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Getting Started in Software Development

This free, self-paced course explains what software development actually involves, how people break into it, and how you can begin in a way that makes sense.

Hours

Beginner

  Last Updated
June 2025

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Join Skill Foundry

This course includes:

  • Access to private discord community
  • lessons, videos, and more

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Prerequisites:

No previous experience is needed! We'll guide you through everything you need to know.

Overview

Curriculum

Mentor

FAQs

What everyone wish they knew before they started to learn programming...

Understand how developers’ careers work in about 3 hours, without paying a cent, before you decide to pursue one.

  • How do modern applications work?
  • Do I need a degree?
  • What kind of computer do I need?
  • Are coding bootcamps worth it?
  • What language should I learn first?
  • What do all these job titles mean?

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Search “how to become a developer” and you’ll find a mess of opinions that feel more confusing than helpful.

Some say to start with JavaScript. Others swear by Python. Some push coding bootcamps. Others insist you should teach yourself from scratch.

Everyone seems certain. But none of it feels clear. And if you’re like most beginners, you’re probably asking questions like:

  • What kind of developer should I even be?
  • Where do I begin?
  • What kind of computer do I need?
  • How do people actually go from knowing nothing to becoming employable?


This course exists to give you honest, beginner-friendly answers. It strips out the hype and focuses on what really matters when you’re starting from zero.

Understanding the Fundamentals

This short course takes a few hours, and by the end you’ll not only understand how software development works, but you’ll also know what to do next, and what’s worth ignoring.

Developer Careers

What developers actually do at work, and how their jobs fit into the tech world

Application Types

The key differences between areas like web development, mobile apps, and backend systems

Pathways to Employment

What it takes to learn each path, and how realistic it is to break into them as a beginner

There’s no coding in this course, because right now you don’t need that.

Your time is precious! Maximize the return on your time investment by making sure your body, mind, and environment are primed for learning.

Course Outline

History, Computers, and Careers

  • Explore the foundations of programming, from its historical roots to modern career opportunities.
  • Introduction
  • History and Evolution of Software Development
  • Choosing a Computer
  • Demystifying Programmer Terminology
  • Career Opportunities

Which Programming Language to Learn First?

  • Compare popular programming languages and discover which one aligns best with your goals and interests.
  • The Language Short List
  • C/C++
  • C#
  • Java
  • JavaScript
  • Python
  • The Language Ranking Matrix

Learning Options and the Impact of AI

  • Evaluate different educational paths and understand how AI is transforming the programming landscape.
  • Degree, Bootcamp, Hire-Train-Deploy, or Online Course?
  • What About Artificial Intelligence?
  • Final Words

Join developers who chose...

depth over speed,
understanding over memorization, and 
professional skills over participation certificates.

Who Is It For?

This course is for anyone thinking about learning to code or where to start.

You might have watched a few videos, read a few articles, or started a tutorial that didn’t stick. You might be motivated to switch careers, automate mundane tasks on the job, or build something cool!

Whatever your reason, this course will help you get your bearings.

This isn’t a coding course. So, you won’t be writing any code, downloading software, or working through exercises.

It’s a simple, clear introduction to what software development really involves, based on years of experience working with beginners and helping them get started the right way.

About the Author

Eric Wise

Software Architect | Mentor | Entrepreneur
Eric isn't just another online instructor, he's a veteran software architect, multi-time tech entrepreneur, and someone who's been in every corner of the industry from tech start ups, big corporations, and freelancing.
But what makes Eric truly special is his legendary ability to explain complex concepts in ways that actually stick.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know anything about coding before I start?

No, you don’t need any background in tech or programming. This course was made for beginners who are still figuring out if coding is the right path.

Will I be writing code in the course?

No, you won’t be writing code in this course. The goal is to help you understand how coding fits into the bigger picture, so you can make smart choices later on.

How long does the course take?

Most people finish the course in less than eight hours. You can do it all in one sitting or spread it out over a few days (whichever works best for you).

What happens after I finish the course?

You’ll have a clearer idea of what kind of developer you might want to become and what your first steps could look like.

Forge your Future. Learn to Code.

You can’t fast-forward time, but you can stop wasting it.

Join now and start making real progress.

Start today.

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Monthly Plan

$75/month

  • Full access to all courses and learning paths
  • Learn at your own pace. No deadlines or pressure
  •  Regular content updates and new project releases
  • Access to our supportive Discord community
  • Help from the Skill Foundry team when you need it

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Annual Plan

$600/year

  • All monthly plan benefits
  • Access 24/7 to all courses and updates