What stages of software development should you accom­plish when taking a career in this line of profession? A software developer is an expert concerned with aspects of software development procedure, which includes researching, designing, programming as well as testing of the computer software. Though most software devel­opers develop the appli­ca­tions which enable people to accom­plish projects on a computer or other devices, there are others who are respon­sible for devel­oping the under­lying struc­tures which control networks or run the devices.

Once you success­fully complete a software development career, as a computer programmer AKA software developer, you will play a prime role in the designing, instal­lation, exper­i­menting and maintaining the software systems. The programs you build will likely assist organi­za­tions offer a better service or be more efficient. Here are the phases of software development career you should expect to accom­plish in your goal to become a pro computer programmer or software developer:

The Stages of your Software Development Career

Stage#1: Coder

A coder is typically a hobbyist. Some of the respon­si­bil­ities you will have to fulfil in this stage include learning how to utilize programming language syntax, creating small projects yourself and being a good problem solver.

Stage#2: Junior Developer

As a junior developer, you will now start partic­i­pating in the IT market as a paid expert. However, you will have to work closely with other profes­sional software devel­opers who will be guiding you on what to do.

As a junior developer you will require leaning how to break issues into small and more manageable projects. You will also start learning how to link varying systems together like linking from the server-side code to a database or client-server interaction.

Stage#3: Inter­me­diate Developer

At this stage you will already be a competent contributor and team member. As an inter­me­diate developer, you will already have learned the way of building basic systems like web appli­cation. You will however be required to know how to utilize properly profes­sional tooling and to be knowl­edgeable about basic system architecture.

Stage#4: Senior Developer

As a senior developer, you will have to make more complex systems utilizing advanced patterns and methods. In this stage you will already be having some advanced and specialized programming knowledge. 

Being a senior developer will require you to be knowl­edgeable about refac­toring, design patterns and code smells, and knowledge about archi­tec­tural paradigms such as Event Sourcing, Domain Driven design, etc.

Stage#5: Lead Developer 

At this stage your focus will be to offer high-level enlight­enment to your development team. However, your prime role as a lead developer will be to act as a link between the development team and other business-oriented sections in the organization.

Stage#6: Tech Leader

In this stage your name as an expert is already renowned in some particular locations. As a tech leader you will have a specific targeted positioning or branding as to what you accom­plish well. For instance, your targeted positioning may be a particular programming language, front-end development, web security, or a developer mentor. 

Bottom Line

In order to be a successful software developer, always make sure you are open and flexible for continuous development and learning despite the role you play in your organi­zation. Stick to this principle and be certain you will always be set for advanced growth and success.