When most people hear the term “computer coding,” they envision a scene out of the Matrix: some cool, edgy computer whiz seated at their computer and furiously typing, presumably while neon green ones and zeros flow down the walls around them. But believe it or not, coding has much older origins than you might think. Computer science pioneer Konrad Zuse developed the first coding language between 1942 and 1945!
Of course, the infancy of coding occurred during the 1940s and 50s. Early code was primitive and sometimes buggy, and (perhaps more importantly) computer scientists were skeptical of it. However, coding continued to grow and develop over the decades – particularly during the 80s and 90s when computers became more popular among the public. In fact, some of today’s most-used programming languages were first developed during the 80s and 90s, including C++ (1980), Python (1990), and Java (1995).
In the internet age, computer coding is a vital skill for anyone working in the tech sector. Whether you’re an app developer, a data scientist, or a cybersecurity analyst, understanding coding fundamentals can help you succeed in this highly competitive industry.
So today, we’re going to discuss the biggest fundamental of all: what is computer coding, anyway?
What is Computer Coding?
Everything you see on a computer, from the home screen on your phone to this very page contains computer code. Computer coding (or computer programming) is the process of writing the instructions for a computer needs to build an app, website, or software program.
What can you do with computer coding?
Computer coding helps you accomplish anything on your computer, from changing the font size on a web page to animating a video game. This makes coding such a valuable skill – once you understand how coding works, you control almost anything on your computer.
Do you want to design your own website? Coding helps you design the site (if you were a teenager in the early 2000s, you probably remember using HTML coding to dress up your Myspace page). Interested in video games? You can use coding to create your own! There are many ways you can use your programming skills to enhance your hobbies.
But of course, most people who are interested in coding find a way to use their skills to get a job. There are many jobs that require coding experience, from software and web developers to computer systems analysts and cybersecurity experts.
What is required to learn and practice coding?
If you decide that you want to learn coding, start by giving yourself a pat on the back. That’s great! Mastering this skill can open a lot of doors for you professionally, and you’ll have a lot of fun along the way.
One of the great things about learning to code is that there’s no real barrier to entry. You don’t need a degree to learn these skills, and you don’t need to pay tons of money to go to a special training program. All you need to learn the basics is a computer and a desire to learn.
That said, it’s also important to remember that coding is a sophisticated skill – and that means learning requires time and perseverance. Coders need to have a thorough understanding of the language they’re using, a keen eye for detail, and A LOT of patience.
Many aspiring programmers start their journey by learning a few coding languages. You can use coding training programs to learn the basics, and then continue to practice by writing code and testing it out! Build yourself a WordPress website. Design a simple game using HTML5. The more you try, the faster you’ll start to understand how coding works.
Which jobs rely on computer coding?
As the world becomes more and more centered around technology, computer coding is becoming a highly valuable skill. After all, companies are building increasingly sophisticated websites, storing sensitive data in cloud storage programs, and looking for new ways to attract attention online; if they’re going to succeed, they need a team of talented coders on their sides.
A.I. developers need their skills to improve their programs. The health care industry needs programmers to help them manage patient records effectively. The cybersecurity industry needs coders who can spot vulnerabilities in existing code AND write new code to fix those vulnerabilities. To put it simply, basically anyone with a coding talents can find a job that fits with their skills and their interests.
However, it’s important to note that just because you don’t need a degree to learn to code DOESN’T mean you don’t need a degree to get a job as a coder. Most programmers have their bachelor’s degree (or more) in computer science, engineering, or a similar field, as well as a certification or two in a specialized field.
Becoming a successful coder requires drive, dedication, and a profound interest in how computers work. But once you’ve finally landed that job, you get to enjoy an exciting and interesting tech career – and trust us, there’s nothing better than that.
At Legends of Tech, you can learn from the world’s top coding experts through our online training schools. Sign up today, or apply to become an instructor.