Software as a Service (SaaS) is emerging as a dominant model in the software industry. Cloud Zero estimates that over 80% of business software will comprise SaaS solutions by 2025.
Businesses across the globe are turning to SaaS solutions for their scalability, affordability, and efficiency. This surge in popularity has resulted in a high demand for skilled SaaS developers.
If you’re a young person looking for a career path or someone who’s looking to change careers, this could be a great industry for you to join. But what does it take to be successful?
Our guide breaks it down into five steps. So, if you want to know how to become a SaaS developer, you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
SaaS – What Is It?
SaaS is a software delivery model where you host applications on a cloud-based server that users over the Internet can access.
In traditional software development, the client owns the software outright. In SaaS 2023 and beyond, operations are taking on more of a subscription-based model, where the client pays for ongoing usage.
You go to Wal-Mart and buy a DVD for $30. You now own that DVD. Wal-Mart doesn’t show up in a month and want it back.
Conversely, you can pay Netflix $12 a month and watch whatever you want as often as you want. You can consider Netflix as “Movies as a service” or “Shows as a service”.
The first step when learning how to become a SaaS developer is familiarizing yourself with the fundamentals. This will give you a better understanding of the SaaS development process and requirements.
Why Would Anyone Want to Be a SaaS Developer?
The demand for SaaS developers stays high. The industry is growing faster than most.
SaaS development offers an excellent opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and constantly innovate.
It’s also a highly sought-after field with competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth.
Additionally, as more businesses shift towards the cloud-based model, there will be an increasing demand for skilled SaaS developers to develop and maintain these applications.
Do you enjoy solving complex problems, staying up-to-date with the latest technology, and being in a high-demand field? Then, becoming a SaaS developer might be the perfect career choice for you.
Who knows? Becoming the next 10x engineer could be in your future…
The Skills Required for a SaaS Developer
Becoming a successful SaaS developer requires a combination of technical and soft skills.
On the technical side, you’ll need to have a solid understanding of programming languages like Java, Python, or C++. You’ll also want experience with web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Knowledge of cloud computing platforms such as AWS or Azure is also essential since SaaS applications are hosted on these platforms.
Additionally, you’ll need to be familiar with database management, API integration, and agile development methodology.
Soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and adaptability are equally crucial. You’ll be working on complex projects with cross-functional teams.
Everyone needs to get along and work as a team.
How to Become a SaaS Developer in 5 Steps
You live for coding. You have the soft skills to make you a team member any leader would love to have. What next?
The real first step in how to become a SaaS developer in 2024 is reading this post and staying up to date with all the articles at Let Me Cook.
Kidding. Not really.
Here’s the information you came to visit our site today. Becoming a SaaS developer in 5 steps.
Step 1: Get a Degree in Computer Science or a Related Field
Did you give your magic 8-ball a shake? Do you see a career in SaaS development in your future? Start by putting your best foot forward.
If you’re a young person looking at higher education opportunities or currently a student, consider getting a computer science degree or something related.
(If you’re slightly older and don’t want to return to school, skip to the next step.)
Why is this step so important?
A degree in computer science or a related field will provide the foundation necessary for building a career in SaaS development.
You’ll learn programming languages, software engineering principles, and software architecture concepts – all of which are essential skills for SaaS developers.
And don’t worry if you’re not sure which degree to choose. Many great degree programs are designed specifically for aspiring SaaS developers.
Network Early
One of the most important aspects is not what you learn in college but who you will meet. Take the time to make new friends and expand your network. You never know who’s going to start their own SaaS business in the near future.
Take the time to get on LinkedIn. Build out your profile and start making some connections. You want to be a SaaS developer. You’re already leagues ahead of most people who are in college. Our intern CJ is 57 and he still has no idea what he wants to do.
We’re kidding. He’s 43.
Step 2: Learn Programming Languages and Technologies
A degree in computer science will provide you with the necessary theoretical foundation. However, gaining hands-on experience with programming languages and technologies used in SaaS development is equally important.
As mentioned earlier, Java, Python, and C++ are popular programming languages used in SaaS development.
Additionally, web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are essential for developing user interfaces.
Familiarizing yourself with cloud computing platforms like AWS or Azure will also give you an edge in the job market.
Learn everything you can.
- Listen to podcasts
- Read books
- Watch YouTube tutorials
There is an endless amount of resources available to you outside of school you can use to make yourself a better developer.
Step 3: Gain Experience Through Internships or Freelance Work
Experience almost always trumps education. SaaS development is no exception.
Internships or freelance work during your studies can provide valuable hands-on experience and make you a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs.
It will also allow you to work on real-world projects, build a portfolio of work, and network with professionals in the industry. When learning how to become a SaaS developer, this step is key.
Use GitHub to Build Your Portfolio
As a SaaS developer, having a strong portfolio of work is essential. It showcases your skills and experience to potential employers.
GitHub is an excellent platform for hosting and making your projects accessible to others.
Use it to showcase your coding abilities, collaborate with others, and contribute to open-source projects. This will make you more attractive as a candidate and help you improve your skills.
Step 4: Learn About Cloud Computing Concepts
SaaS applications are hosted on cloud computing platforms like AWS or Azure.
Having a strong understanding of cloud computing concepts and platforms will be crucial in developing and maintaining SaaS applications. These include:
- Broad network access
- Resource pooling
- Rapid elasticity
- IaaS vs. PaaS vs. SaaS
- Private vs. Public vs. Hybrid
- And so much more
You can learn about these concepts through online courses, certifications, or hands-on experience.
Become Familiar With SaaS Platforms and Technologies
If you don’t enjoy learning, SaaS development isn’t for you. The industry is in a constant state of evolution for both tech and security purposes. To be the best at what you do, you’ll want to stay abreast of everything going on.
Attend conferences and networking events, join online communities, and read industry publications.
Being familiar with SaaS platforms will also make you a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs. It will also make you a better developer.
Continuously Improve Your Skills
Continuous learning is great. But you also need to spend time working on the practical side of SaaS development.
As a SaaS developer, you’ll need to adapt to change quickly.
How does your resume look? Can you tighten it up? How are your soft skills like discipline, teamwork, and approachability? Can you do anything to approve those?
Step 5: Apply for SaaS Development Jobs
Once you have completed the previous steps and understand the skills required for SaaS development, it’s time to apply for jobs.
Don’t be afraid to apply even if you don’t meet all the requirements.
Following this guide will give you a strong foundation on how to become a SaaS developer. Combined with ongoing learning, you’ll have a solid chance of landing your dream job as a SaaS developer.
How to Find SaaS Developer Jobs in 2024
The demand for SaaS developers is expected to grow in the coming years. So, where can you find these jobs? Here are some resources to help you get started:
- Online job boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn have a vast database of job listings you can search. You can sort the listings by date to try and be one of the first candidates that apply for a role. Applying to a listing that’s a month old will probably not get you an interview.
- Company websites: Many companies post job openings on their websites, so check them regularly. Who do you want to work for? Why do you want to work for them? That question will be asked. Make sure you have a great answer.
- Recruiters: You can also work with recruiters who specialize in IT or software development roles. They can help match you with job opportunities and provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the application process.
- Networking: Attend events or join online communities where SaaS developers gather. Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals in the industry for advice or potential job opportunities.
Additional Resources for Aspiring SaaS Developers
Unfortunately, we can’t give you all the answers. But what we can do is give you a good place to start.
Follow today’s guide and check out some of the additional resources to find out what kind of developer you want to be.
- Codecademy – Offers interactive coding courses in various programming languages and technologies.
- Udacity – Provides online courses and Nanodegree programs in areas such as web development, cloud computing, and data science.
- Coursera – Offers online courses and specializations in tech-related fields from top universities.
- SaaS Mag – An online publication covering news, trends, and insights within the SaaS industry.
- Dev.to – A community platform for developers to share knowledge and connect with others in the industry.
- Reddit r/SaaS – A subreddit dedicated to discussions and news related to SaaS development.
How to Become a SaaS Developer in 2024? Your Journey Has Already Started
Knowing how to become a SaaS developer is the real first step. It involves a combination of quality education, practical experience, continuous learning, and targeted job seeking.
Each step is a critical part of your journey. Don’t forget to proactively build your portfolio on GitHub and network within the industry.
The path to becoming a developer for SaaS 2024 is much different than it will be in the future. But it is full of opportunities for growth and learning. Stay curious, be persistent, and, above all, never stop improving your skills.
Check out our complete SaaS crash course for a full list of everything we recommend. We’ve compiled a list of the best books and courses for anyone in this industry.
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Glad to hear it! You might also want to check out our 10x engineer post.