Why is it important to learn to code nowadays?
If you haven’t been living off the grid or disconnected from the world for the past ten years, you must of heard about coding. You have surely heard if it, but do you really know what coding is? In this story, I will tell you what coding is, why you should learn it, and how to get started!
What is coding?
Coding is a language which is typed into a computer, (this is called an input), then interpreted or translated by the computer and transformed into something called an output. It may seem complicated, but is actually very easy. I, myself, learnt coding at the age of 12 years old, and it has stayed with me ever since.
There are different types of code, called coding languages. These languages may appear very similar to a beginner, but are daignes to do very different things. For example, HTML is a coding language that website developers use to design and create websites, but JavaScript, on the other hand, is designed to make video games, or animated TV series. But why learn how to code?
Why learn coding?
Coding can be a very useful skill to have in many situations, and here are some examples!
• Coding is well payed
Even if you code as a hobby, or just for fun, coding can win you some extra coffee cash. If, on the other hand, you want to pursue a career in coding, and you become good at it, coding can be a very well payed job:
-Full time website developers earn, pet website, depending on many factors, from 2000$ to 30,000$
-Part time website developers or designers make less, but can still be payed a fair amount, from 250$ to up to 10,000$
Making money by coding really depends on how much you put yourself out there and promote your hobby or job.
• Coding is easy and useful
This point is fundamental. If you want to learn coding right now, I strongly encourage you to do so. Here is a link to a free and very simple, but in-depth coding course that covers everything you need to know to become an intermediate HTML coder: https://youtu.be/pQN-pnXPaVg.
When you have learnt HTML, which is a very beginner friendly coding language, you can learn the other more complex ones, such as JavaScript or Python.
Also, if you are applying for a job involving technology or engineering, it is a brilliant skill to have mentioned on your application form, in the “skills and interests” section. Even if you are applying for a different job, mention it, and it might get your future boss interested!
In short, learn coding and the world will be your oyster!
• Coding is fun!
Coding isn’t something to take too seriously. If you don’t like it, I strongly encourage you to persevere, but it is supposed to be a fun hobby, and not something to be stressed about. I, myself, learn coding when I was young and carried on coding during lockdown, and I learn many new skills.
