Online Learning Platforms and Resources for Software Developers
Although the fundamental principles of software development have remained the same for decades, technology is always changing with new ideas, libraries, and tools arising every day. In a constantly evolving environment, it’s that much more important to keep up-to-date.
Companies search for professionals who are always looking to do just this by improving their skills and continuously learning. Keeping your knowledge and skills fresh will help you to make wiser decisions, seek creative and innovative solutions, and become more attractive to prospective employers.
However, it’s easier said than done. The software development field is extensive and knowing everything is, unfortunately, impossible. This article intends to help you narrow your focus on your learning journey and provide you with a list of valuable online learning resources and tips to point you in the right direction.
Table Of Contents
Where to Start
Assessing Your Skill Level
An essential first step on your learning journey is to understand where you are professionally and how to define your career goals. For instance, experienced developers looking to switch stacks will follow a different path from mid-level developers looking to increase their seniority. To assess your skill level, you can:
- Consider difficulties and tasks that are most challenging for you
- Review feedback from job interviews
- Ask for advice from more experienced colleagues on where you can improve
- Take tests that suggest your level (e.g. Plural Sight Skill IQ).
While doing this exercise, don’t forget to consider soft skills like time management, leadership, communication, and teamwork. They are as relevant as hard skills and should be worked on as well.
