Whether it’s used to tally monthly car sales or extract photographs from a telescope in space, coding forms the foundation of our expanding digital life. It gives us the ability to use computers to create, shape and improve countless industries. Yet while more and more professionals are learning to code, many others don’t know where to start.

What is coding?

Coding is the process of translating instructions from our language into a computer’s language. Specifically, machine language is written in binary (0 and 1), so coders write their verbal instructions in a usable format the computer can understand.

Why learn to code?

Learning to code is no longer a “special” skill. Rather, it has become a basic, core discipline used in almost every industry; each year, more and more skilled workers are needed.

Coding exercises a range of abilities. It sharpens problem-solving and analytical skills, such as finding bugs and thinking logically. In addition, coding often helps people develop teamwork and interpersonal skills, since software and app projects are often interdisciplinary and collaborative.

Perhaps the greatest appeal of programming is that almost anyone can learn it. Beginning programmers don’t have to be math experts or have a lot of prior experience. To get started, they just need to be curious, committed to learning and willing to regularly practice their coding skills while learning from their mistakes. This accessibility makes coding a potential path both for career changers and for brand-new professionals.

Benefits of learning to code

Programming is a skill that opens up many career paths and helps in many others, making professionals more versatile and valuable to employers.

A variety of career opportunities

Job prospects for coders extend far beyond tech companies. While cybersecurity and financial technology are growing fields, employees with strong programming skills are needed in healthcare, education and the public sector (government and social services). In addition, all kinds of nonprofit organizations need programmers to help them achieve their goals across a range of social issues.

Coders with industry knowledge (for example, energy, agriculture, telecommunications) are in high demand. And for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, freelance work on a variety of projects for several clients can be both profitable and rewarding.

The outlook for programming careers remains strong

The number of coding jobs in the labor market continues to grow, especially for those with specialized skills.

A chart showing the projected growth in the number of programmers by 2029.

Web developer

As e-commerce expands, more web developers and digital designers will be needed to build and operate sites. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an eight-percent increase in computer coding jobs by 2029.

Computer systems analyst

The BLS projects a seven-percent increase in systems analyst jobs across various sectors. Healthcare, for example, has come to rely more on systems analysis as providers digitize more medical records and introduce more virtual care.

Database administrator

The amount of data businesses create, store and analyze is growing significantly. As a result, more skilled employees are needed to manage this data (four percent more by 2029, according to the BLS).
Network architect: Network architects design, maintain and upgrade computer networks—expertise that is needed in virtually every industry. The BLS projects a five-percent increase in jobs in this field.

Computer scientist

The BLS anticipates a fertile market for computer and information research scientists, with an expected 15-percent increase in jobs. Data production and security needs will drive this growth.

Numerous programming languages to choose from

There are hundreds of programming languages for all kinds of tasks. Different languages are used to create operating systems, software, games, websites, mobile apps and much more.

Choosing which language to learn first depends on both your experience and the requirements of the project. For those working on websites, HTML, CSS and jаvascript are the main starting points. Those working with databases and data analysis may want to focus on SQL first. Versatile languages like Python and C are considered easier for beginners to learn and are widely used in a variety of applications.

Five widely used languages to get started with.

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

Hypertext Markup Language is the primary tool used to control text and images on websites. It’s a great starting point for programmers thanks to its simple structure, readable tags and relative ease of debugging.

jаvascript programming language

After learning HTML, developers often move on to jаvascript, since these two languages are often considered essential for managing a website. In fact, according to a Stack Overflow survey, jаvascript and HTML rank first and second among the languages developers use most often. jаvascript’s terminology makes it beginner-friendly, and its widespread use has spawned a large programming community that builds relationships and serves as a forum for programmers’ questions.

Python

According to Stack Overflow, Python is one of the most popular and well-liked programming languages. It’s also the language most developers want to learn, thanks to its versatility and ease of use, since its syntax uses some English words.

Java

An important language for software development, Java is known for its “write once, run anywhere” platform. This means that software written in Java can run on practically any computer operating system. Java also has syntax that is comparatively easy to learn, making it beginner-friendly.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

SQL stands for Structured Query Language and is used to retrieve information from databases. According to Stack Overflow, SQL has become the third most popular language among developers. Like Java, it has accessible yet intuitive syntax and is used wherever databases are administered.

For more programming resources, see this beginner’s guide to coding and this introduction to coding resources.

Improves your critical thinking and creativity

As Steve Jobs observed, programming teaches the mind to look at problems from different points of view and approach them creatively. Coding also involves much more than math; it requires the ability to create projects and troubleshoot, as well as the ability to reason through the development process. These skills may be considered “soft” alongside the technical demands of coding, but employers value them highly.

What’s more, coding doesn’t have to be limited to a person’s professional life. Those with these skills can also build websites, develop games or create mobile apps in their free time.

Helps you find a more successful career

Coding offers a career path for professionals already at work, as well as newcomers to the labor market. Versatile workers are often highly regarded, and learning a programming language can make an employee more valuable and open up more job opportunities. Meanwhile, learning some simple coding techniques can help employees automate parts of their work, potentially increasing their productivity.