Although there are a lot of jobs in the software development industry, it doesn’t mean there’s no competition in the industry. To become a good software developer, you need to be at the top of your game if you stand out from the other software developers. Being a skilled and professional software developer is the only way you can get your dream job. 

With this, one should ask—what qualities do I need to become a software developer? And is it just a matter of qualities? Tigran Sloya, the CEO of CodeFights says that there are several important qualities every software developer should have. 

In this article, we shall discuss the top 5 qualities you need to become a software developer. Read on for more information. 

Positive attitude

As a software developer, you are responsible for your client’s product. Besides, you are determined and eager to go the extra step to get the job done and deliver the best product. However, this comes with one great challenge—the pressure from your clients to meet urgent deadlines. 

At times, some of your clients will need to launch the software by a certain date—and you will need to up your game, and deliver a finished software by that date. Besides, some clients will need you to rectify some parts of your finished work—and this can go on several times. 

A good software developer shouldn’t allow a client’s feedback to affect their ego. This calls for one to have a positive attitude, regardless of the feedback they receive from their clients. 

Analytical skills

According to software developers from Entrance Consulting, analytical skills are essential for anyone who wants to become a software developer. Being a software developer calls for one to think out of the box, gather and analyze data, resolve issues, and make important decisions confidently. 

Unfortunately, this is where some software developers fail—the lack of analytical skills. That means, not everyone can start a career in software development. The thing is—you don’t learn analytical skills—it’s an inborn talent. If you don’t have this skill, consider pursuing another career. 

One way to boost your basic analytical skills is by solving logic and algorithmic problems. However, it’s essential to understand that everyone has their limit—and they cannot exceed this limit. 

Good communication skills

One might ask, why do I need good communication skills when starting a career in software development? Well, as a software developer, you will need to understand issues, break them down and suggest solutions coherently. 

Besides, you should understand concepts without any issue, and ask the right questions in case you need any clarifications. The last thing you want is to proceed to work on a project, and yet you don’t have clear instructions. 

Also, as a software developer, you will be working with teams, and closely with your clients. And, this involves a lot of writing and talking—which calls for clear and transparent communication. You should be able to understand your clients and teammates and pass the right information whenever required. 

Ability to adapt, learn, and grow

A survey conducted by LinkedIn showed that software developers spend most of their time learning. The survey showed that 48% of software developers learn new skills every year, compared to 37% of all other professionals. 

After developing software, it requires continuous improvement, which is not only good for the program but the developer too. The following are some of the major platforms that allow software developers to learn and update their skills:

• On-the-job learning – this is common for every software developer. Identifying broken codes and searching for solutions can help you to perfect your skills in software development. 
• Boot camps or upskilling programs – online boot camps are a good option for a software developer who wants to learn a specific skill like artificial intelligence or data science. The most exciting thing about these programs is that you can continue to learn while working—and pay way much less than a university program, and still get the skills needed in today’s software development market.
• Mentorship and coaching – as a software developer, you will need someone to guide you and hold your hand if you want to grow. An experienced mentor can assist you to perfect your skills and hasten your future in software development. 
• Seminars – some of the latest developments in any industry, including software development are presented and discussed in events and like seminars and conferences. Thus, you should aim to identify and participate in such events regularly if you want to sharpen your skills.

Team player

As said earlier, you cannot work alone on a software development project. For any software development project to be successful, you need to work hand in hand with other people. Exchanging ideas, thoughts, experience, and knowledge can make sure that your project is a success. If you are a poor team player, it will be a challenge for you to achieve this. Besides, you will have a challenge in becoming a part of any software development team.