What Is Coding? And why Learn coding?
Whether it’s used to count monthly car sales or extract photos from a telescope in space, coding forms the foundation of our expanding digital lives.
Computer programming is a valuable and highly transferable skill in many professional settings. Even if you don’t work for a technology company or IT department, you can benefit from gaining this technical skill. If you’re interested in developing this skill, it might be helpful to learn why you should learn programming and what benefits it can offer.
It gives us the power to harness computers to build, shape, and improve countless industries.
What is Coding?
Coding is the process of translating instructions from our language to the computer’s language.
Why Learn to Code?
Learning to code is no longer a “speciality” skill. Rather, it has become a mainstream, core discipline utilized in nearly every industry; requiring more and more skilled workers every year.
5 Advantages of Learning to Code
Coding is a skill that translates into many career paths and enhances many others; making professionals more versatile and valuable to employers.
- Various Career Opportunities
Job prospects for coders extend far beyond technology companies. While cybersecurity and financial technology are growing fields, employees with strong coding skills are needed in healthcare, education, and the public sector (government and social services) as well. Furthermore, all types of non-profit organizations need coders to help them accomplish their goals across a variety of social concerns.
Coders with industry-specific knowledge (e.g., energy, agriculture, telecommunications) are in high demand. And, for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, working freelance on a variety of projects for multiple clients can be both profitable and rewarding.
- Projections for Coding Careers Remain Strong
Many coding roles continue to grow in the labor market — especially for those with specialized skills.
- Web developer
- Computer systems analyst
- Database administrator
- Network architect
- Computer research scientist
MAT Academy is an excellent place to pursue a future in coding, either as a career change or to sharpen skills in a current role.
- Numerous Programming Languages to Choose
Hundreds of computer programming languages exist, accomplishing a wide variety of tasks. Different languages are used to produce operating systems, software programs, games, websites, mobile applications and more.
Choosing which language to learn first depends both on experience and project requirements. For those working on websites, HTML, CSS and JavaScript are the primary starting points. Those dealing with databases and data analysis may focus first on SQL. All-purpose languages such as Python and C are considered easier to learn for beginners and are used widely in a variety of applications.
Here’s a look at five widely used languages to get started.
- HTML:HyperText Markup Language is a primary tool used to manipulate text and images on websites. It’s a great starting point for coders because of its simple structure, readable tags and the relative ease in debugging it.
- JavaScript:After learning HTML, developers often move on to JavaScript as these two languages are often considered mandatory in website management. In fact, according to a Stack Overflow survey, JavaScript and HTML rank first and second as the most-used languages among developers. JavaScript’s terminology makes it beginner-friendly, and its wide usage has spawned a large coding community that builds relationships and is a forum for coder questions.
- Python:Python is among the most-used and most-loved programming languages, according to Stack Overflow. It’s also the language that most developers want to learn due to its versatility and ease of use since its syntax uses some English words.
- Java:An important language for software development, Java is noted for its “write once, run anywhere” platform. This means software written in Java can run on virtually any computer’s operating system. Java also has a comparatively easy-to-learn syntax, making it friendly for beginners.
- SQL:SQL stands for Structured Query Language and is used to retrieve information from databases. SQL has risen to the third most popular language among developers, according to Stack Overflow. Like Java, it sports an accessible, yet intuitive syntax and is used everywhere databases are administered.
For more coding resources, check out this beginner’s guide to coding and this introduction to coding resources.
- Improves Your Critical Thinking and Creativity Skills
As noted by Steve Jobs, coding teaches the mind to view problems from multiple perspectives and think creatively about solving them. Coding also encompasses much more than math; it requires an ability to create and troubleshoot projects and a knack for reasoning through the development process. These skills might be considered “soft” alongside the technical requirements of coding, but they are highly valued among employers.
Further, coding doesn’t have to apply solely to a person’s professional life. Those with such skills are also able to build websites, develop games, or build mobile apps in their free time.
- Enables You to Find a More Fulfilling Career
Coding offers a career path for professionals already in the workforce as well as for those new to the job market. Versatile workers are often held in high regard, and learning a programming language can make an employee more valuable and lead to more job opportunities. Meanwhile, learning some simple coding techniques can help employees automate elements of their job, potentially making them more productive.
Coding FAQs
What’s the difference between coding and programming?
What is coding? In short, it’s the act of translating instructions for a computer to perform into the language that the computer understands. Programming, on the other hand, is the act of producing a complete piece of software that the computer can execute. Coding is a component of the programming process.
Is coding hard to learn?
Not really — particularly for those with the discipline to stick with the learning process. Coding requires some math and technical knowledge but doesn’t always demand expert-level skills. Determination and attention to detail are just as important in learning to code.
What is an example of coding?
Here’s an example of HTML in use:
This short set of instructions starts an HTML document with a headline and first paragraph.
How do I start coding?
Coding bootcamps usually run in a 12- or 24-week schedule. Many are flexible for full- and part-time students and conclude with a certification that can improve resumes and lead to a new or upgraded career. MAT Academy, for instance, offers a concentrated curriculum that covers multiple programming languages, instructor-led classes, and real-world projects.
What is the difference between coding, web development and programming
People often use coding, web development, and programming interchangeably even though they are different. Here’s how to parse their meanings:
- Coding:The process of translating instructions from our language to the computer’s language. Machine language is written in binary terms (0s and 1s), so coders write their instructions in an applicable format to be properly interpreted by the computer.
- Programming: While coders translate human instructions into language a computer understands, computer programmers are focused on a broader goal — developing a complete, functional piece of software. They use aspects of coding in planning, designing, testing, deploying and maintaining the software.
- Web Development: Web developers work on websites, writing code in specific languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript to make them function properly. Developers and programmers usually work with different languages, though some crossover exists in creating sites and applications.