What is coding and what is it used for? A beginner’s guide
Coding makes it possible to access and interact with websites, even this one. But how does coding work?
Software programming or computer programming is the writing of instructions to communicate with machines. All devices –– laptops, desktops, phones and tablets –– rely on code to work.
Coding also rules cities. Computers operate traffic lights that have been programmed to perform certain operations. Even astronauts on the International Space Station need to know how to code. Coding offers many career opportunities in technology and beyond.
What is Coding?
Coding is the process of transforming computer instructions into a form that a computer can understand. Every website and app works because programmers write code. However, you don’t need to work in technology to use coding. In fact, job seekers can find most coding jobs outside of the tech industry. What can you do with coding?
Learning to code serves as the foundation for lucrative career opportunities. Bootcamp graduates may need to gain experience as junior developers before earning six-figure salaries.
The coding career you secure depends on your work experience, education, and knowledge of programming languages. Coding prepares you to launch a career as a web developer, game developer, computer network architect, and computer system analyst. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computer and technology jobs will grow at a rate of 13% between 2020 and 2030.
However, job growth varies by occupation. Computer programmers, who earn a median annual salary of $89,190, will see a projected 10% drop in jobs. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher will have a better chance of getting a job.
How does coding work?
All code tells a machine to perform a specific task. Every time you use the Internet, your device uses a binary code –– a sequence of “1s” and “0s” that tells your computer what to turn on or off. This provides a reliable way to store data and process information.
This process works faster with high-level programming languages, such as Python, Java, and JavaScript. Each programming language serves a different purpose, but they all take code that reflects human speech and translate it into machine code or low-level language. Programmers and developers write instructions for computers using high-level programming languages.
What are the benefits of coding?
When bootcamps first opened in 2011, only tech junkies learned to code. Today, industries outside of technology are recognizing the benefits of coding, and it’s even being taught in elementary schools from Alabama to Florida. Coding can teach important concepts applicable to a career in technology or an entirely different field.
Why learn to code?
Learning to code provides the training needed for well-paying tech jobs. The most common career paths after bootcamp are: junior web developer, junior web designer, or data analyst. Coding teaches problem-solving skills, critical thinking, creativity, and perseverance. These skills also prepare you for jobs outside of technology, such as healthcare, finance, and marketing.
Careers where learning to code is useful
- software developer
- Web developer
- Cybersecurity specialist
- UX/UI designer
- machine learning engineer
- Front end engineer
- Instructional designer
- Digital Marketing Analyst
What types of encoders are there?
Front-end, back-end, and mobile developers all write code that performs different functions.
Front-end developers manage the layout and functionality of a website. They use front-end programming languages –– such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript –– to write code to design a website. Their responsibilities also include SEO optimization by improving the loading time and mobile performance of a web page.
Back-end developers work on server-side development. They write code for web applications that control a website. Without this code, you would not be able to log into a website such as LinkedIn or Facebook and create a user profile. Programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, Java, and Ruby allow back-end developers to write code that allows browsers to communicate with databases.
Mobile developers learn programming languages such as Java, C++, C#, SQL, and Python. The specific language used depends on whether developers are building apps for iOS or Android devices. Mobile developers often work with graphic designers and data scientists.
What are the most popular coding languages?
|
VS |
Script system apps |
Efficient and portable, with built-in functions that combine high- and low-level languages |
Does not support object oriented programming |
|
Python |
General-purpose programming language used for back-end development |
Easy to learn and read, versatile and portable with extensive libraries |
May be slower than C or C++ |
|
JavaScript |
Client-side and server-side programming language used to create interactive websites |
Easy to learn and understand, powerful, popular and flexible programming language that works with other languages |
As a client-side script, users can view the code, which poses a security threat |
|
Ruby |
Web Application Building, Web Development, Web Servers, Web Scraping, DevOps, and Automation |
Widely used open source programming language with user-friendly syntax, fast development speed and strong community |
Limits on customization and execution delays |
|
C++ |
Popular in game development, but also used for operating systems, web applications, and browsers |
Fast programming language with fast image processing and object-oriented features |
Security issues, relatively slow and complex programming language with obscure rules |
|
PHP |
Server-side scripting language embedded in HTML that serves interactive websites such as e-commerce web pages |
Versatile and easy-to-learn programming language with a large online community; compatible with various operating systems |
Common open source security issues cannot support large applications and weak type causes bugs |
|
VS# |
Created by Microsoft, this object-oriented back-end programming language is used for game development, Windows applications, and website development. |
Versatile and efficient programming language used for many types of software and application development; similar to C++ |
This complex language takes a long time to master and requires compiling code. |
Low level vs high level
Programming languages come in two forms: low-level languages and high-level languages. Low-level programming languages, or binary code, look like a sequence of “1”s and “0s”. Computers understand low-level programming code and can process it faster. However, programmers can learn and use high-level programming languages faster because it resembles a human language.
How to learn to code?
People learn to code by different paths. Some are self-taught, others go to college or bootcamp. Each route has advantages and disadvantages.
Websites
Websites such as Treehouse or GitHub offer the opportunity to learn to code for less money than bootcamps. The websites also offer limited free courses for a short time. Students can watch videos for free for a trial period to learn Python, front-end web development, full-stack JavaScript, and UX design.
You can also teach yourself how to code for free with free tutorials on websites. This helps beginners get the basics needed before enrolling in a full-time intensive bootcamp.
apps
You can also learn the basics of coding via your smartphone. Apps available through Codecademy and Mimo allow beginners to practice coding through videos and online exercises. Many applications can be downloaded for free.
training camps
Coding bootcamps train both beginners and advanced students. Popular bootcamps––such as Flatiron School, Fullstack Academy, Bloc, and Thinkful––require intensive training. Bootcamps last for weeks or up to six months, and often students must study full-time.
Bootcamps require a significant investment of time and money. However, bootcamps, unlike apps or websites, also offer career services. Some bootcamps even offer job guarantees.
How to start coding?
You can start learning to code by reading and studying coding. Podcasts, YouTube videos, apps, and websites can provide the foundation for learning to code. You will also need to have the software required to code.
How hard is coding?
Learning to code takes perseverance and a passion for technology. Mastering any new skill takes time and practice. Some programming languages are more difficult than others to learn. But you can learn to code, even if you don’t like math.
How Much Do Coding Jobs Pay?
Computer programmers make a good living after putting in the time and gaining work experience. Junior developers, a common position held by inexperienced coders, earn an average annual salary of $53,803, according to PayScale. Computer programmers with 10 to 19 years of experience earn an average annual salary of $79,000.