Why You Should Learn to Code: Enhance Your Skill Set

Writing code is a high-demand skill in our evolving digital world and many employers seek out candidates with coding knowledge.

Technology plays a major role in our daily lives and is prevalent in many different fields. Knowing how to code equips you with the skills needed to advance in your career and take on different roles related to technology.

What Is Coding?

Coding is the process involved with programming computers. Programmers use languages like Python and Java to write lines of code that tell computers what to do. It is used things like web design, app development, and interactive games.

Coding is important for developing new technologies and improving the functionality of existing ones. Efficient computer code is essential for technological innovation and task automation that can make our lives easier.

Benefits of Learning to Code

Learning to code has many benefits and equips you with valuable skills.

Enhanced Skillset

Knowing how to code enhances your employability in the job market. Coders have critical thinking and analytical skills that benefit them when looking at data sets. They also utilize their skills to meticulously review lines of code to solve problems.

Problem-Solving Skills

Coding teaches you how to look at things from an analytical perspective. Computer programmers are often tasked with debugging code to help it run smoother. Coders can use their knowledge of computers and coding languages to create solutions to problems.

Job Opportunities

There is a high demand for computer programmers and people with coding knowledge. Being a coder opens you up to more job opportunities and higher salaries, such as software engineering. Knowing how to code doesn't just qualify you for tech jobs, it also gives you skills that can be used in other industries.

For example, knowing how to code in healthcare gives you an edge in analyzing data and coming up with conclusions. Healthcare settings use technology extensively for storing data, learning and teaching, and treating patients.

How Can I Learn To Code?

The process of learning how to code can seem extensive to beginners. These steps simplify the process.

1. Consider Your Career Goals

Coding professionals are vital in every industry. They solve problems by developing and improving technology. Thinking about what kind of industries and job roles interest you the most can help give you an idea of what route to take when learning to code.

2. Choose a Programming Language

It is a good idea to think about your career goals when choosing a programming language to focus on. Certain roles use specific frameworks. For example, web developers use JavaScript, and software developers use Python.

Programming languages include:

• Java
• C++
• Python
• JavaScript
• CSS/HTML
• SQL

3. Decide How To Learn

There are different ways to learn programming. Some people choose to complete degree programs while others choose to take a self-taught route with online coding courses.

Attend a Degree Program

Computer science and computer programming degree programs teach you how to code. They give you a fundamental understanding of the coding languages. Southern New Hampshire University's computer science degree covers valuable skills needed for tech jobs and gives you a fundamental understanding of the various coding languages.

Courses and Bootcamps

Many coding professionals are self-taught. There are many online coding classes and tutorials, both free and paid, that can be used to learn to code. Learners also have the option to choose a coding bootcamp, such as the online bootcamp at UMass Global. These programs are more accelerated than a degree program and can focus on one or multiple coding languages.

4. Practice your Programming Skills

Applying your coding skills to projects allows you to practice real-world scenarios and implement what you learned. Completing a project related to your career goals can give you more experience and a way to show your skills when applying to tech jobs.

5. Apply to Jobs

The last step is putting your coding knowledge to use. Tech jobs that involve coding are available in different fields, allowing you opportunities to apply your skills in various environments. Fine-tuning your resume to highlight your enhanced skillset and showcase your coding projects can help you stand out among other candidates.

What Jobs Can I Get as a Coder?

Coding jobs utilize computer programming to improve technology and come up with innovative solutions.

Software Developer

Software developers use code and programming frameworks to build and maintain software. They debug and test code to help create solutions for users and improve the software. Software developers collaborate by discussing needs with clients or organizations to create and test software that meets their needs. They are also responsible for implementing the software and maintaining its functionality.

Web Designer

Web designers create websites that are functional and user friendly, while also maintaining visual appeal. They use their coding skills to focus on front-end web development. Being a web designer involves having the creativity to make engaging and appealing websites and the coding knowledge to ensure they run properly.

Data Scientist

Data scientists are employed in various fields such as finance, healthcare, and business. Data science is a field that uses computer science and statistical analysis to gain insights when looking at large amounts of complex data. They are proficient in both coding and data analysis. Data scientists use programming languages to interpret and organize the data to help companies make informed decisions and improve their processes.

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineers use frameworks to design machine learning algorithms. They implement coding to develop and improve their performance. In addition to their extensive coding knowledge, machine learning engineers also possess the strong mathematical and statistical skills needed when analyzing large datasets.