How to Become a Software Developer in 3 Steps

Introduction

Becoming a software developer isn't about memorizing syntax, it's about mindset. Tech changes so fast that you will get left behind unless you think like a developer. In my journey, I've found three steps that matter most:

1. Develop a love for solving problems
2. Connect to the right knowledge sources
3. Fail your way to success

Software development, whether web apps, mobile apps, or anything that runs on a computer, requires curiosity and resilience. You need to enjoy the process of working through problems, learn from reliable sources, and accept that failure is part of the journey. If you're ready for that, you're ready to become a developer.

Step 1: Love Solving Problems

💡 While working in Kobe, Japan, I faced a challenge: hundreds of volunteers reporting KPIs manually. It took hours to condense the data.

Instead of accepting "this is just how it has to be," I experimented with Google Forms and Sheets. By automating calculations and building a dashboard, we cut reporting time by 72%, saving thousands of volunteer hours annually.

That project sparked my passion for programming. Even though I only used spreadsheets, I realized the power of software to solve real problems—and I wanted to learn more.

Step 2: Find the Right Knowledge

📚 How do you learn to code?

• Formal education: Computer science degrees teach transferable principles, even if specific technologies change.
• Learning platforms: Choose platforms with hands on coding exercises. For me, Codecademy's free courses were invaluable.
• Principles over syntax: Don't just memorize languages or frameworks. Learn universal concepts like object oriented programming, recursion, and data structures.

🎓 My path: After Japan, I majored in computer science. My degree introduced me to the fundamentals, starting with command line apps. The biggest lesson? Adaptability. Tech changes fast, so focus on theory and foundations.

Step 3: Fail Until You Succeed

⚡ Failure is part of the process. Artists, inventors, and developers all succeed through repeated failure.

Expect bugs, syntax errors, and security flaws. Big companies even pay "bug bounties" to people who find failures in their systems.

• Accept unexpected bugs and fix them.
• Be humble enough to admit your code isn't perfect.
• Pivot when needed.

🔧 Example: I once built a web app called Rxfill to remind users to refill prescriptions. Handling sensitive medical data raised security concerns, so I rebuilt it as an Android app. The data stayed on the user's phone—simpler, safer, and faster to deliver.

Your Journey

If you love problem solving, seek out the right knowledge, and embrace failure, you're ready to begin. Computer science now has countless specializations—web development, mobile apps, AI, data science, and more.

🗺️ Map your journey:

• Choose an educational path. School, online platforms, or mentorship—experiment and find what fits.
• Record your ideas. Even if you can't build them yet, write them down for later.
• Build whenever inspiration strikes. Iterate over time. My recipe app evolved from a command line program to a full web app (listandrecipe.com).
• Connect with other developers. Collaboration is critical. Tools like Git and GitHub make teamwork easier and protect shared code.

Final Thought

Becoming a developer isn't about mastering one language or framework—it's about mindset. Love solving problems, learn the principles, and embrace failure. With those three steps, you'll be ready to build, adapt, and grow in any direction you choose.