How to become a Software Engineer? 🧐 | How to learn coding?

Summary

In this informative video, Nishant Chahar, a software engineer at Microsoft, outlines multiple paths to becoming a software engineer, regardless of academic background. He discusses traditional routes through engineering colleges and competitive exams like IIT JEE, alternative options like BCA and MCA for non-CS backgrounds, and the self-taught developer path. Emphasizing the importance of learning programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and gaining practical experience through projects, Chahar provides a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring software engineers to follow, including resources and strategies to succeed in the tech industry.

Takeaways

• 🎓 If you are in school (10th-12th), aim to get into an engineering college with a computer science degree, which is a straightforward path to becoming a software engineer.
• 🔍 For those who have taken science in 11th and 12th, preparing for IIT JEE and getting a good rank can lead to admission in prestigious engineering colleges.
• 🏫 If you are in school but didn't take CS or didn't get a good JEE rank, consider BCA (Bachelor of Computer Application) as an alternative path.
• 💼 Companies like Google and Amazon do hire BCA graduates, but it's essential to study well and meet the requirements.
• 📚 If you have a B.Sc degree, you can apply for MCA (Master of Computer Application) in top NITs, which can make you equivalent to B.Tech graduates.
• 🤔 For those from non-CS or non-engineering backgrounds, becoming a self-taught developer is a viable option, emphasizing the importance of self-learning.
• 👨‍🏫 Learning a programming language is crucial, with Java or C++ recommended for those in categories one or two, and Python for beginners or those with no programming background.
• 📈 Data structures and algorithms (DSA) are essential for software engineering roles, and there are roadmaps and courses available to help you learn them.
• 💻 Avoid 'tutorial hell' by actively coding and practicing what you learn, rather than just watching tutorials.
• 📝 Building a strong resume with projects is crucial for securing a software engineering job, and there are various types of projects you can undertake depending on your interests.
• 🚀 Persistence and hard work are key, regardless of your starting point. Believing in yourself and continuously learning can lead to significant achievements in the field.

Q & A

What is the most straightforward path to becoming a software engineer according to the video?

The most straightforward path is to get into an engineering college with a computer science degree, preferably after taking science in 11th and 12th and preparing for IIT JEE to secure a good rank and admission into a reputable engineering college.

What are the entrance exams mentioned in the script for admission into engineering colleges?

The entrance exams mentioned are IIT JEE Mains, IIT JEE Advanced, BITSAT, and NIMSAT, which are used for admission into various engineering colleges including IITs, IIITs, NITs, NSIT, DTU, and other private universities.

What alternative educational path is suggested for those who did not take computer science in 11th and 12th?

For those who did not take computer science in 11th and 12th, the alternative path suggested is to pursue a Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) degree.

What are the two paths available after completing a BCA degree?

After completing a BCA degree, one can either apply directly to off-campus companies that hire BCA graduates or pursue a Master of Computer Application (MCA) in top NITs through exams like NIMSAT.

How does the script differentiate between the paths for those with a B.Sc degree and those without?

For those with a B.Sc degree, they can apply for MCA in top NITs. For those without a B.Sc or BCA degree, the script suggests becoming a self-taught developer, learning a programming language, and focusing on data structures and algorithms.

What programming language is recommended for beginners who have no prior knowledge of programming?

Python is recommended for beginners who have no prior knowledge of programming due to its ease of learning and versatility.

What is considered the most important topic to learn after acquiring a programming language according to the video?

Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) are considered the most important topic to learn after acquiring a programming language, as they are commonly assessed in technical interviews for software engineer positions.

What is the term used in the script to describe the situation where learners keep watching tutorials without applying the knowledge through practice?

The term used to describe this situation is 'tutorial hell', where learners consume content without applying it practically, leading to a lack of retention and progress.

What is emphasized as a crucial part of building a resume for software engineering roles?

Projects are emphasized as a crucial part of building a resume for software engineering roles, as they demonstrate problem-solving skills and practical application of learned concepts.

What advice is given for individuals who aspire to high-paying software engineering roles?

The advice given is to believe in oneself, keep working hard, and focus on improving problem-solving abilities, as these factors will determine the company and package one can secure.