Begin your journey into software development with this short course introduction to the processes, roles, tasks, tools and technologies that are used in the creation of software.

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Understanding Software Development, Processes and Tools

What you’ll learn - Course overview - Sampler

Software development processes and rolesGet to know the key features of software systems and the various roles involved in creating them.

Introduction to programming languageExplore the basics of coding languages and how they&#039;re used to build software.

Databases and Structured Query Language (SQL)Learn about database structures and how SQL is used to manage and retrieve data.

What you’ll learn - List - USD Sampler overview

<ul><li>Those curious about software, how it’s made and the processes behind it.</li><li>Anyone who works with software developers and wants to understand the basics.</li><li>People new to coding or want to understand the tech world better.</li><li>Professionals in non-tech roles looking to improve communication with tech teams.</li></ul>

Available course start dates:<ul><li>Start any time, learn at your own pace</li></ul>This course does not have any certification or scheduled classes, so you can learn online whenever it suits you! If you are looking to do a more in-depth, accredited version of this course, we recommend the <a href="/courses/understanding-software-development-processes-and-tools-micro-credential">Understanding Software Development Processes and Tools Micro-credential</a>.

Our Sampler courses are punchy introductions to emerging areas of expertise. Delivered entirely online through articles, videos and case studies, you learn at your own pace. Completely free, you can start at any time but you need to complete the course within 3 weeks from the time you begin. There is approximately 2-3 hours of content for you to explore per week.

What is a Sampler short course?

Sampler short courses are free to enrol in. We’re excited to encourage more people to explore key topics that are of critical relevance today and into the future.

What are the fees for a Sampler short course?

No, credits are not awarded for completion of the academyEX Sampler and Advancer courses as these are not accredited by NZQA. The Sampler and Advancer courses provide introductions, and you can build on your knowledge and skills through further study in our accredited programmes.

Can I gain credits by completing the Sampler and/or Advancer courses?

Our Sampler and Advancer short courses were developed in collaboration with industry experts. You will find interviews with industry experts in amongst the content for all the Sampler and Advancer courses as well as content from a range of sources.

How were the Sampler and Advancer courses developed?

What you need to know -  Sampler overview

Understand the foundations of software development and how to get the best out of software development processes and technologies to deliver successful, sustainable solutions.

Understanding Software Development Processes and Tools

Starts March 2026. Disruptive Technologies: The AI One micro-credential provides hands-on, real-world learning in AI and emerging tech. Gain critical skills to lead through innovation and solve complex industry challenges.

Disruptive Technologies

Tech Futures Lab

Developing an understanding of the fundamentals of software development is critical, as more people are finding themselves interacting with software developers and technical projects. However, sometimes it is difficult to know where to start and it can feel like a whole other language is being spoken. Through this two-week free sampler short course, dive into an introduction to key aspects of software development including different methodologies, coding languages and database structures. This short course was developed by Dr David Parsons, an innovative educator and published academic, who shares his insights from over 20 years experience in software development.<ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://link.academyex.com/2025-prospectus">Download 2025 Prospectus</a></li></ul>

This is a free sampler of our accredited <a href="/browse/courses?course-type=microcredential">Micro-credential</a>

2 weeks (or less if you’re keen!)

2-3 hours per week <a href="https://app.academyex.com/enrol/sampler-usd">Start today!</a>

100% online, learn at your own pace

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Begin your journey into software development with this short course intro to the processes, roles, tools and technologies used in the creation of software

SAMPLER

Understanding Software Development Processes and Tools

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