Why you should learn to code.
By: Asmita Mallik
Tags: Programming, Coding, Why Learn Codes, STEM

Computer classes in primary schools meant playing games and learning how to type. It was in grade 7 when I was first introduced to the world of programming. Back then we were taught some basic HTML and high-level programming language — BASIC. This sudden shift in knowledge load was nerve-wracking for me. Computer classes were no more fun. During that time I could never grasp the concept of programming or how it worked. I ended up rote learning the steps when exams neared. I whole-heartedly dreaded the subject.

Nevertheless, over time, my perception of coding has changed. I have come to learn that programming inherently is beautiful. It’s wonderful how just a bunch of instructions executed in sequence can make awesome things happen. Humans are always looking for ways to automate tasks that need to be repeated thousands of times over, to reduce as much effort and time as possible. And coding is just the way of doing it. Although I’m not a pro programmer yet, I still want to share why learning how to code can be a valuable skill in your toolbox. So let’s get into some points that will hopefully convince you to start coding if you haven’t yet.

1. Great Job prospects

First and foremost, the obvious one. There is no denying that technology is everywhere. Almost every industry across the world is moving towards a digitized format. Computing jobs are lacking IT professionals and software developers are high in demand. Even if you are not an IT professional, basic programming skills can give you the edge in an increasingly competitive market.

2. Develops structured and creative thinking

While solving problems, programmers first break them into workable pieces. Instead of starting to code right away, they come with logical solutions for the workable pieces. Then those pieces are combined into a singular functional unit. So, learning how to program develops the habit of structurally approaching a problem. You gradually train your brain to solve real-life problems similarly. You start giving logic and rationale to your instincts. So, instead of getting overwhelmed you start coming up with creative solutions. You will be quicker at pattern recognition and from this, you will be able to more readily adapt to a chaotic and changing landscape.

3. You can automate repetitive tasks

Programming makes your life easier. Once you learn how to program, you can cut down on so much manual labor. For example, you are an HR at your company. You need to keep track of every existing and new coming employees’ information correctly. Entering all of that data manually can get tedious in no time. But, you could write a short program and it could fill out all the information with a single click.

Lots of jobs require to use of Excel sheets daily. Some of the daily actions you perform can be as simple as adding contents of columns 2,3 and 4 and then finding the average of the result. Doing this continuously is chaotic and inefficient. Instead, you could write a small program that does all these functions at once. You will be saving time effort and increasing accuracy.

4. Coming up with ingenious solutions.

Most programmers come from a science background. They are trained rigorously in subjects like math, physics, and chemistry. Therefore, their solutions are heavily biased towards the former. But imagine if people from liberal arts were to combine their knowledge with coding. The solutions they come up with would surely be more creative. This way they get a platform to voice their ideas. Building the future should not be dependent on only scientists and engineers. There needs to be significant input from writers, politicians, artists who study our culture.

5. Work as a freelancer

You can start a side job working as a freelance. This way you have more than one source of income. When layoffs happen at your permanent job you won’t have to go running for another job opening. Plus, you’ll have the added flexibility of only saying yes to those projects you want to do. The job market is completely changing due to COVID-19. Many professions are being dissolved and people are trying to reach new opportunities to survive. It’s a wise decision to keep another option open.

6. It teaches you persistence

Programming and learning how to code is not as easy as learning to read or write. There will be times when you will want to give up completely. But once you start building things and putting your ideas into action, you will start seeing problems in the light of solutions. For me, there were numerous times when my code didn’t work and I ended up abandoning projects. But once you learn the hard truth that nothing worth learning is learned in a day, you stop wanting to give up anytime a hurdle appears. You stop giving up on other difficult situations in your day-to-day life as well. You become patient because you know there is always a solution. It just needs some more effort, just like it happens when you create a program, run it, and debug it several times to reach the perfect solution. You transform yourself into a solution-driven individual.

Having said all of that, I also want to point out that coding isn’t a basic necessity. Having the ability to program solutions will surely help you stand out in the job market. But it is not a basic skill or prerequisite that should be imposed on those who do not seek to do so. I’m sure most of us have seen instances where budding talents in other fields do not fulfill their potential by getting into STEM. The truth is, you should only learn programming if you’re interested or your job could benefit from such a skill. You should not let peer, parental, or societal pressure push you into something you don’t want to do. This not only hampers your career but also discourages people who want to get into this field.