & Data Software Engineering Management Machine Learning Career Growth Leadership Interview
$120 / month
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Ahmed Soliman 🇬🇧

Senior Software Engineer at Yelp
5.0 (7)

Hi there! My name is Ahmed Soliman and I am a senior software engineer with over 5 years of experience in working with data intensive applications. I specialize in system design and have a passion for helping others succeed in their careers. As a mentor, I offer a comprehensive program …
Engineering & Data Problem Solving System Design Interviews Software Engineering Productivity Backend
$70 / month
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The Software Engineering must-reads you shouldn't miss.

Key articles and posts of industry experts can help you get a better picture of what you are getting into.

In our opinion, these are some must-reads you really shouldn't miss.

70 JavaScript Interview Questions

A collection of 70 real-world JS interview questions, as collected by a full-stack developer in the space. Crucial to go through these as a job hunter and make sure you pass the next interview with flying colors!

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Popular Python Interview Questions

Scheduling your first Python Interview or the first one after a while? Preparing for a Python Coding test? This collection of Python Interview questions should help you getting up to speed.

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Most Essential Coding Interview Questions

On the way to your first coding interview? This is a collection of some of the most common coding, algorithm and engineering questions. Your perfect preparation for your interview!

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Tips from the Software Engineering blog

Learn more about Software Engineering with our expert advice.

Cracking the Code: Breaking Down the Software Engineering Interviewing Strategy

In an ever-evolving tech-driven world, navigating the intricate maze of technical interviewing can often seem overwhelming. As much as it’s daunting for the interviewee, it can be an challenge for interviewers to compose the right evaluation and asses a candidates potential. At its heart, a tech interview isn’t a mere quiz; it’s a profound dialogue. It’s about finding synergy, understanding potential collaborations, and assessing mutual growth trajectories. This article will be exploring how to approach the interviewer’s side of the table.

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  • "Naz is an amazing person and a wonderful mentor. She is supportive and knowledgeable with extensive practical experience. Having been a manager at Netflix, she also knows a ton about working with teams at scale. Highly recommended."

  • "Brandon has been supporting me with a software engineering job hunt and has provided amazing value with his industry knowledge, tips unique to my situation and support as I prepared for my interviews and applications."

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