Software Engineering Prerequisites

Software Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that designs and develops applications, systems, and software. It is an exciting and ever-changing career filled with new tools, technologies, and problems to solve. While some learn software engineering skills to pursue a professional career, others learn the skill as a hobby to build software in their free time. 

Many beginners worry that software engineering skills, like coding, will be too hard to learn. However, the beauty of software engineering is that anyone can learn how to do it, regardless of their background. This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning software engineering and what you should study first to make the learning process easier. This way, you’ll be successful however you choose to apply your new skills. 

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

Is Software Engineering Easy to Learn?

Although people of all ages complete software engineering courses, the skills and concepts continue to be perceived as too challenging to learn. For example, learning to code, a significant skill in software engineering, can be challenging if you’re learning on your own and trying to figure out where to begin. Luckily, there are many free and low-cost online and in-person courses you can enroll in that cover software engineering concepts and skills, such as object-oriented programming languages like Python.

People of all ages, education levels, and backgrounds can learn to code. Noble Desktop offers beginner-friendly and intermediate bootcamps and certificate programs to learn software engineering. These courses cover web development and data science, essential skills you will need to succeed as a Software Engineer. 

What to Know Before Learning Software Engineering

Coding bootcamps provide an in-depth curriculum that can help a novice learn software engineering skills. However, you can acquire a few basic skills to start your learning journey on the right foot. Below are a few skills that you should have before beginning to learn software engineering skills: 

Basic Computer Skills 

It may seem elementary, but being well-versed in computer functions and applications is essential if you want to learn software engineering skills. Beyond knowing how to use a mouse and keyboard, you should know how to use functions and applications such as: 

• Email Management (Gmail or Microsoft Office) and Instant Messaging (Slack or Microsoft Team) 
• Database Management (Microsoft Excel)
• Basic IT Troubleshooting 

Finally, you may be required to get a computer that can manage large-scale programming if you plan to enroll in a software engineering certificate program or course. A basic understanding of the necessary computer equipment and specifications is needed to participate in your preferred program.

Programming Concepts

There is no requirement to have programming skills before enrolling in a software engineering certificate program or related courses. However, familiarity with the fundamental programming concepts can help you decide what to study. For instance, a general understanding of the five major programming paradigms, which include: 

• Procedural Programming 
• Object-Oriented Programming 
• Parallel Programming
• Functional Programming
• Logic Programming

Additionally, a few other essential concepts to be familiar with include data type and structures, control structures, debugging, basic syntax, and variables. 

Many bootcamps and certificate programs offer pre-work or introductory courses to help students learn the fundamentals of software engineering skills. Noble Desktop’s Software Engineering Certificate covers the programming languages and concepts needed to work on the front and back end of software programs, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and React. Before you jump into this immersive course, you can enroll in an introductory course to learn the foundational skills in a specific language. Noble's great introductory courses include Intro to Python Programming, JavaScript for Front end, and the React Development Bootcamp.

Project Management 

As a Software Engineer, you will likely work with teams on multiple projects. You must have strong project management skills before learning software engineering skills. They can help you organize how you work on assignments and projects through your learning but can set you up for success in managing your projects in your career. There are several project management software out there that you can explore using, such as Asana, Trello, or Hive. 

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 Takeaways

• Software engineering is an exciting and ever-changing field focused on developing software programs and applications. 
• While many believe software engineering skills are hard to learn, people of all ages and backgrounds have successfully learned the necessary skill to embark on a software engineering career or hobby. 
• A certificate program or bootcamp will teach you everything you need to know about software engineering; however, a few skills you can develop before learning software engineering include: 
• Basic computing
• Programming concepts
• Project management 
• Whether you are a novice or someone looking to upskill, Noble Desktop offers several software engineering certificates and related courses that can help you on your learning journey, including: 
• Software Engineering Certificate
• Full-Stack Web Development Certificate
• Python Developer Certificate
• Data Science Certificate