Is it too late for me to break into software engineering after not coding for a year?

I don't think you should stress too much. It's definitely not ideal to have a gap in coding, but you can catch up. Try working on a few projects that interest you—anything that showcases your skills can help boost your resume. Just make sure it’s something relevant, not just a random assignment.

Honestly, it's pretty tough right now. A lot of graduates come out without the skills they need to land a job. You might want to focus on freshening up your coding skills, building a solid portfolio, and getting familiar with the current frameworks and tools. It's going to take some effort, but you can improve your chances significantly by being proactive and practical about your learning.

You need to build something! It doesn't have to be groundbreaking; just pick a simple project that can demonstrate your skills. Maybe something like a basic image editor or even a small game. The key is to keep your skills sharp—if you really want to get back into it, set aside regular time for coding, and you'll do fine.

Entry-level positions are a bit different now; they often require more than just basic skills. You'll want to have a few projects to discuss during interviews and show that you’ve been active in learning and experimenting with code. Don't be discouraged, but be prepared to invest time into getting your skills back up to speed.

It's not looking great if you haven't been coding at all. Consistency is key in this field. If you want to get somewhere, you need to dive back into programming and build up your experience. Think of it like training for a sport—if you haven’t practiced in a year, you can't expect to perform well right away.