Discover the top software developer hard skills

Hard skills for programmers are a set of technical knowledge or skills that you should definitely possess in the IT sphere. If you know the difference between hard and soft skills, you know that it is the “hard” ones that allow you to effectively solve work tasks, meet goals and simultaneously attract potential employers. Do you want to know which hard skills in programming are the most important and how to acquire them? Read on.

What are hard skills of a software developer?

Hard skills, often referred to as technical skills, are skills that can be acquired through education and experience. You can learn them by studying at school, taking courses or attending training. Hard skills can include vocational skills or abilities that are easy to define and measure.

As a rule, they are divided into several basic categories:

• Communication skills – for example, knowledge of foreign languages or word processing.
• Computer technology – knowledge of programming languages, proficiency in marketing or ability to use various programs.
• Data analysis – this includes, for example, knowledge of databases or data science.
• Web analytics – the ability to analyze the web and process individual data.

The importance of hard skills should be understood not only by the developer but also by anyone who wants to be successful in what they do. Hard skills are needed to achieve quality work results and get the job you want. A characteristic feature of hard skills is that they vary from job to job. A software developer will use different skills in practice than a carpenter or an electrician, for example.

Which hard skills are the most important for a developer?

The amount of hard skills that should be possessed by, for example, a project manager, a web designer, a software developer of any kind – from a novice developer to a senior Java developer – and specialists in other professions closely related to the IT field, is very extensive. However, we’ve written down the most important ones for you to focus on first. They are:

Programming language skills

There are a large number of programming languages. Which one you start learning depends mainly on your job and career goals. The more languages you know, the better you can apply yourself.

However, remember that languages need to be mastered in depth and you need to know all their pitfalls. This is the only way to use them correctly and avoid unnecessary complications.

Popular programming languages include:

• Python – A general-purpose programming language that is often used in the field of science. It is characterized by being easy to learn, free and allows high-productivity programming. It is ideal for coding for beginners, but also for advanced developers.
• Java – Whether you want to become a Java developer or just broaden your knowledge, don’t forget to learn one of today’s most popular programming languages. Java is a general-purpose, object-oriented language based on C and C++. Java programming languags is characterized by its simplicity, which makes it easy to learn even for a junior developer.
• Javascript – According to Devskiller.com, Javascript was the most popular programming language in the world in 2024. It greatly influences the front-end functionality of websites. In addition, it is also used in the development of other software applications, including mobile apps, video players, and virtual reality applications.
• SQL – A programming language, which you will need especially for database management. It’s currently very popular and is used by many companies, including giants such as Amazon and Meta.
• C++ – This language is mainly used for system programming or video game development. It is an object-oriented language with a long history.
• PHP – A universal language used mainly by front-end and back-end web developers.

Knowledge of algorithms and data structures

An essential hard skill for a developer is knowledge of algorithms and data structures. This is due to the fact that algorithms have a predetermined structure that helps you identify the problem and design an effective solution.

Data structures, often referred to as data organisation methods, are very similar. These refer to the way data is arranged and stored in computer memory. It is true that different data structures are designed for different purposes.

Experience with frameworks

Frameworks, also known as application frameworks, simplify the work of many programmers. These are software structures that serve as support for programming and development of various software projects. Frameworks usually consist of two parts:

• Frozen spots – used to define the overall architecture of the software structure and the relationships between the individual components. When used, these parts of the framework do not change.
• Hot spots – these are the parts that, together with the code, create new functionality. This is always different.

Controlling frameworks will make your work easier and faster. There are a number of frameworks available today, and some of the most popular are:

• Django – a Python-based framework that is most commonly used to create web pages.
• Node.js – an open-source back-end environment that allows you to run JavaScript code outside the web browser. The basis of this environment is the same as in the Chrome web browser.
• Bootstrap – an open-source framework for development using HTML, CSS or JavaScript, aimed at responsive front-end development for mobile devices.
• Angular – free open-source framework based on TypeScript. It is designed for creating dynamic websites and web applications.
• Vue – another open-source framework that is used to create user interfaces and single-page applications.
• Ruby on Rails – a framework that is used in the development of modern web applications.

Computational and mathematical skills

Machine learning is important for any developer who plans to work in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). It is a subfield of AI that deals with various methods and algorithms. These methods allow a program to learn and then respond correctly to certain stimuli without being directly programmed to do so.

Machine learning is a great skill, but it may not benefit every developer. If you’re not interested in artificial intelligence and are more focused on web development or UI/UX design, this skill will be useless to you.

Cloud computing

Cloud computing refers to the use of cloud solutions. This area is especially important for back-end developers and cloud specialists. However, it can be an interesting skill that can broaden your horizons and enable career growth.

Proficiency in foreign languages

Key hard skills for software developers, programmers and other IT specialists include foreign language skills as well as programming languages. English and German are essential and you should have at least a B2 level.

If your German language level or any other language is not very high, do not worry. Nowadays, you can improve your language skills with a variety of courses, even from the comfort of your own home.

Languages help you communicate with foreign clients and work with documents that are not in your native language without any problems. They make it much easier for you to perform individual tasks and prevent you from misunderstanding anything. You can avoid inaccurate or incorrect results.

Testing

Although a programmer is not an IT tester, it is important in software development to perform at least basic tests. Using them, they can find out if there are errors in the code or syntax that could later disrupt the functionality and security of the website, application or any other project they are working on.

Agile skills

Agile skills are the next hard skills for developers and programmers that more and more employers are demanding. These skills will help you thrive in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. They also ensure a smooth workflow, reduce delivery times, guarantee quality results and increase the productivity of the whole team.

From agile skills, we can choose, for example, the Scrum methodology, in which work is organized into short periods, called sprints. Another popular methodology is called Kanban, which tries to minimize the amount of work in progress and thus promote a smooth flow of work.

Object-oriented programming

Another practical IT hard skill that is valued by many employers. Object-oriented programming focuses on creating clear code that is easy to work with and can be easily reused.

This type of programming is used in many areas of IT, including website development, mobile or desktop applications, and operating system development.

Database management

A sought-after hard skill in IT. It usually involves the process of organizing, storing and manipulating data so that it is always available, yet securely stored. Programmers start by designing and creating databases. They then manipulate the data itself (modifying, adding, deleting, etc.), optimizing the database’s performance and ensuring its security.

Why are hard skills so important for software developers?

Hard skills aren’t just a term on a CV – they form the core of what a programmer really does. These are the reasons why you can’t do without them in the IT world:

1. Easier to get your dream job – proficiency in programming languages, agile skills or foreign languages will show a potential employer that you’re smart and would be the best choice for the company.
2. Getting the job done efficiently – hard skills can make it much easier for you to work on individual tasks. However, make sure you improve them regularly to keep up with trends and all the changes that happen regularly in the IT field.
3. Software quality and security – with the right skills, you can create secure software that works smoothly and without any problems.
4. Ability to adapt to new technologies – when you have some hard skills and a solid foundation, it’s much easier to adapt to new market developments and learn new things.
5. Competitive advantage – more hard skills automatically means better marketability and a better chance of landing your dream client or job.

Hard skills vs soft skills in IT

Wondering what’s the difference between hard skills and soft skills? Hard and soft skills may seem to blend together at first glance, but there are actually a few differences between them. The main ones include:

• A way of acquiring skills – hard skills have to be acquired somehow during your life. You can acquire them through training, workshops, courses, etc. Soft skills, on the other hand, are skills you are born with. They usually don’t change over time, but to use them effectively at work, it’s important to keep developing them – for example, by reading books and professional articles, listening to podcasts or watching videos on the subject.
• Measurability – Hard skills for software developers or coders are relatively easy to measure. For example, language skills are assessed on a scale from A1 to C2. Soft skills, on the other hand, such as communicative, empathy or problem-solving skills, cannot be measured.
• Importance in the work environment – hard skills are essential for doing your job. For example, as a developer you need to know programming languages. As a graphic designer, you need to know design programs and so on. Soft skills are also important for your job, but from a different perspective – they help you communicate better with colleagues, work in a team or solve unexpected problems.

Where to list hard skills on a CV?

Are you also wondering where to put computer skills on your CV? All hard skills can be listed in a special section called “Skills”. You can also include other information such as certificates you have obtained, courses and workshops you have attended, etc.

Your CV should only include a few of the main hard skills that you know best. Just describe them in one or two sentences. Tell us more about them in the interview or mention them in more detail in your cover letter. Avoid writing a long list of different skills that don’t add any value to the recruiter.

FAQ

What are hard skills?

Hard skills, also known as “technical skills”, are skills that you learn throughout your life and then hone. As a rule, you are not born with them. One may have certain predispositions that make it easier to acquire them, but in general one must work at them to acquire them.

Hard skills in IT are generally defined as the technical knowledge and skills that enable you to perform individual tasks efficiently. This includes proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python or C++, database management, web application development, software engineering and so on.

Hard skills must not be lacking in any programmer, developer or tester. But don’t forget that this field is dynamic and constantly evolving. If you want to be good at what you do and impress your employer, educate yourself regularly. Attend workshops, courses or conferences, read professional literature and communicate with other professionals.

What hard skills are crucial for a programmer?

The list of hard skills for programmers is long. Some of the most important include proficiency in programming languages, knowledge of algorithms and data structures, experience with frameworks, computational and mathematical skills, cloud computing, computer skills, and many more.

As a programmer, you don’t need to master every single hard skill we’ve mentioned. You just need a few of them, which you will actually master on a professional level and which you will then combine with soft skills. Soft skills are just as important as hard skills, so don’t forget them and work on developing them as well.

How to get hard skills?

There are several ways to acquire hard skills. The most practical and simplest alternative are online courses and learning platforms. Many are now completely free, so you don’t have to invest any money in learning – just your time. Duolingo is good for language, Codecademy or FreeCodeCamp for coding, and you can find thousands of other courses on a variety of topics on sites like Udemy, Coursera or Skillshare.

You can also develop hard programming skills by reading books and articles, watching YouTube videos or joining discussions. Don’t forget to put your theoretical knowledge into practice – at work or in your free time. Create your own projects or join an open-source community.