How Much English Do You Need to Know to Become a Software Developer? The Impact of English Proficiency on a Software Career

Thousands of people who want to become software developers think that the first obstacle they encounter on this journey is English. But is this really an obstacle? Can you become a software developer without knowing English? What level of English is sufficient? We offer comprehensive, realistic, and guiding answers to these questions.

Also, for those who are new to learning English, be sure to read our article: I Want to Learn English: How to Learn It the Fastest Way?

Why is English So Important in the Software World?

All Documentation is in English: If you are going to use a new library, framework, or API, you must first read the English documentation.
Stack Overflow and Forums: Most of the questions are in English, and so are the answers.
Coding Language is English: if, else, class, return, for, while... all commands are in English.
International Job Opportunities: Remote jobs are conducted with English interviews.
Software Training Resources are in English: More than 80% of the content on resources like Udemy, YouTube, Medium, and GitHub is in English.

What You Can Do in the Field of Software Based on Your English Proficiency Level

English Level	Description	In Which Areas Can You Progress?
A1 - Basic	Only using some commands by rote	HTML, CSS, basic Python
A2 - Beginner	Being able to translate short technical documents	Simple web pages, WordPress
B1 - Intermediate	Being able to read and understand technical documents	Front-end, Back-end, API usage
B2 - Upper-Intermediate	Being active on Stack Overflow, project contribution	React, Node.js, Django, Flutter
C1-C2 - Advanced	Leading global projects, overseas job interviews	System architecture, team leadership, working remotely

Can You Start Software Development Without Improving Your English Level?

Yes, but there will be some limitations:

You will have difficulty accessing resources
Turkish content is limited and may be outdated
You will have difficulty understanding foreign examples when solving errors

However, starting immediately without knowing English triggers language development over time with motivation. In other words, learning software also supports the English learning process.

Ways to Improve Your English Level While Learning Software

Use a Dictionary While Coding: Try to understand unknown English commands with Google Translate + DeepL.
Stack Overflow Translation: Translate questions into Turkish, try to understand the answers.
VSCode + Reading English Documents: Read official documents (React.js, Laravel, etc.) daily.
Developer YouTube Channels: Follow channels like Traversy Media, The Net Ninja with subtitles.
Codewars, LeetCode: You learn technical terms while solving English problems at the same time.
Read GitHub Descriptions: Project descriptions (README.md) are the best language development resources.

English Level Required for Overseas or Remote Jobs

A B2 level is generally sufficient for remote positions
"Speaking fluency" is not required as written communication is at the forefront, but it is beneficial
Technical interviews may be written, you need to be prepared for video calls

✅ Conclusion: English is Necessary to Become a Software Developer, But It Is Not Impossible to Learn

You don't have to know advanced English to learn software. But even intermediate English will put you 10 steps ahead. If necessary, it is possible to improve your English level at the same time as learning software.

All it takes to get started is: curiosity + patience + regular work.

Remember: There are thousands of people who learn software without knowing English, but software developers who know English always encounter more opportunities.

You can speed up the language learning process with our article I Want to Learn English: How to Learn It the Fastest Way?.