4 Reasons why you should learn how to code
When I tell people about what I do, they are often amazed. More so, impressed because one, I am a female developer and two because I must be intelligent to code. The truth is I enjoy solving problems and it brings me joy seeing people use what I have done to help them achieve what they need to.
There are a lot of people who think programming is too hard to learn, too complicated to get started, or just not for them. The truth is coding is for everyone, and code is everywhere. From the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed. The alarm that goes off, the text message from your mum, ordering food for lunch, playing music, and everything in between.
- Coding is creative.
Coding is a form of self-expression. It is a way that you can translate your ideas, bring people together, and create something from nothing. Have an idea for an app? Build it. Have a problem? Solve it. There are no walls around coding and that’s the beauty of it. You can build around obstacles in more ways than one. In software development, we have patterns. A pattern is an existing way of solving a recurring problem. We have patterns for all sorts of problems but you can always create your own.
2. Endless opportunities.
In the occupational handbook published by the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, computer and IT jobs were projected to grow 12% from 2018–2028. This average is a lot faster in comparison to all other occupations. Having a software job allows you to work from anywhere in the world and it is in the top 10 of the highest paying jobs here in New Zealand. There are a lot of roles available for people who have a technical background, not only programming ones. With a technical background, you can move into project management, user experience design, and even start your own company.
3. Low barrier to entry
I once worked with a software developer who was 19 years old. He didn’t go to university nor did he pay for any online courses. He was able to avoid getting into debt and kick-start his career early. This is proof that you don’t need a fancy degree to learn how to code, all you need is perseverance and the guts to push through on your own. There are so many free resources to help you get started and so many fun and exciting projects to work on. Most importantly, there is a lot of support for those who are just starting so help is available when needed.
4. Improving soft skills
Coding does not necessarily mean sitting at your desk all day writing it. You need to collaborate with different teams to solve problems, manage projects and so much more. Communication, focus, adaptability, and mental agility are just a few areas where you are able to grow.
As an entrepreneur, I believe that learning the basics of coding is important. Not only does it help you understand your product, but it can also help you become an effective leader. Many people go about their day surrounded by technology but having no means of understanding how it works. You don’t have to be able to write an application from scratch, all you need is to take the time in understanding the basics. In doing so you will see many opportunities open up for you and you will have more appreciation for the technology in which we live.
