One of the questions I get when it comes to AWS is: “Do I need coding skills to learn AWS and land a job as a Solutions Architect?”
I had the same doubts many of you have now: Do I need to learn Python or Java before I even start studying for AWS certifications? And if I land a job as a Solutions Architect, will I be expected to code?
This post is to help you understand whether you need coding skills before diving into AWS certifications and pursuing a career as a Solutions Architect. I also reached out to some AWS Solutions Architects for their input, so make sure you read until the end for a full understanding!
Do You Need to Code to Become a Solutions Architect?
The short answer is: no, you don’t need to know how to code to learn AWS or become a Solutions Architect. But the longer answer is: it depends. Here’s why.
What Does a Solutions Architect Do?
A Solutions Architect is a trusted technical advisor for customers, helping them navigate their journey into the cloud. Day-to-day tasks include:
- Conducting architectural reviews,
- Providing recommendations based on business and technical goals, and
- Helping customers better understand AWS by leading workshops and speaking at conferences.
From my interviews and experience as a Solutions Architect in general, we’re rarely required to sit down and code up full applications. We provide high-level architectural advice rather than diving deep into a company’s application code.
While job descriptions might list coding as a “preferred qualification,” it’s generally not a prerequisite for the role. Coding experience is helpful, but it’s not required for success as a Solutions Architect.
The Role of Coding in AWS Solutions Architecture
Many Solutions Architects come from technical backgrounds, such as software development. They might use coding to visualize solutions better for their customers. For example, if a Solutions Architect recommends building a 3-tier web application using Amazon EC2, they might code a quick front-end mockup to show the customer what the final product could look like.
But if you don’t know how to code, you can still leverage existing resources and blueprints to demonstrate solutions without writing any code. Coding isn’t crucial for the role, but it can enhance the way you communicate technical solutions.
Is Coding Necessary for AWS Certifications?
If coding isn’t essential for Solutions Architects, is it necessary for AWS certifications? No, coding knowledge isn’t required to prepare for exams like the Cloud Practitioner or Solutions Architect Associate certifications.
According to the exam guides, there’s no mention of programming or coding skills being necessary. The focus is more on the ability to design and implement distributed systems on AWS. Of course, coding can come in handy when learning about specific AWS services that require it. For example, AWS Lambda—a serverless compute service—allows you to run code in response to events and triggers.
However, AWS certifications mainly test your understanding of how services work together and how they can be used to meet business requirements. Coding knowledge in Python or Java will help when you’re working with services like AWS Lambda, but it’s not something you need before starting your certification journey.
What Other AWS Solutions Architects Say
To ensure I’m not just sharing my perspective, I also asked some solutions architects for their opinions on whether coding is required:
- “Coding isn’t a prerequisite, but it helps. When you’re designing a solution, knowing how the components fit together can help you make more informed decisions,” one architect shared.
- Another architect mentioned, “AWS has a lot of services that don’t require coding. Knowing how to code helps you relate to highly technical customers, but you’re not expected to build production systems for them.”
In summary, while coding can be useful, it’s not a barrier to learning AWS or becoming a Solutions Architect. If coding is part of your skillset, you’ll be able to use it to better understand customer needs and visualize solutions. But if you’re not familiar with coding, don’t let that stop you from pursuing a career as a Solutions Architect.
Key Takeaways
- No, you don’t need to know how to code to become a Solutions Architect or pass AWS certifications.
- AWS Solutions Architects focus on high-level architectural advice, not application-level coding.
- Coding can be helpful, especially with services like AWS Lambda but it’s not required.
- Certifications like AWS Cloud Practitioner or Solutions Architect Associate don’t focus on coding, but rather on AWS services and how they interact.
- Having a coding background can help strengthen customer relationships, but you can still thrive in the role without it.
Parting Thoughts
You don’t need to learn a programming language before starting your AWS learning journey or aiming to become a Solutions Architect. While coding might help you in some scenarios, it’s not a hard requirement. AWS is about understanding cloud services and how to use them to meet business and technical goals.
Thank you so much for reading! If you found this helpful, give this post a like and feel free to leave any questions below. I’ll be happy to answer them!
Stay Clouding!