5 Big Data Questions For Software Developers

Software developers are finding themselves beset by news headlines insisting that big data and the rise of the information age are coming to upend their industry. Many hardworking software engineers are deeply unfamiliar with big data, however, or at the very least uncertain of the many ways it stands to impact their line of work. Luckily, arriving at a comprehensive understanding of big data isn’t impossible as long as software developers know where to start.

Here are 5 big data questions for software developers as they confront a future rendered uncertain by technological advancement, and how they can move to exploit big data rather than become its victim.

1. Am I up to date on how software and big data are colliding?

The first question that intelligent software engineers are asking themselves is whether they’re up to date on the myriad of ways in which software and big data are colliding. Over the past few years, a number of developments in data analytics technology has come to upend software development, and those who aren’t regularly studying the latest updates are the most likely to find themselves beset by job losses down the lines. The secret to enduring in this career field is understanding where big data and software development collide, especially when it comes to software testing.

2. Do I understand how big data is changing software testing?

One of the reasons it’s so imperative for software developers to appreciate the rise of big data is that it’s coming to upend software testing, an important if not sometimes dull aspect of the job. Many software engineers struggle with the testing process because they find it mundane and deeply repetitive, but recent innovations have streamlined the testing process and in certain cases automated it entirely.

Software testing engineers are rapidly warming up to the idea of becoming big data gurus precisely because they understand that innovations in the arena of big data have a positive impact of their workload when it comes to testing.

3. How familiar am I with big data-related interview questions?

Nobody wants to imagine searching for a new job, but software developers in particular understand that the tech industry is rife with opportunities to move up in the world. It’s thus important to ensure you’re familiar with big data-related interview questions, as companies across the country are looking to hire tech professionals only if they’re up to date on the latest trends. With so much of the chatter surrounding data and technology today being dominated by discussions of automated-induced job loss, it’s also wise to make sure you’re not falling behind in your industry.

If you’re a software engineer panicking about how you may get quizzed in your next interview, don’t worry by reviewing the most common interview questions big data software engineers encounter, you’ll be preparing yourself to get any job you strive for.

4. Should I design my own platform, or simply buy one?

Many a software development company, being confronted by the challenge of needing a big data analytics platform struggle with the choice everyone has to make sooner or later is it better to design your own platform, or should you simply buy someone else’s? Today’s rapidly-growing library of open source tools means it’s easier than ever before to develop a platform on your own should you choose to do so, but in many instances purchasing a platform can save you time and provide your business with the tools it needs immediately rather than putting them on the waitlist.

Asking if you should build or buy your next big data platform should become a regular habit of yours if you’re sincerely interested in being in the field of software development for long.

5. Am I letting big data get in the way of my priorities?

Finally, software developers should understand that big data isn’t the only thing going on in the marketplace right now. The world of software development is complex and ever-changing, with a number of impressive innovations in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning being worthy of your attention, too. It’s important that you don’t allow yourself to be consumed by any one particular development, and instead have a big-picture approach to your industry so that you’re cultivating a diverse set of skills, interests, and projects.