Programming remains one of the most sought after careers in today’s market. The mean annual salary for a web developer with basic coding skills is $60,000. In this case, programming entails:
- Front-end web development
- Back-end web development
- Full-stack web development (front-end and back-end)
Front-end consists of web design. It revolves around the content that’s presented to users on a screen or monitor. Back-end, on the other hand, is the coding related to server response. Object-oriented programming languages drive it. Coding is a significant step as it enables you to leverage technology regardless of your job position.
Why learn to code?
Coding requires focus and the desired goal that will push you to become a successful coder. The big question to ask is: why should you learn to code?
There are many reasons, and one of the major ones to consider is the job opportunities that programming has to offer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, web development careers are expected to grow by 27% in the coming years.
Other than making big bucks, coding is one way to expound on your technical creativity. You can become a coder to design websites, build games, or even create software that will offer technical problems solutions.
Learning to code will also make you a valuable member of the team. Coding skills are needed now more than ever. Therefore, it helps if your employer knows that they can rely on you to handle tasks beyond your job description.
Can anyone learn to code?
Coding entails programming languages and what they can do. Thus, coding is something anyone can learn. The best way of approach is by having a goal that you wish to accomplish–let’s say becoming an android developer. From that point, you’ll be able to identify the languages you need to start with.
What programming language should I start with?
As mentioned earlier, there are three categories you can start as a beginner in coding. This includes front-end, back-end, and eventually full-stack. Front-end is much simpler to begin since it entails website design (what is presented on the web to internet users).
The languages used here include HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and JavaScript. They are used to design the content, apply a style, and include interactivity, respectively. These three languages can help you learn how to make simple to high-end websites or even design online web platforms, games, forums, and blogs.
Is it possible to learn to code fast?
Coding is a topic mostly covered in a Computer Science course. This means it could take you up to four years just to become a full-stack programmer.
However, you don’t need a degree to know how to code. Through online tutors, you can still acquire the technical skills necessary to be a coder. You need first to identify a tutor that offers either front-end or back-end languages. Even so, it’s more advisable to begin with, front-end languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These will boost your confidence since they’re easier to learn than object-oriented languages (found in back-end) such as Python, Java, Ruby, and Swift.
Where can I learn to code for free?
Many online schools offer coding lessons for free. You need to compare the sites before choosing one. You may find others to provide more useful learning material. Since you’re starting, here are some places you should consider:
- W3schools
- Mozilla Developer Network (MDN)
- Codecademy
- Udemy
- Coursera
- edX
Should I seek out a coding mentor?
Like any other subject, coding is better to learn with guidance. It’s vital to get a mentor that will teach, inspire, and correct you during your coding journey. In any case, this will be a perfect opportunity to learn from their expertise. A coding mentor (with years of experience) can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses as you continue to learn a new syntax.
How will I know that I’m learning?
Coding is an activity that needs you to be proactive. You may spend hours learning code, but the biggest challenge is being practical with the acquired knowledge.
The best way to test out your skills is by joining a coding boot camp such as the Big Nerd Ranch. The significant advantage of boot camps is that you’ll get exposed to an immersive environment. You’ll have a chance to expound your coding experience, earn money, and build a network with other developers.
In summary, learning how to code is an added advantage for anybody despite their field of specialty. We live in a digital world where technology is the driving force of modern marketing. Thus, learning to code will enable you to exploit technical-related tasks and access new job opportunities.
