As humans’ scientific knowledge and understanding of the world grows, it has an impact on the field of engineering. Many new disciplines within this field have developed to make life easier and more convenient, and that can be found with the creation of Software Engineering. This discipline focuses specifically on creating and maintaining software and applications to make life more effective and efficient. In many ways, it shares similarities with other engineering disciplines, but it differs as well.

An important factor that goes into deciding to learn a new skill is researching complementary and related skills. Doing so will help you make more informed decisions about what you want to learn, and it will help you decide whether or not learning a specific skill is the right decision for you. You will also learn what kind of skills you may want to learn to complement your training later on. Read on to learn more about related Software Engineering training options such as coding, source control, text editing and more.

What is Software Engineering?

Software Engineering is a branch of computer science that focuses on the creation, enhancement, testing and maintenance of software. 

As a software engineer, you will be responsible for creating programs, operating systems and applications. Some of the career paths you might consider exploring include designing and developing computer games, operating systems, network control systems, middleware and business applications, among others.

There is a strong demand for software engineers, which means you can have an incredibly lucrative career. There are also numerous industries that need software engineering, so you’ll be able to work for a company that you find interesting and challenges you to be your best.

What Can You Do with Software Engineering Skills?

As a software engineer, one of your main jobs will be to develop software and applications that transform businesses and people’s lives. That sounds like a tall order, but with the right skills and knowledge, it will be a challenge you happily undertake. Some of the things you can do with Software Engineers skills include the following:

Programming

As a software engineer, you will have programming skills that will allow you to develop software, automate processes and design algorithms. Learning coding and scripting languages can be incredibly useful during this process and give you the skills and knowledge you need to work in a variety of different industries, from healthcare to government to nonprofits and places in between.

Software Development

Software development is tied to programming, and with this skill, you will be able to create a variety of different products that can be used by companies and individuals to make their lives easier or more entertaining. Depending on what interests you, with the right skill set, you can create games, websites or apps, among other software products, for public use.

Software Testing

Developing software is the first step in the Software Engineering process. You then need to make sure your creation actually works and behaves as intended. Having skills in software testing allows you to identify and fix any issues that might arise.

Debugging

This skill goes along with software testing. Once you find issues or problems, you then need to know how to fix them. Having an understanding of code flow is particularly useful in making sure your software runs smoothly. It’s also beneficial to have some problem-solving skills, as this will help you think about issues and problems (and how to fix them) in new and creative ways.

Database Administration

From websites to apps to accounting to other types of software, keeping a business running means keeping their technology running. If you have database administration skills, you’ll be able to keep your employer’s software organized and maintained—and potentially create new software to improve the company’s effectiveness and efficiency.

Documentation and Communication

As a software engineer, you’ll have a lot of technical skills that will be highly valued by others because you’ll be able to develop software that makes life easier. However, having documentation and communication skills will take you to the next level.

With documentation skills, you’ll be able to create manuals or other types of writing that includes clear descriptions of the software’s features, its functionality and how it should be used.

No matter what company or industry you work in, you will find yourself needing to explain complex ideas to individuals who don’t have the same technical understanding you do, and that’s where communication skills come in handy. Having the skills to convey information in simple, easy-to-understand terms will make you an incredibly valuable employee.

Skills Related to Software Engineering

As a software engineer, you will have a variety of technical skills that will allow you to be successful in your career. While there are some skills that are specific to the Software Engineering field, there are some other general skills that are beneficial and can help you in other areas of the industry as well. These include the following:

Coding

When it comes to developing software—or really anything related to computer engineering—knowing how to code is essential. There are several different coding languages that can be mastered, and having skills in at least one is beneficial. However, knowing more than one can make you more desirable in any computer engineering field you go into. Some of the coding languages you might consider include the following:

• JavaScript - this coding language is used to design interactive web pages
• HTML - this standard coding language is used for a variety of reasons, including to display text, images and other content in specific ways on websites
• CSS - when it comes to adding fonts, spacing and color to texts online, knowing how to use CSS is necessary; many computer engineers learn how to use CSS and HTML together
• Python - Python is a multi-faceted programming language that is used to accomplish a variety of software development tasks, including writing the code for an entire program and tracking issues or bugs in the language
• C++ - being able to use this programming language can help you develop programs that optimize hardware capabilities; if you want to go into video game development, this is the coding language you’ll want to explore, as many video game developers use this to create complex gaming systems that boast high-quality computer graphics
• Java - Java allows you to create applications and programs that can be used across different computer systems; this is often used by video game developers to create high-quality video games

Data Structures and Algorithms

When it comes to data structures, these are different organizational methods that allow information to be stored in a database. Algorithms are necessary to describe the processes that are required to complete certain tasks. Having both of these skills will allow you to determine how information can be optimized in a program’s code.

Source Control

Source control management is a system that helps a team of computer engineers track updates and changes to a program’s code. With source control in place, you and your teammates will be able to work on the code separately, and then merge your edits into one version. These systems can also generate a list of code revisions and help you “undo” or restore codes to a previous version, if necessary.

One of the most common source control applications that companies use is Git, which allows you to store different versions of the program code in one folder system. Learning this skill is beneficial in a wide range of computer engineering fields that you might decide to explore, in addition to Software Engineering.

Operating Systems

Operating systems are necessary to configure a device’s hardware and allow programs to run—or not. Some of the most common operating systems include Linux, Microsoft Windows and macOS for computers, and Android and iOS on mobile phones. 

Having some skills in operating systems ensures that you are better suited to transfer lines of code between the different options and conduct testing procedures. You’ll be able to find and fix issues to ensure the software runs on a variety of different devices, making it available for a wide range of users.

Text Editing

Being able to edit code is essential when it comes to creating any software, and knowing how to use code editors and text editing tools will allow you to transfer code from one system into another quickly and easily. Having expertise in at least one type of text editing software looks really good on a resume and helps you in various computer engineering fields.

Cryptography

Keeping information online confidential is essential, and knowing how to obscure that data using an encryption code or password is a valuable skill to possess. Cryptography uses an algorithmic formula to create a corresponding description code that allows certain users to view the sensitive information. 

Encryption techniques are typically put in place to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing product information that they aren’t supposed to have. Thus, having this skill is beneficial across a wide range of industries for various computer applications.

Cloud Platforms

A cloud platform is hardware and software that is necessary to run a company’s remote database. Having the skills to configure this type of platform not only benefits you, but the company you work for as well. It can streamline processes and ensure the business runs optimally. Learning how to use Amazon Web Services (AWS) can help you take your career and the company you work for to the next level. 

Spreadsheet Management

Spreadsheets are used for a variety of different applications, as they are helpful when it comes to organizing lots of data. Knowing how to use Excel can be useful in Software Engineering and beyond because it can track your data and project progress. A spreadsheet can also be used to solve any equations you might have or to organize information before that data is transferred to a different database.

Learn Software Engineering Skills with Noble Desktop

Making the decision to obtain Software Engineering skills can be incredibly lucrative and rewarding. Whether you’re a beginner, have some computer skills or are a professional, there are still skills you can learn to transition into or excel further in this exciting and profitable industry. To get started, Noble Desktop offers a wide range of online and in-person classes that will fit your schedule and budget.

Whether you’re looking to become a certified software engineer or want one or two classes to round out your skill set, you’ll find exactly what you need at Noble Desktop. Register for classes today to ensure you have the career of tomorrow!