What Is Coding?
Coding. It's one of those words that can send chills down the spine of people who don't work in tech. In this article, we'll answer common questions about coding. We'll also discuss the skills you need to learn to become a software developer.
Coding. It's one of those words that can send chills down the spine of people who don't work in tech. But what is coding, really? And why should you learn it? In this article, we'll answer common questions about coding and programming languages. We'll also discuss the skills you need to learn to become a software developer, and how Software Engineer Career Booster can help you build those skills!
What Is Coding
Coding (programming) is a way to tell a computer what to do. It's a way of giving instructions to a machine so that it can carry out specific tasks. Programming languages are the tools you use to write those instructions. You can use programming to make websites, apps, games, and more. Programming has been around for a long time- people have been using it to make all sorts of things since the 1950s!
What Are Programming Languages
The next logical question after "what is coding?" is "what are programming languages?" There are many different programming languages, and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. If you want to become a software developer, you'll need to learn at least one programming language. But which one should you choose?
The answer depends on your specific interests and goals. If you want to build web applications, then you'll need to learn programming languages like Ruby on Rails or JavaScript. If you're interested in game development, you'll need to learn a language like Unity or C++. There are also general-purpose languages like Python and Java that can be used for a variety of different applications.
Why Should You Learn Coding
There are many different reasons someone might want to become a programmer. Maybe you just want to write code or play with high level programming languages. Maybe you want to make your own websites or apps. Perhaps you want to create games or animations. Or maybe you just like learning about how computers work and want to figure out how to make them do what you want them to. No matter what your reason is, coding is an enjoyable and exciting skill to learn!
There is a lot of demand for software engineers in the industry. That means that there are many jobs for people who know how to write code. This makes it a great career choice if you want to work in tech. Data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics states that the average starting salary for software engineers is now approximately $100,000 per year.
What Skills Are Needed To Be A Software Developer
Thinking Skills
To be a programmer, you may find that learning to code is the easy part. You need to know how to solve complex problems. You need to be able to take large problems and break them down into smaller problems that can be more easily solved. You also need to learn how to think abstractly and how to think in terms of objects in both generic ways and specific ways.
Technical Skills
You must know how to write code - coding skills are a given. Whether an object-oriented programming language, a high level programming language, or even binary code, writing computer software means understanding basic coding concepts and knowing your programming language.
But knowing the programming language syntax is only the first part- you need the technical skills to understand the concepts that your machine code will be dealing with for you. For example, you may write a program that manages user data. You need to use a programming language to create a generic "user" object that has attributes like name, badge number, and zip code. This generic "user" object is not a real user in the system yet- it's just an object from which a user can be created. A specific user can then be created using the "user" object, and that specific user has a name "John Smith", a badge number 1001, and a zip code 90210.
Being a software developer also means learning a lot of different software libraries. Computer programmers write code, but they also use pieces of code that other programmers already wrote. These are called libraries or modules, and they are pre-written programming codes that can be combined with the custom code you write in order to save time and create a final program. And it means learning how to use lots of software tools like integrated developer environments and compilers and continuous integration pipelines.
Soft Skills
A programmer must also have good communication skills. A programmer often works on a team with other technical resources so collaboration and teamwork are very important. This teamwork ensures that everyone is doing the right work, at the right time, with no wasted or duplicated effort, and working as a team to create the final technical solution that meets the business need.
Coding works when the team is aligned, critical thinking is occurring, and everyone is focused on making sure each feature will function properly when delivered. And you thought programming was just about a pretty user interface or understanding the tech industry ;)
What Education Is Needed To Be A Software Engineer
Learning code can be a daunting task. Here are three ways to get the education needed for a software development career:
- coding BootCamp
- computer degree from a college
- self-directed learning
Self-Directed Learning
Self-directed learning is a great way to learn the skills needed to become computer programmers. It's a method of learning where you take control of your own education and learn what you want when you want. There are various ways to learn self-directedly, and the best way for you will depend on your interests and learning style.
One great way to learn self-directedly is by using online resources. There are many websites and online courses that can teach you how to code. And there are also many websites that focus on teaching software engineering topics like design patterns, software testing, and project management.
Another great way to learn self-directedly is by reading books. There are many books out there that focus on teaching programming languages and software engineering topics. And if you're looking for something more specific, there are also books that focus on teaching specific programming languages or coding skills.
Finally, one great way to learn self-directedly is by attending workshops and conferences. Workshops and conferences are great ways to learn from experts in the field, and they often include hands-on learning opportunities.
Coding Bootcamps
Coding Bootcamps are a great way to learn the skills you need to become a software developer. They are intensive, short-term programs that focus on teaching you how to create computer software. Bootcamps usually last for three or four months, and they teach a variety of different programming languages. Bootcamps can be expensive, but they often include job placement assistance. This means that once you finish the program, you will have help finding a job as a programmer.
Computer Degree
A computer degree from a college is another way to get the education you need to become a software engineer. A computer degree can take up to four years to complete, and it focuses on teaching you how to code, as well as other topics like software engineering methodology, software testing, and project management. Computer degrees can be expensive, but they often include job placement assistance. This means that once you finish the program, you will have help finding a job as a programmer.
How To Get Started In Programming
If you think you are interested in programming, I recommend dipping your toe in to see how it feels!
- Think over your long-term goals
- Think over what software engineer career path may help get you there
- Based on that goal and path, choose a programming language to learn
- Jump in, start learning that language, do some sample projects, and see how it feels!
The reason I recommend #1 and #2, versus just giving you some specific easy programming language to learn, is because I want you to feel like the time you invest is actually time that could become an investment if you end up wanting to pursue a software engineer degree.
If you start learning a programming language that actually fits well with your potential career path and longer-term goals, then you will keep investing time in improving your programming skills in that language. If you started learning a programming language that really doesn't apply to where you are headed, then you have to start investing time in another language right away.
How Can Software Engineer Career Booster Help
There are a few ways I hope we can help you get started on your programming career.
First, we've got lots of site content on numerous topics related to software engineering, and we try to wade through a lot of noise to bring you information specifically relevant to programmers looking to boost their careers.
Second, we try to include lots of "Top x", "Best", and "Must-Read" type articles that can help you jump right to the languages, tools, libraries, books, and other insights that should save you time.
And third, we offer a Software Engineer Career Booster course specifically created to help developers set goals and move forward with confidence as they boost their careers. The course covers all those things they don't teach you in programming school!
Wrap-Up - What Is Coding
Coding is challenging, fun, and a great potential career path that is in high demand and doesn't look to be waning any time soon. Hopefully, this article demystified programming a little for you and gave you some ideas on how you might dip your toe in the software engineering industry. Go get 'em.