How to Learn Software Engineering

If you are looking for a career filled with opportunities to problem solve, think creatively, and enjoy logical problems, you may be curious about software engineering. The number of options for learning software engineering might be overwhelming at first glance. There are books, video tutorials, classes, and more to choose from; it all depends on your learning style and personal preferences. 

Here, we’ll discuss the various methods of learning software engineering so you can decide how you’d like to get started.

What is Software Engineering?

Software Engineering is an engineering branch focused on designing, developing, and testing new technologies to solve real-world problems. Software Engineers bring comprehensive knowledge of programming, design, and engineering principles to build software. These computer science professionals can create web applications, mobile applications, video games, robots, operating systems, and network systems that we use daily! 

Software engineering is a collaborative and broad field. The design and development of software solutions will require you to work with other technical and non-technical professionals. These can include engineers, developers, scientists, designers, and other creative and technical professionals. Additionally, Software Engineers can specialize in different areas of the user experience, depending on their interest.

Learn more about what software engineering is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Software Engineering?

Our society continues to rely more heavily on computer-driven processes. Software Engineers are the brain power behind these processes and create the programs and applications we use daily. Software Engineers use programming languages to develop software programs and applications. Programming skills are sought after across fields and sectors, and you can do many cool things with this skill set! 

Low-level programming languages, such as assembly and machine language, can be used to create system software. System software is a general software that develops and runs other application software. A few examples of system software are operating systems, like Mac OS and Android, and video game systems, like the Nintendo system software, which allow video games to run.

You can also create application software using programming languages—software engineers design application software to carry out a specific function. For example, Spotify is an application software that allows you to listen to music or podcasts. Engineers use high-level programming languages like Java and Python to write application software.

In-Person Software Engineering Training

Are you interested in learning software engineering skills in an in-person format? In-person learning is an excellent option for those who thrive in a traditional class environment. Students benefit from face-to-face interaction and more collaboration with their classmates. Additionally, teachers are available to provide direct feedback, and there are fewer distractions compared to attending online classes at home. On the other hand, in-person is not as flexible as online, and students will have less control over the course’s schedule, location, and pace.

If in-person learning is the best option for you, Noble Desktop offers in-person software engineering classes in New York City. Noble offers flexible courses that can meet your schedule. Classes can range from a few hours to a few months, and weekday and weekend class options are available. Topics include FinTech, Python, JavaScript, React, front end Web Development, and Full-Stack Web Development. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, you will find class options that will meet your learning needs from Noble. 

If you live outside the NYC metro area but want to attend an in-person class, Noble’s Classes Near Me tool can help you find in-person software engineering classes. Other schools offering courses include Thinkful, Devmountain, and Flatiron School. They offer a variety of courses related to software engineering that you may find interesting.

Live Online Software Engineering Training

Live online classes are a popular class option if you want to learn software engineering skills. Online learning offers greater flexibility to students who can complete their classes from anywhere without worrying about a busy commute. Additionally, because students can join from anywhere, online classes typically feature a more diverse student body, and you can benefit from a broader range of perspectives in your learning. A drawback of online education is that you may experience less social interaction with classmates and instructors, which can be difficult for those who thrive in more hands-on learning environments. Additionally, some students need help engaging in online learning because of the many distractions experienced at home or in the office. 

If online learning is the best option for you, Noble Desktop offers several live online software engineering classes. Noble’s Live Online classes are taught via Zoom and provided in real-time. You can ask your professor a question, receive instant feedback on classwork, and engage with instructors and classmates via the chat option. Noble’s Classes Near Me tool also features live online software engineering courses from other top online learning providers. You can use the tool to compare costs, class duration and time, and experience level across the schools and courses.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

Are you still trying to decide whether to dive into an immersive software engineering bootcamp? You should consider enrolling in one of Noble’s free introductory software engineering seminars, which cover various topics related to software engineering. For instance, the Intro to Front End Web Development will teach you the programming languages relevant to building the parts of the websites the user sees, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 

You can also find free Software Engineering classes from other online learning providers. Udemy offers a handful of courses that will teach you fundamental programming languages, such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Coursera also offers several free classes related to software engineering, including an intro to Node JS and Express course. Several free tutorials on YouTube cover web development, programming languages, and web design. 

Read about more free Software Engineering videos and online tutorials.

On-Demand Software Engineering Classes

Are you considering enrolling in a self-paced software engineering class? This learning option is a popular alternative for those juggling busy personal and professional schedules. These courses allow students to balance their work and home life without the added stress of meeting deadlines or following a strict class schedule. However, a drawback of on-demand classes is that because there’s no formal routine or real-time interaction with instructors and peers, students may become demotivated to complete their studies and fall behind. 

On-demand class content is available to students upfront, and they can decide the pacing needed to work through. Most on-demand classes cater to beginner and intermediate-level learners. Classes range from a few hours to a few months worth of content to work through. Self-paced courses can vary in pricing, and while most cost, a few free options are available. Some software engineering courses are available through a subscription service that allows students to pay upfront or pay as they go. On-demand classes offer a lot of flexibility to students and are an excellent alternative to in-person and online classes.

Which Learning Method is Right for Me?

It can be difficult to determine whether in-person or virtual learning is best for you. First and foremost, you should consider your learning style and what you need in a learning environment to be most successful. In addition, consider your schedule and what you will have time for. 

Do you thrive when you have real-time access to instructors and classmates to ask questions? If so, an in-person or live online class may be a better option, as it will provide you with the natural interactions needed to help guide your learning. Are you juggling various work or family obligations that may limit your schedule? In that case, you may thrive in a self-paced course, as it will allow you to make your own schedule and join from wherever you are. These are essential questions to consider as you decide the best learning method for yourself - and the best thing is you can adapt and use multiple learning tools as your learning style or preference changes. 

Why Learn Software Engineering?

Software engineering is an in-demand career path, and the demand has no signs of slowing. Why? Technology is constantly evolving, and it is more important than ever that modern businesses be able to compete and meet user needs with new or updated software solutions. Software engineering skills can prepare you to work in various careers and industries. Thus, it is a rewarding career, offering more lucrative compensation packages, professional growth opportunities, and collaborative and creative work environments. 

Learning software engineering skills will give you in-depth knowledge of various programming languages, databases, and operating systems. There are continuous learning opportunities in this field, and Software Engineers are encouraged to learn new programming languages and technologies to stay up to date on the ever-changing technology, making this job constantly enjoyable! 

Read more about why you should learn Software Engineering skills.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

One significant aspect of software engineering is writing code. Many beginners worry that learning to code will be too difficult, but it is easier than people make it seem. While learning to code can be challenging, you can master it with time and patience. Once you understand one or two programming languages, the barrier to learning other languages drastically decreases, and when you are having a difficult time, there are plenty of resources out there that can help you learn to code and keep you motivated. 

While there are no formal prerequisites that you will need to learn to code, there are a few things you can do to make the experience easier. You should ensure you have a computer that you are comfortable with and powerful enough for programming. A basic understanding of mathematics or propositional logic can also give you a leg up when learning to code. 

Most programming languages, such as Python, are free and open-source, meaning you will not need to pay for them. Programming language compilers, interpreters, and other associated tools can range from free to thousands of dollars. Most of these development tools are free when used for non-commercial use. 

Read about how difficult it is to learn Software Engineering.

Conquer Software Engineering with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers an assortment of Software Engineering classes that will teach you the skills needed to become a Software Engineer. You can join Noble’s courses in-person in Manhattan or virtually from the comfort of your home or office. These courses feature small class sizes led by expert instructors with experience in the field. In addition, Noble classes feature a free retake option that will allow you to retake a course within a year for no extra fees. 

If you want to be a more well-rounded web developer, consider enrolling in either the  Software Engineering Certificate or the Full-Stack Web Development Certificate. Both courses will prepare you to build both the front end and back end of websites. By the end of the Full-Stack Web Development Certificate, students can use programming languages, such as HTML & CSS, JavaScript, and React, to develop and build web applications. If you have a few extra weeks, the Software Engineering Certificate is more comprehensive and will teach you Python, a popular programming language for web development, data analysis, and automation. 

Noble’s Python Developer Certificate program is the perfect course for someone with a shorter-time frame looking to learn a highly used programming language. This certificate will take you from a beginner to an intermediate Python programmer in a few weeks. This course will prepare you for success as a Python Developer, Back End Developer, or Software Engineer. 

If you’re interested in working with data in your career, Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate is a good option for you. This immersive training will equip you with skills ranging from Python programming to machine learning models.

Key Insights

• Software engineering is an interdisciplinary field focusing on software design, development, and testing. 
• As companies become more reliant on data and software solutions, the demand for Software Engineers continues to grow. Software Engineer jobs offer lucrative salaries, numerous career opportunities, and creative and collaborative work environments. 
• Beginners interested in learning software engineering can use various free and paid resources, such as video tutorials, seminars, and immersive in-person, online, and self-paced classes through Noble Desktop. 
• There are advantages and disadvantages to both in-person and online learning. Your preferred learning method is a personal choice. Consider your learning style and personal obligations when deciding on your learning method.
• If you are interested in a comprehensive in-person or online software engineering course, Noble Desktop has an array of options to fit your needs.