Can I Work from Home as a Programmer?
According to career site Glassdoor, the number of searches for remote work has increased by 460% over the past two years. Computer programming is ideally suited for this new work-from-home model. You can code from anywhere with the right equipment and tools.
If you want to build a remote career in programming, pay attention. In this article, we'll explain how it works and where to find suitable jobs, as well as where to get training if you need it.
What do you need for remote work as a programmer?
Working as a programmer from home is similar to in-office roles in terms of skill level and technical requirements. The significant difference is that you don't need to go to the office; everything you need is under your own roof (though if you love to travel, you might need a mobile setup).
Basic Technical Setup for Working from Home
Like other remote tech professionals, remote programmers need a quality home office setup. This includes:
- A dedicated workspace with a comfortable desk and chair.
- Login credentials for core tools like GitHub.
- A quality webcam for video conferences.
- Quality headphones and microphone for video and audio calls.
- Reliable high-speed internet.
- A laptop or desktop computer compatible with industry tools.
A computer is a programmer's livelihood, so you'll need a good one. Experts recommend:
- At least 4 GB of RAM, ideally 8 or even 16 GB.
- A solid-state hard drive with 256 GB capacity.
- A processor with a frequency of 3 GHz.
- Official support for Linux.
How Many Monitors Should a Programmer Have?
Most likely, you'll need at least two monitors. Programmers prefer multiple monitors to dedicate one screen for writing and debugging code and another for viewing results. Some programmers even dedicate an extra monitor for meetings!
Will I Be Given Equipment for Remote Programming Work?
Some remote programming jobs provide you with certain equipment, but it's wiser to be prepared from the start and have your own setup. Having your own equipment will make you more comfortable handling any work-related tasks, whether it's completing assignments, coding interviews—practical tests of your programming and computer knowledge—or even upskilling—learning new computer skills and completing training tasks.
Can I Travel While Working a Remote Job?
The answer depends on your company's policy and your contractual obligations. Many remote positions allow you to travel as long as you can perform your job. In fact, many so-called "digital nomads" live this lifestyle: taking advantage of remote work and traveling freely.
However, while traveling you'll need a portable device—preferably a laptop with at least all the above specifications and a battery life of at least six hours—as well as peripherals like mobile Wi-Fi/hotspots and possibly even portable monitors.
What Skills Do I Need to Work from Home as a Programmer?
For work-from-home (WFH) coders, the same skills and programming languages are required as their office counterparts. Some examples include:
- Java
- Python
- HTML
- CSS
- PHP
- SQL
- JavaScript
The programming languages you need depend on the type of product or service you are developing. For example, Java runs various kinds of business software, and JavaScript is used to create interactive web pages. If you're interested in how to develop a scalable web service, read our article on that.
You will also need good communication skills, as you'll interact with your team both virtually and via text messages or email. In both cases, you need to convey your thoughts clearly and concisely.
How Do Programmers Work from Home?
Aside from the main difference in interaction—remote and virtual communication instead of in-person—programmers at home work much like their office counterparts. A programmer's primary task is writing and refining code for applications and software. Most are also responsible for quality assurance—testing new code for bugs and security vulnerabilities, as well as troubleshooting existing programs. Quality software development requires deep knowledge and experience.
Programmers usually work in teams with other tech professionals and report to management and senior leadership. In remote work, staying connected is key for timely communication and building trust. Slack is a popular tool for messaging and file sharing, and many WFH programmers keep it open for use throughout the day.
For meetings, remote programmers use Zoom and similar video conferencing tools. Daily stand-ups are common for tech teams, but experienced team leaders try to keep their coders working uninterrupted as much as possible. Computer programming is not a job where you'll spend all day in front of a Zoom camera.