Software Development

Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career as software or DevOps engineer, mainframe developer, QA tester, and more.

Coursera Logo
[Featured Image] A software engineer smiles in front of a computer monitor with code on the screen.
Status: Featured

Software Engineer Career Path 2024: Overview, Jobs, and Pay

Use this article to follow the timeline of a software engineer career path and learn about specializations within the field.

October 31, 2023

Article

[Featured image] An aspiring software developer takes a programming class in a computer lab.
Status: Featured

7 Tips for Sharpening Software Developer Skills

If you’re interested in sharpening the critical skills needed for a successful career in software development, these tips can help.

March 30, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A person in an orange shirt studies for a DevOps certification.
Status: Featured

5 Popular DevOps Certifications in 2024

Earning the right DevOps certification can help you build expertise, gain recognition, and advance your career.

June 16, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A video game developer works on her laptop using Lua programming as a scripting language.

What Is Lua Programming and What Is It Used For?

Learn more about the Lua programming language, including what it’s used for, the advantages of programming with Lua, and how you can learn Lua.

December 9, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A programmer, sits at her glass-top desk and works on two screens filled with code.

Programming Careers: A Guide to Finding Top-Paying Tech Jobs

Programming careers start at entry-level software development and progress to executive technology positions when combined with business expertise and management certifications. Learn more about how to prepare for these jobs.

November 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] After achieving software engineer certification, two software engineers discuss their work as they look at a laptop.

Popular Software Engineer Certifications

A software engineer certification can help you learn new skills and demonstrate your credentials to employers. Explore your certification options and the career benefits of getting your credentials.

November 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A video game developer works on her laptop using Lua programming as a scripting language.

What Is Lua Programming and What Is It Used For?

Learn more about the Lua programming language, including what it’s used for, the advantages of programming with Lua, and how you can learn Lua.

December 9, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A programmer, sits at her glass-top desk and works on two screens filled with code.

Programming Careers: A Guide to Finding Top-Paying Tech Jobs

Programming careers start at entry-level software development and progress to executive technology positions when combined with business expertise and management certifications. Learn more about how to prepare for these jobs.

November 27, 2024

Article

Explore popular software development courses

Status: [object Object]

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing, Cloud Applications, Computer Programming, IBM Cloud, Software Engineering, Javascript, Web Development, Application Development, Programming Principles, Software Engineering Tools, Cloud Infrastructure, Full-Stack Web Development, Cloud API, Cloud Management, Cloud Platforms, Agile Software Development, Cloud Storage, Communication, DevOps, Software Architecture, Software As A Service, Continuous Integration, Software Testing, System Programming, Continuous Delivery, Docker (Software), Front-End Web Development, Leadership and Management, Software-Defined Networking, Django (Web Framework), NoSQL, Collaboration, Python Programming, SQL, Computer Science, Data Analysis, Kubernetes, Mergers & Acquisitions, React (web framework)

Build toward a degree

4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
51K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Computer Programming, Software Engineering Tools, Application Development, Programming Principles, Software Architecture, Agile Software Development, Communication, Software-Defined Networking, System Programming, Python Programming

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews

Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Status: [object Object]

Amazon

Skills you'll gain: Agile Software Development, Algorithms, Databases, Java Programming, Javascript

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
33 reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

[Featured image] Coursera Plus subscriber Corey O'Brien sits in front of his desktop computer, which displays the certificate he earned after completing the Microsoft IT Support Specialist Professional Certificate.

Meet the Automotive Tech Exploring New Careers with Coursera Plus

With Coursera Plus, Corey O’Brien can discover what he enjoys and where his career could go next.

November 22, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An AI expert sits at a computer and uses a logic programming language.

Logic Programming: What It Is and How to Use It

Logic programming uses facts and rules, making it well-suited for use in applications such as natural language processing and predictive analysis. Read on to learn the basics of logic programming language, including examples and how you might use it.

November 7, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A group of colleagues sit at a table and discuss the different types of operating systems and which one is best for their business.

5 Types of Operating Systems to Know

Operating systems make your devices usable, creating a bridge between your inputs and your device’s actions. By exploring different types of operating systems, you can gain a deeper understanding of computers and how they function.

November 7, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A smiling man in a black shirt wears a VR headset and headphones, and wonders how to become a game developer.

How to Become a Game Developer

Game development is a growing career field that uses programming languages to code video games. Learn how to become a game developer, the average game developer salary in the US, and the skills and education you’ll need to be successful.

November 6, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A happy group of engineers working on their laptops at a communal table debate the benefits of a DevOps engineer vs. cloud engineer career path.

DevOps Engineer vs. Cloud Engineer: Which Career Path Is Right for You?

Explore the careers of DevOps and cloud engineers, including job responsibilities, skill sets, educational requirements, and more.

November 6, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Three web developers sitting at a table in an open concept office use backend languages to write code on their laptops.

Why Learn Back-End Languages?

Modern websites need back-end development to maintain a responsive, smooth system that provides users with a positive experience. Explore back-end development, including role types and paths to learning this skill.

November 5, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A software developer sits at a table with a laptop and uses a procedural programming language.

Procedural Programming Language: What It Is and When It’s Used

Explore procedural programming languages, including how they differ from object-oriented programming, their advantages, and tips for learning them. Discover some careers that use procedural programming languages.

November 1, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An app development team discusses its ongoing strategy to improve a new application's performance after evaluating TestFlight results.

What Is TestFlight?

TestFlight is a beta testing tool for iOS applications. Learn how Apple’s beta testing platform helps you inspect apps’ performance prior to releasing them on the App Store so you can get feedback and look for errors in a real-world environment.

November 1, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Three mobile-friendly website developers gather around a mobile device to analyze a new application created using bootstrap.

What Is Bootstrap and Who Uses It?

Bootstrap is a framework for building mobile-friendly applications using responsive design. Explore the question, "What is Bootstrap?" and learn Bootstrap's pros and cons and why you might want to start learning Bootstrap.

November 1, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] After achieving software engineer certification, two software engineers discuss their work as they look at a laptop.

Popular Software Engineer Certifications

A software engineer certification can help you learn new skills and demonstrate your credentials to employers. Explore your certification options and the career benefits of getting your credentials.

November 27, 2024

Article

[Featured image] Coursera Plus subscriber Corey O'Brien sits in front of his desktop computer, which displays the certificate he earned after completing the Microsoft IT Support Specialist Professional Certificate.

Meet the Automotive Tech Exploring New Careers with Coursera Plus

With Coursera Plus, Corey O’Brien can discover what he enjoys and where his career could go next.

November 22, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An AI expert sits at a computer and uses a logic programming language.

Logic Programming: What It Is and How to Use It

Logic programming uses facts and rules, making it well-suited for use in applications such as natural language processing and predictive analysis. Read on to learn the basics of logic programming language, including examples and how you might use it.

November 7, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A group of colleagues sit at a table and discuss the different types of operating systems and which one is best for their business.

5 Types of Operating Systems to Know

Operating systems make your devices usable, creating a bridge between your inputs and your device’s actions. By exploring different types of operating systems, you can gain a deeper understanding of computers and how they function.

November 7, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A smiling man in a black shirt wears a VR headset and headphones, and wonders how to become a game developer.

How to Become a Game Developer

Game development is a growing career field that uses programming languages to code video games. Learn how to become a game developer, the average game developer salary in the US, and the skills and education you’ll need to be successful.

November 6, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A happy group of engineers working on their laptops at a communal table debate the benefits of a DevOps engineer vs. cloud engineer career path.

DevOps Engineer vs. Cloud Engineer: Which Career Path Is Right for You?

Explore the careers of DevOps and cloud engineers, including job responsibilities, skill sets, educational requirements, and more.

November 6, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Three web developers sitting at a table in an open concept office use backend languages to write code on their laptops.

Why Learn Back-End Languages?

Modern websites need back-end development to maintain a responsive, smooth system that provides users with a positive experience. Explore back-end development, including role types and paths to learning this skill.

November 5, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A software developer sits at a table with a laptop and uses a procedural programming language.

Procedural Programming Language: What It Is and When It’s Used

Explore procedural programming languages, including how they differ from object-oriented programming, their advantages, and tips for learning them. Discover some careers that use procedural programming languages.

November 1, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An app development team discusses its ongoing strategy to improve a new application's performance after evaluating TestFlight results.

What Is TestFlight?

TestFlight is a beta testing tool for iOS applications. Learn how Apple’s beta testing platform helps you inspect apps’ performance prior to releasing them on the App Store so you can get feedback and look for errors in a real-world environment.

November 1, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Three mobile-friendly website developers gather around a mobile device to analyze a new application created using bootstrap.

What Is Bootstrap and Who Uses It?

Bootstrap is a framework for building mobile-friendly applications using responsive design. Explore the question, "What is Bootstrap?" and learn Bootstrap's pros and cons and why you might want to start learning Bootstrap.

November 1, 2024

Article

Software development covers a wide variety of skills and careers, from programming to quality assurance to DevOps. 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 software development topics, including:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Coursera Plus
Build job-ready skills with a Coursera Plus subscription
  • Get access to 10,000+ learning programs from world-class universities and companies, including Google, Yale, Salesforce, and more
  • Try different courses and find your best fit at no additional cost
  • Earn certificates for learning programs you complete
  • A subscription price of $59/month, cancel anytime