7 very good reasons to learn to code.
There was a time when coding seemed to be the sole domain of the slightly geeky computer nerd. People who worked behind the scenes created programs that meant the rest of the world could enjoy the fruits of their labours. Users could then remain blissfully unaware of what had gone behind making that program, website, or app work. It was enough to know that it did and how to use it. To put it into a motoring metaphor, drivers don’t need to know how an engine works, let alone how to fix it when it goes wrong.
But times have changed. Now there’s a real groundswell of opinion that coding is for everyone. It’s also become easier than ever before to pick up the skills, whether from going to night classes, on-the-job training, or even via an advanced online tutorial platform. The benefits of this training are there for all to see. So, it really has become something that can benefit virtually anyone in a number of ways. Here are six of the most important ones.
It’s very lucrative
There are some jobs people do for the love of them, others that attract people for the money. Getting into coding is a field that can satisfy both. That’s because if you’re the sort of person who becomes good at it, you’re likely to also enjoy it. And the relative scarcity of really good coders and other associated professionals means salaries are high.
The Bureau of Labor is responsible for hosting a statistics and findings platform, they found that the average salary in the US was around $39,800 a year. Compare this to the $73,000 a year that web developers can expect to make or the £107,000 a year that’s waiting for talented software developers and it speaks for itself.
There are always going to be plenty of jobs available
As more and more aspects of the world become digitized, it’s going to present new opportunities. So even if lots more people get into coding, the expanding job market will have places for them. To return to the findings of the BLS, overall, the demand for employees is growing by 5% a year. But for web developers, this figure is 13% and for software developers, it’s 21%. What’s more, there’s also international demand for these skills. So, subject to work permits and visas, the world could be your oyster.
It trains you to think logically
In our everyday lives, our decision-making tends to rely on, at least partly, our emotions. This means that logic can sometimes get left behind.
But learning coding is like a workout for our powers of logical reasoning. After all, this is how we get computers to follow step-by-step instructions to achieve the desired result. It’s best to think of it as a sort of puzzle-solving operation, although some of those puzzles will be fiendishly difficult. This advanced online coding platform explains that anyone qualified to code can be renowned as a tech expert.
For example, if you are tasked with developing an advanced mobile poker playing platform it’s going to involve a huge number of decisions. And such a high-profile project will need to work perfectly and cope with an infinite number of playing scenarios. But being able to break down the steps needed into simple, logical stages is how to crack this kind of task.
It gives you career flexibility
Whatever job you’re doing at the moment, the chances are that it may not be for life. More and more of us are now starting to enjoy portfolio careers. By moving from one sector to another, it can keep us engaged in what we do for a living.
And, even if none of your moves are into coding proper, the knowledge and ability may be enough to raise you above another job candidate lacking these skills. Even if you’re planning to be self-employed and start your own business, it can be a very useful skill that may save you money by not having to outsource.
It makes you more valuable as an employee
Today, we all need to have more skills than at any other time in the history of work. And the more that you have, the more highly your employer will regard you. This can have countless benefits in the workplace. It could mean that you’re invited to get involved in special projects. Perhaps your opinions will be sought and valued as an informed observer. At the very least, a basic knowledge of programming is a very good skill to include on any resumé.
It turns you into more of a team player
Even if your job doesn’t involve coding per se, the chances are that you work alongside coders. You probably also rely on them in a number of ways. So, if you can give them the confidence that you also understand something of what they do, closer bonds will be created.
It could also mean that, without stepping on any toes, there may be certain coding tasks you can carry out for yourself, as long as you know how to work with an advanced coding platform. By not bothering the coders, who probably have bigger problems to solve, the bonds with them will be strengthened.
It makes you more self-sufficient
Self-sufficiency is an important skill to have – and it’s something that most employers look for. There’s no doubt that being able to code will make you more self-sufficient in a number of ways, many of which we’ve already explained.
So now could be the time to get stuck into your very first steps in coding. And, before very long, you should be ready to run!