Things to Consider When Choosing a Software Architecture Course

In the software development world, finding the right course can sometimes be challenging. For the past year, I’ve been helping people find suitable courses. During this process, I’ve created content in various fields to support software professionals in finding their own paths.

Based on the feedback from hundreds of people I know and my observations, I wanted to list the steps that could also help dev.to readers.

Software courses should be chosen according to personal needs and goals. iSAQB is a good resource in this regard, offering opportunities to specialize in different areas. Additionally, you can easily find courses suitable for you with AI-powered search tools like techyAI.

➡️ Click to see more details about iSAQB courses

Let’s take a look at some tips that will help you in this process. 👀

1- Identify Your Needs

The first step is to determine what you need to know. Start by forecasting the skills you need for the work you do or plan to do. For example, microservices, cloud-based architectures, or architecture approaches specific to a particular programming language. Once you clarify your needs, you can research courses that match them.

Below is an example path for someone looking to get the iSAQB CPSA-A certification.

2- Review the Course Content

The curriculum of the course helps you understand the depth and breadth of the knowledge offered. Carefully review the course titles and content summaries to determine if the course matches your knowledge level and learning goals.

For example, if you want to get an iSAQB certification, you need to obtain the CPSA-F certification first and then score at least 70 points in different modules to reach the CPSA-A certification. Here are the different training options available during this process:

Foundation Level

The CPSA-F certification teaches you the skills needed to successfully design and document software architectures and gain the necessary knowledge. This course is essential if you are facing increasing cost and time pressures on software projects and want to find solutions to these challenges.

Domain-driven Design (DDD)

If you want to specialize in designing domain-driven architectures in collaboration with developers and domain experts, I recommend taking this course. The aim of this training is to make software systems more understandable and manageable.

iSAQB CLOUDINFRA

The iSAQB® CLOUDINFRA module is ideal for those who want to learn the fundamentals of modern infrastructures. In this training, you can learn about common cloud-native architectures, distributed applications, containers, and microservices architectures.

iSAQB IMPROVE

If you want to be more effective in software maintenance and development, the iSAQB® IMPROVE training is ideal for you. This course teaches how to make systematic improvements and extend the lifespan of your software.

AGILA

The iSAQB® AGILA training is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to gain knowledge and skills in agile software architecture. This training teaches how to integrate software architecture into agile projects and helps you manage your projects more agilely and effectively.

WEB

This training is ideal for those who want to learn the basics of web architectures and design modern web applications. With this training, you can produce more secure and effective solutions in your web projects.

FUNAR

The iSAQB® FUNAR training is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to gain knowledge in functional software architecture and Haskell programming. With this training, you can use the power of functional architecture in your software projects.

FLEX

With this training, you can manage your projects more flexibly and effectively. If your goals are:

• Getting faster deployment and feedback in system applications
• Exploring architectural interactions with organizations, processes, and technologies
• Learning modern and pragmatic approaches to flexible software architectures like independent systems and microservices This training will be more suitable for you.

SOFT

Software architects who want to improve their social skills can take the iSAQB® SOFT training. This training will make you more effective and efficient in topics such as practical strategies in the work environment, effective communication, and conflict management.

ADOC

If your goal is to document your projects more clearly and effectively, the ADOC training is the most suitable for you. You can learn to use architectural documentation as an effective communication and working tool.

During the training, you can also work on your own project. By presenting the results to the participants and receiving feedback, you can interact and directly apply your learning to your own project.

ARCEVAL

If your main goal is to make your projects more transparent and open to communication, you can consider this training. This training will teach you how to understand whether an architecture meets expectations. By developing existing solution approaches sustainably, you can make projects more secure and of higher quality.

EAM

You can take this training to improve yourself in making sustainable decisions and aligning IT with corporate strategy. You will learn to make sustainable decisions for architects and managers, manage IT costs, benefits, and risks.

During the training process, you will also have the opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas with professionals on different situations.

REQ4ARC

If you want to improve your effectiveness in working with business analysts, product owners, or requirements engineers, you can participate in this training. By focusing on the necessary requirements to make the right architectural decisions, you can specialize in developing need-based products as soon as possible without deviating from the path.

For more detailed information, you can find answers to all your questions in the article “What is iSAQB CPSA-A Certificate & How to get it?”.

3- Evaluate the Instructor’s Expertise

The experience and expertise of the instructor directly affect the quality of the course. Try to learn about the instructor’s previous work, articles they have written, or other courses they have taught. This helps you understand how well the instructor knows the subject and how beneficial they can be to you.

4- Read Student Reviews

Reviews from people who have taken the course before offer a more objective perspective on the course. Especially, read these reviews carefully to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the course.

5- Practical Training Opportunities

In addition to theoretical knowledge, opportunities for practice are also crucial. Check if the course offers projects or lab work where you can apply what you’ve learned. This helps reinforce your learning and develop your ability to solve real-world problems.

6- Certification and Recognition

The certificate you receive at the end of the course is important for recognition in the job market. Research whether the certificate is accepted in the industry and what advantages it can provide in your career.

7- Cost and Accessibility

The cost and accessibility of the course are also important factors to consider. Make sure to choose a course that fits your budget and is easily accessible. Considering accessibility, you can evaluate online courses.

TechyAI

Choosing a course that suits your needs can sometimes seem complex. I believe that if we can turn evolving technology into a power that can positively contribute according to needs, we will be able to make more determined and quicker decisions in such matters.

You can consider the steps I’ve listed above as a guide. Additionally, I often encounter questions frequently asked by software engineers. As tectrain, we have developed a system supported by AI to address all these questions and the guidance of instructors.

I truly believe that the program called techyAI will be very helpful for anyone researching “Ways to Find the Right Software Architecture Course.”

If you are curious, you can try techyAI and share the results with me.