Software Developer Career Guide and Counseling

Question: Software Developer? I am very interested in finding a trust worthy and genius software developer that I can work projects with on on a continuous basis for years to come. I am an inventor with tons of money making software ideas that needs to be developed, I don't have too much money at this time, and I live in Baltimore, Maryland. Also, How can I tell if the software developer is fantastic or terrible? what are the questions I should ask, since I know nothing about.

Answer: If you have a specific project you would like to start with, you should advertise it anon on eLance. There you will get bids and be able to screen people w/o them knowing who you are. You may luck out and find a kid that wants to take you up on your offer but at sometime in the future they are going to want to start making money also. You might find one of them at a high school in the computer club or see if you have a user group in town. There might be one there.

Question: What are the advantages from a software developer's standpoint of making open source software? I am new to the tech industry (I am in the legal department) and am wondering from a practical standpoint why a software developer would develop open source software. Any thoughts?

Answer: It depends on the type of software and reason for its development. The main reasons to make software open source as I see it are: 1) You can use GPL code in your project. There are an awful lot of GPL libraries out there, and can help you deliver your projects much quicker, but only if your project is open source too. 2) You're looking for outside developers to help work on the project for no charge. Problem here is that your project must be interesting for other developers to care. 3) You're targeting open source operating systems. There is a prejudice against closed source software running on linux. 4) You're after personal recognition from your peers.

Question: How can I transition from being a software developer to manager? I've been a software developer for a number of years, and in my last two jobs, I found that I was smarter than my manager, or even VP of Engineering, and can do their job better than them. I've tried applying for management jobs at other companies, and nobody takes my resume seriously since I haven't been a manager. I don't have an MBA, and don't plan on getting one. Any suggestions?

Answer: I'd suggest trying to take on more leadership roles. If you don't have an opportunity in your current job, do it in volunteer or club roles. Manage a charity event or something to show your management ability. One group you may want to considering joining meetings of is PMI in order to make contacts with project managers. They are a global group, so there is probably one in your area. If you want to take some training classes through them you can become CAPM certified which is one step closer to PMP certification and typically well recognized. Also, I'd recommend listening to the pod-casts from manager-tools.com. They have great advice for new managers and have an active forum where you could ask questions of other managers about how they got where they are.

Question: How can I get a Software Developer knowledge? I am in Africa. I want to become a Software Developer but there is no school in my country that provides that. What do I do? How can I achieve my goal with limited opportunities or no opportunity at all?

Answer: u have access to the internet? If so, Everything u need is on the internet GOOGLE it. That's how i learned programming (well mostly)

Question: What is the difference between a software architect and a software developer? In your own words, what is the difference between a software architect and a software developer? I would be happy if you would answer it. Thanks.

Answer: the software architect is the person who draws up the plans for the new program. The software developer is the person who actually implements the plans ("blueprints") that the architect drew up. They can be, but aren't always the same person.

Question: Where can software developer/web service creators find experienced legal assistance with documents? If a software developer (or web service firm) creates a product or online service (such as an application, or a service like YouTube or MySpace), lawyers need to write all of the Terms of Use and conditions legal documents, as well as assist in future partnerships with other companies. Is anyone out there either a lawyer who has experience in this field or has developed web applications or personal computer software that can reference a firm or a place to find one?

Answer: I work for a software company that specializes in software for law firms. I know many different lawyers that could help. However, I only know ones that use (or have thought of using) our software, so there may be better ones out there. I would suggest looking for an "intellectual property" lawyer in your community. You can find on by looking at www.findlaw.com or www.martindale.com. If you look at martindale, look for one with an AV rating - that means that they have been rated by their peers as a top attorney, and have more than 10 years of experience.

Question: Does anyone know a software developer in the Greater Cincinnati area willing to help an entrepreneur? I live in Cincinnati and I'm an entrapreneur. I am looking for a software developer or a software programmer here local. I have an idea that will receive angel and venture investment money, however; I would like to have a working prototype to present to them. Unfortunatly, I do not have the money to pay a software programmer until I receive my first round of seed money. Does anyone know a software developer in Cincinnati willing to help? Please feel free to email your answers to franklin.taylor@yahoo.com I need a programmer that is capable of writing code for a search engine such as yahoo-shopping or shopzilla

Answer: What kind of tasks is it that you need the programmer to do? I know a number of programmers in Cincinnati and Dayton, but I dont know what skills you are looking for. A couple of the ones I know are also entrepreneur's, and might be willing to take a risk if the idea is sound.

Question: How many years to become a senior software developer? How many years of being a software developer does it take to become a senior developer?

Answer: That depends on the a few factors. What level programmer are you now, what degrees do you have, and what type of software you develop. So lets say you just graduated high school plan on going to a four years school and major in computer science, you would be looking at about 10 years to reach a senior level job. However there are may ways to deduct that time by doing a two program, staying with the same company, and getting certified on multiple platforms i.e OX, Linux, Windows. That might save 3 or 4 years. So 6 to 10 years to answer your question.

Question: What kind of questions are asked in a interview for a Software Developer position? I have an interview coming up next week for a software developer position, I have my degree in chemistry and haven't had a lot of computer programing experience i've only had 1 semester of java. Is there a lot of experience required for the position.

Answer: If you've already got the interview then something on your resume intrigued them enough to call you.

Question: How much does a C++ software developer/ game developer make? I would prefer people who actually some kind of professional software developer, not people who just looked it up on payscale. I'm particularly interested in game design.

Answer: The vast majority of video game development in C++ pays between $50k and $80k a year. While this might seem like a good salary I assure you that you can make FAR more money and work in more pampered environment taking your knowledge of C++ into the world of algorithmic trading. Because there are lots and lots of young that are attracted to programming video games the competition for jobs is fierce. If you are smart person and can understand the mathematical models upon which billion dollar equity trades are based, companies are willing to pay you more and treat you better.