Career Path

How to Become a Software Engineer

Software engineers design, build, and ship software across the stack. The foundational path is one strong language (Python or JavaScript), data structures and algorithms, Git, and system design for interviews.

36 channels • 6-step path • All free on YouTube

To become a software engineer in 2026, learn Python, JavaScript, Git & GitHub, SQL & Databases, LeetCode & DSA, and System Design — in that order. The best free YouTube channels for this path are Build with Akshit, Mohit Decodes , and CodeWithVivek. Full ranked list of 36 educators below.

The Software Engineer Learning Path

  1. 1
    Python 1,154 channels teach this
    Channels Videos Roadmap
  2. 2
    JavaScript 1,050 channels teach this
    Channels Videos Roadmap
  3. 3
    Git & GitHub 856 channels teach this
    Channels Videos Roadmap
  4. 4
    SQL & Databases 1,556 channels teach this
    Channels Videos Roadmap
  5. 5
    LeetCode & DSA 466 channels teach this
    Channels Videos Roadmap
  6. 6
    System Design 223 channels teach this
    Channels Videos Roadmap

Best Channels for Aspiring Software Engineers

Smart Programming
Smart Programming

@smartprogramming

Web Dev

Smart Programming is an Educational and Development organization committed in Building Future Enterprise. We provide : ...

316K Subs
424 Videos
3.5K Avg Views
3.67% Engagement
Project Based
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Code Collider
Code Collider

@codecollider

backend

I make videos on backend software development, focusing on intermediate and advanced topics. For backend consultation i...

3.5K Subs
33 Videos
8.7K Avg Views
4.04% Engagement
Advanced
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Code Maven
Code Maven

@codemaven

Web Dev

Programming in Rust, Python, Perl; Git, GitHub, GitLab, Docker, CI/CD and related subjects.

3.7K Subs
682 Videos
80 Avg Views
6.25% Engagement
View Profile →
Ashok IT
Ashok IT

@ashokit

backend

Ashok IT is the No.1 quality training institute in India for the candidates who want to build their future in Informatio...

130K Subs
1.7K Videos
668 Avg Views
2.4% Engagement
Project Based
View Profile →
Shree Learning
Shree Learning

@shreelearning3

backend

This channel is all about teaching you practical web development concepts in a very easy and understandable way.And I be...

1.6K Subs
78 Videos
2.1K Avg Views
2.49% Engagement
Beginner Friendly
View Profile →
primejava_official
backend

This channel is aim to bring the new video to present viewers who are interested on java technology to cracking the inte...

1.8K Subs
318 Videos
96 Avg Views
2.08% Engagement
Advanced
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Telusko
Telusko

@telusko

AI Coding

Hey Aliens Welcome to Telusko! We create technical tutorials that take you from beginner to advanced level. You’ll fi...

2.9M Subs
2.2K Videos
52.8K Avg Views
2.79% Engagement
+5.8% /mo
Beginner FriendlyAdvanced
View Profile →
Avadh Tutor
Avadh Tutor

@avadhtutor

backend

Welcome to Avadh Tutor! Avadh Tutor is your go-to Information Technology channel, offering tutorials to enhance your sk...

5.6K Subs
716 Videos
293 Avg Views
3.07% Engagement
Project Based
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Ali Bouali
Ali Bouali

@boualiali

backend

� قال رسول الله ﷺ: “إذا مات ابن آدم انقطع عمله إلا من ثلاث: صدقة جارية، أو علم يُنتفع به، أو ولد صالح يدعو له.” اللهم ا...

78.6K Subs
304 Videos
3.7K Avg Views
2.35% Engagement
AdvancedProject Based
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Daniel Bourke arXiv
Daniel Bourke arXiv

@danielbourkearxiv2821

Data Science

Reposted (unedited) livestreams from Daniel Bourke's coding streams on Twitch. See them live: https://www.twitch.tv/mrd...

4.5K Subs
52 Videos
7.6K Avg Views
2.47% Engagement
View Profile →
BugBytes
BugBytes

@bugbytes3923

backend

On this channel, we create tutorials and videos primarily about web development, data analytics and data science. We'll ...

56.6K Subs
491 Videos
1.9K Avg Views
6.44% Engagement
Project Based
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Coding with David
Coding with David

@codingwith_david

Web Dev

An electrical⚡ engineering student with almost a decade of experience in programming. Langauges i am proficient in are: ...

2.6K Subs
147 Videos
2.4K Avg Views
4.21% Engagement
+20.0% /mo
Beginner Friendly
View Profile →
Code with Josh
Code with Josh

@codewithjoshoffical

backend

💥For obvious reasons, I'm Josh... Welcome to Code with Josh! Are you ready to transform your understanding of Program...

51.2K Subs
383 Videos
5K Avg Views
3.9% Engagement
Project Based
View Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

What YouTube channels should I watch to become a Software Engineer?

Follow educators covering Python, JavaScript, Git & GitHub, SQL & Databases, LeetCode & DSA, System Design. Top channels include Build with Akshit, Mohit Decodes, CodeWithVivek. All 36 channels listed teach for free on YouTube.

What do I need to learn to become a Software Engineer?

Software engineers design, build, and ship software across the stack. The foundational path is one strong language (Python or JavaScript), data structures and algorithms, Git, and system design for interviews. A practical order is: Python → JavaScript → Git & GitHub → SQL & Databases → LeetCode & DSA → System Design.

Can I become a Software Engineer using only free YouTube videos?

Yes — every channel and video in this path is free on YouTube. Use the learning-path order above to go from fundamentals to job-ready skills.

Related Categories

Computer ScienceWeb Development

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