The vast shift to eCommerce business models has created more demand than ever for front-end, back-end, and full-stack software developers. It’s also created an opportunity for people to make a career shift to a better-paying profession. After all, developers get an average median salary of around $107,000 a year.
Of course, making that transition take a lot of work in terms of learning, studying, and practicing. If you’re just starting out or even if you’ve been at it a while, you may wonder what tools you should know. Keep reading and we’ll cover five essential tools that all developers should know.
1. Git
Git is one of those things you hear about all the time but may feel a bit hazy about. Don’t feel bad. Part of the haziness comes from the fact that Git handles two different and crucial functions. Most of the time, you use Git as a version control tool. It lets you alter the code without risking that you’ll permanently delete a functional prior version with a non-functional new version.
Once you have a more or less finished version of the code, Git also functions as a code repository. Basically, it acts like an archive for that code.
2. Programming Languages
Programming languages come in and out of fashion, but there is a handful that most developers should know fairly well. Some of the more popular and common ones include:
- Python
- Javascript
- Java
- HTML and CSS
- C or C++
These cover most of your bases for both front-end and back-end development.
3. Libraries and Frameworks
Libraries and frameworks both provide you with sets of pre-written code. That pre-written code can speed up development on a project by giving you pre-bakes solutions to problems you’ll likely encounter. In many cases, a development team will decide up front with libraries or frameworks they’ll use.
You’ll often find additional useful tools in a framework, such as an angular template.
4. SQL
Standard Query Language, better known as SQL, is a tool that lets you manipulate tables inside a database. Since you’ll use or interact with databases over and over and over again as a developer, getting a handle on SQL will make your life a lot easier.
5. IDE
Software development happens in a text editor. The more advanced editors are called integrated development environments or IDEs. You should know at least one of the commonly used ones, such as Visual Studio, VS Code, or Eclipse.
Your employer may use a different IDE, but the essential functions typically carry over.
Tools for Developers
Developers must work from at least a few common tools. Without those common tools, no development project would ever reach completion. That means that you need to learn some of those common tools.
Start with essentials like Git and the essential programming languages. Pick an IDE and learn it well, since it’ll make learning another easier. Get comfortable with a few major libraries and frameworks, as well as SQL.
Looking for more development tips? Check out the posts in our Technology section.