From zero to Software Engineer

? From zero to Software Engineer in 11 steps ?‍?

If you are starting your path towards software engineering, here is a detailed guide to master the basics, grow in your career and become a professional with solid knowledge, using Python as a base language.

It is impossible to cover the entire roadmap to becoming a software engineer in detail in a single article. Therefore, at each stage links to specialized resources that address specific topics are included.

1. ? Set up your development environment

Before writing your first line of code, it is crucial to have the environment ready.

• Code Editor:

Download and configure Visual Studio Code (lightweight and flexible) or PyCharm (powerful for Python).

• Python Installation:

Visit python.org to install the latest version.

If you are using Windows, Set the PATH on your system to run Python from the terminal.

• Installation of additional tools:

Install pip (Python package manager) to easily install libraries.

Set up a virtual environment (venv) to isolate projects.

• ⏩Extra:

Learn how to use Jupyter Notebook to explore interactive code.

2. ? Master the fundamentals of programming with Python

Learning the fundamentals will give you the tools to solve any problem. Focus on:

• Basic syntax: variables, input/output (print, input).
• Control structures: if-else, for and while loops.
• Functions: definition, arguments, return.
• Error Handling: Use try-except blocks to prevent your program from breaking or generating unhandled errors.
• Collections: lists, dictionaries, tuples and sets.
• ? Exercise: Create a basic calculator and a program that sorts a list.

? Resource: Python Basics - FreeCodeCamp.

3. ? Learn Object Oriented Programming (OOP)

OOP is key in software engineering, as it allows you to organize and reuse your code. Learn:

Classes and Objects:
python
Copy code
class Person:

def init(self, name):

self.name = name

p = Person("Ana")

print(p.name)

Encapsulation: Protect attributes with _private or __very_private.

Inheritance: Extend existing classes without rewriting everything.

Polymorphism: Methods with different behaviors.

? Practical exercise: Create a Vehicle class with attributes and subclasses such as Car or Motorcycle.

4. ?️ Learn to use Git and GitHub

Every software engineer must master version control.

Install Git:

Configure your name and email with git config.

Learn the basic Commands:

git init: Initializes a repository.
git add .: Add changes.
git commit -m "Message": Save the change.
git push: Upload your code.
? Practical project: Upload a Python script to your first repository. Make changes and view history with git log.

5. ? Develop web applications with Python

Python is excellent for backend development. Starts with:

• Flask (light and fast): Learn to create routes (@app.route) and responses.
• Django (complete and robust): Generate a project structure with django-admin startproject. Learn about views, models and templates.
• ? Practical exercise: Create a basic server that displays “Hello World” and deploy your app to Heroku or Render.

6. ? Master databases

Data management is essential in software. Learn:

• SQL: Use SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE commands.
• SQLite/PostgreSQL: Configure your local database.
• ORM with Django/SQLAlchemy: Manage databases using Python code.
• ? Practical project: Create a database that stores pending tasks and access it from your Flask app.

7. ? Improve your logic with algorithms and data structures

Problem solving improves your critical thinking. Master:

Search and sorting algorithms: binary search, merge sort.
Data structures: lists, queues, stacks, trees and graphs.
? Daily Practice:

Solve problems in LeetCode and HackerRank.

Break down big problems into smaller solutions.

8. ? Learn about Testing and code quality

Write robust code using automated tests:

Pytest: Simple and powerful framework for testing.
Doctest: Add tests in your code documentation.

Basic test example with pytest:

def sum(a, b):
return a b
def test_sum():
assert sum(2, 3) == 5

9. ? Learn about APIs and microservices

The creation of APIs allows communication between applications.

• RESTful APIs: Use Flask or FastAPI to create routes and return data in JSON.
• API consumption: Use libraries as requests.
• ? Practical exercise: Create an API that sends weather data using external data such as OpenWeatherMap.

10. ? Build real projects and create a portfolio

Apply everything learned in practical projects:

• CRUD Application: Management of tasks, users or notes.
• Automated script: For example, a bot that checks your email.
• REST API: Publish useful data and documentation (with Swagger).
• Web Portfolio: Create a portfolio using Flask or Django.
• ? Resource: Use GitHub Pages to deploy projects and show your code.

11. ? Apply and get a job

Prepare your CV and start applying for vacancies. Practice makes perfect; little by little you will improve in the interviews.

To look for a job in the IT sector, you can use a specialized portal for IT profiles such as:

• We Work Remotely
• Getonbrd
• Hireline
• Findjobit
• Wellfound

? What's next?

Once you execute these 11 steps, consider exploring:

• Cloud development (AWS, Azure).
• DevOps and automation with Docker and CI/CD.
• Distributed systems.

? Start now and advance step by step! Each line of code brings you closer to your goal: becoming a software engineer. ?

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