![[Featured image] A software developer wears headphones and works on her laptop from home.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4fVPQozOzE7xNGMgmsuaE/2d155d737ebef408444749a68b17fab7/Software_developer.png?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
What Does a Software Developer Do? Career Overview + Outlook
Use this guide to find out more about software development careers, including salaries, key skills, and more.
October 13, 2021
Article
Computer Science and Engineering
Behind great technology are great developers and designers. Learn how to build your skills for a career in website, app, or software development.
![[Featured image] Two game developers working at a computer station.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6wWAcNZk8DLcQkgSCwcJoE/4aedde7af4dd249e6abd4c6471b1b97f/Game_developer.png?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A web designer is at the office working.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/gzZpBDV3nX1AWytfLhbgs/d528553697d959544c8ca5b80b6d8beb/web_developer.png?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Top courses to explore computer science and engineering
Status: [object Object]
Skills you'll gain: Istio, Node.JS, Software Development Life Cycle, Unit Testing, Cloud Computing Architecture, Server Side, Application Deployment, Kubernetes, React Redux, Cloud Services, Django (Web Framework), Object-Relational Mapping, OpenShift, Git (Version Control System), Full-Stack Web Development, HTML and CSS, Cloud Computing, Jupyter, Generative AI, Interviewing Skills
Skills you'll gain: Django (Web Framework), Full-Stack Web Development, Version Control, Restful API, Data Structures, Unix Commands, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Git (Version Control System), Back-End Web Development, GitHub, Web Design and Development, Relational Databases, Front-End Web Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Database Management Systems, SQL, Database Design, Unit Testing, Algorithms, Web Development
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Code Review, Test Case, GitHub, OpenAI, Microsoft Visual Studio, Software Documentation, Continuous Integration, Integrated Development Environments, Software Development Tools, Data Ethics, Maintainability, Program Development, Artificial Intelligence, Application Development, Debugging, Development Testing, Software Development, Technical Documentation, Software Installation
![[Featured image] Three software engineers collaborate on a project at the office.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/7JJknwy3BJe39LGvXgL2Ng/8da7dee7218a4e361180a5c3020374f4/Software_developer.png?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] Employee working from home holding a baby as they types on their laptop](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/58bpNYzagq5zMIrNIGOT2o/9e84a7fef829254665e6cde92b22aa00/GettyImages-571492555.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A UX designer in a wheelchair works on a whiteboard design challenge during a job interview.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/2ZjYwkaxnKShWC7utVnUwk/255e7592ec155dcc1d7d0917e4450e46/Whiteboard_challenge.jpeg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A UI designer working with Figma at their laptop in a UX design office.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/MqSHGrRiFYEZeJFx7VE8f/752c2f6d7a87144275adeb68b6a01477/Figma_vs_Sketch.png?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] UX designer works at a laptop computer.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6fwcf9G0Hc3c2t9pnKWdwd/b59cdfb4e355c50786a458bef9e30d35/GettyImages-1092232950.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] Small group of people using both a computer and a smartphone app to complete their work.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6AdMky3yL9NXQcNocknhLV/c3da96aee75a06f74e359fc80de1b98c/GettyImages-2067743058.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Computer science and engineering encompass a wide variety of skills and career paths, from artificial intelligence and cryptography to software engineering and web development. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore computer science and engineering topics, including:
