Coding has elevated its status from being a mere computer programming language to a necessary technical skill to compete in the corporate world.
Almost at par with literacy and numeracy, coding has developed into a viable, new language, essential for comprehending, interpreting and impacting the contemporary digital world. It’s a language that transcends age boundaries, benefiting young learners just starting their educational journey, working adults trying to expand their skill set, institutions and businesses as well as seniors casting around for mental stimulation and connection.
Moreover, for many, coding has become an indispensable skill set to be employed—and this doesn’t just go for software developers. Of course, acquiring a whole new skill from scratch can be intimidating and time-consuming; therefore, people out there don’t even start this journey.
However, it’s never too late (and almost always worth it) to embrace the challenge and reap the rewards. Dive with us into the world of the importance of coding and the doors it can open for you.
The perks of learning to code
Besides the bragging rights, of course.
- To elevate your skill set
We’ve said this before, and we will say it again: learn to code to upskill. Corporations are always on the hunt for standout candidates, especially in today’s exceptionally competitive environment. If you are not a techie or hail from an educational background that compels you to learn coding, this technical skill will give you a leg up compared to other candidates.
Begin with foundational languages that are simple to grasp, like HTML, CSS, JavaScript or C/C++. In fact, a global survey of nearly 60,000 software developers found that HTML and JavaScript remained the bedrock of the coding landscape. Once you’ve chosen a coding language to learn, look for free online courses or resources, like Codeacademy, W3Schools and freeCodeCamp, that can guide your initial learning. Once you get a hold of the basic understanding, you can either take online classes, work on dedicated projects or seek help from your techie friends.
Hot tip: remember to include the coding language you are learning on your resume. It would be better if you have a certificate.
- To embrace interdisciplinary expertise
Gone are the days when we used to apply for jobs that only required a singular skill set, i.e. knowing how to write is no longer enough to be a writer. Now that employment is moving towards an interdisciplinary approach, it’s important to gain as much technical knowledge as you can.
A great example is the role of a content writer. Content writers are no longer just writers, typing word after word for days. They have to understand search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, web development and so much more. You might have a better chance of landing the job if your resume notes that you can build websites or webpages using HTML or CSS.
This is not only restricted to full-time employees. Freelancers can also benefit from being all-rounders when it comes to selling their pitches to potential clients. Learning how to code will go a long way to earning big bucks.
- To enhance critical thinking skills
Coding teaches “decomposition”, a technique that facilitates addressing difficult problems in both programming and daily life. Decomposition is the process of breaking complex problems down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
As coders write or debug, they hone their pattern-recognition skills and, in turn, critical or abstract thinking, applicable to various life scenarios. The structured nature of code promotes logical reasoning, with each line or block having a distinct purpose and effect. When debugging, coders need to investigate the issue, speculate about the source, test their hypotheses and modify their solutions as necessary. This process can greatly refine real-world problem-solving abilities.
- To pay your way into the tech world
In case you always wanted to enter the tech world but couldn’t for certain reasons (maybe you had to take a career break or are transitioning), knowing how to code could be your entry ticket. Once you’ve completed a few coding courses and gathered enough problem-solving skills, it’s time to apply for entry-level technical positions like software development, user experience (UX) design, web development or data or business analysis.
Knowing how to code provides a lens to understand the intricate dance of technologies in the digital world. Even if you’re not coding daily, roles like product management or tech consultancy or journalism benefit immensely from a tech-savvy foundation.
- To unlock remote work opportunities
Yearning for the flexibility of remote work after years of commuting between your home and the office daily? Mastering how to code might be your answer—it doesn’t matter whether you are taking a small break, moving towards freelancing, trying to travel the world or have just become a new parent.
Coding is a skill that isn’t bound by location; the processes of scripting, testing and debugging digital commands can be run on any computer, thanks to tools like Git and platforms like GitHub (a platform for coders to store and manage their code) that streamline collaborative coding. These version control systems, which track and monitor software or source codes, have made it easier to coordinate work on coding projects, allowing developers to contribute to a common codebase from different geographical locations.
Beyond the essential coding jobs, coding expertise can help you navigate and customize digital collaboration and communication technologies like Slack, Jira and Microsoft Teams, enhancing productivity. With the rising demand for freelance coders, there’s also the allure of choosing your clients, setting your hours and determining your rates.
What is the best age to learn to code?
Understanding the benefits of coding naturally leads to the question: When is the ideal age to begin? The answer is—there’s no “perfect” age to start coding. It doesn’t matter whether you are a middle schooler, an ambitious college student or a retiree looking for a new challenge, coding welcomes all. The key is commitment and setting aside dedicated time every day without overburdening yourself.
The beauty of today’s digital age is the plethora of free online resources tailored for every age bracket. This allows you to dive in without intimidation and enjoy the enriching journey of coding.
How long does it take to be ready for a programming job?
The length of time required for coding proficiency depends on several factors, such as the individual’s prior tech experience, the specific programming language in focus, daily or weekly time investment and the desired depth of expertise.
For absolute beginners, grasping the basics of a more accessible programming language like JavaScript—covering variables, control structures, data types, loops and functions—can span anywhere from a few weeks to several months of consistent study and practice.
However, to truly excel and confidently craft projects independently, a deeper dive is necessary. Aspiring software engineers often invest six months to a year, sometimes through intensive boot camps, online courses or dedicated self-study, before they feel ready to apply for entry-level roles.
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to keep in mind that learning to code entails more than simply being fluent in a specific language; it also requires cultivating problem-solving skills, understanding algorithms and grasping computational logic.
To wrap up things here, new languages, methods and technologies are always emerging, keeping the IT sector in a permanent state of upheaval. People who have a strong foundation in coding are better able to adapt to change and thrive in this dynamic world. Hence, everyone should think about learning to code in the age of digitization—not because everyone will become a programmer, but because coding offers an essential skill set and perspective for the future.
Also read:
- What Is Machine “Unlearning” and Why It Is an Important Skill for AI
- Five Must-Have People Skills in the Workplace
- 6 Skills You Need for Effective Networking
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