How Learning To Program Can Make You A Better Person *

AD | We usually think of programming as a skill that’s reserved only for the most computer literate among us. And that learning to program means you need to be able to type 90 wpm, while simultaneously scrolling through miles of text spread across multiple screens. Usually while hunched over your keyboard in a darkened bedroom or minivan – or is that just in the movies? (Think Boris in “Goldeneye” and all the geeks in countless spy thrillers…) Actually though, nothing could be further from the truth. Programming has become an ordinary tool, meaning that anyone can learn how to code. This is especially true with the invention and widespread adoption of computer languages such as HTML and CSS, Python, JavaScript, and Ruby.

What skills do you need to become a computer programmer?

Some of the most important skills to have as a computer programmer might surprise you. Yes, mathematics is useful but it’s not essential. Becoming a good coder is more about mindset. Fun fact: some years ago I undertook an HTML course. Not only was this fun (yes, really!) but it’s since proved invaluable as I’m often able to write simple lines of code and apply basic fixes to errors on both my blog and my freelance services website. Anyway, here are some skills you need if you want to learn how to program:

• Ability to learn concepts and apply them to other problems
• Problem-solving capability
• Communication skills
• Inquisitiveness
• Self-motivation
• Patience
• Concentration
• Diligence.

Enhance your career by adding this skill

Learning to program will help boost virtually anyone’s career by creating extra avenues for growth and opportunities for upward progression. Programmers who can understand front-end languages such as JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and back-end languages such as Python are in high demand. Having learned basic HTML already, I now have a hankering to investigate Python and Ruby too 🙂

Increase your income

Many people strive for financial success, and learning how to write programs can help achieve this goal. Programming skills are useful no matter a person’s background, career, or profession. There are innumerable opportunities for improving careers — or even having a side hustle — to take advantage of increased financial opportunities.

Programming skills can also help those looking to go it alone. Many freelance web developers use their coding skills to start their own businesses and create websites for clients. Others turn their skills into a way to realise their business ideas. Many successful entrepreneurs have at least some programming skills.

Learn to think differently — and become smarter

Learning to program has been shown to lead to success in other subjects people study. Programming teaches people how to understand and break down a problem, and use structured language to communicate a solution (in this case, to a computer) in a coherent manner. That skill — breaking down a problem and communicating a solution concisely and precisely to another — is transferable to nearly all other walks of life.

Learning to program also teaches an individual that it’s crucial to learn how to think before learning what to think. Learning how to program a computer is about more than just picking up a computer language. It’s also about a productive and effective mindset for solving problems efficiently.

Good programmers understand concepts quickly, or ask the right questions to help make them clearer, and they don’t need to have everything written down for them first. Such mental attitudes and personal skills positively benefit anyone who acquires them.

Best (and easiest!) computer languages to learn

Programming computers is all about learning certain languages and coding skills. Just like learning any foreign language, it’s not always easy to pick up straight away, but neither is it impossible to make great strides quite quickly either. So, which language should you start learning?

HTML and CSS

HTML tells web browsers how to display a page, and CSS tells it what styles to use for visual formatting. What makes both HTML and CSS simple programming languages to learn is that the programmer receives instant feedback on code they’ve just written. Literally, all you have to do is refresh the web page you’re working on (and sometimes clear your browser cache as well) to see your code take effect.

JavaScript

All web browsers have JavaScript built into them, so it’s an excellent computer language for both front- and back-end web development. It’s also enduringly popular, profitable, and undoubtedly one of the most important programming languages that anyone can use. It isn’t going too far to say that JavaScript is a pillar of the Internet, along with HTML and CSS.

Python

With its simple syntax, Python is often rated as the easiest programming language to learn. It contains many English words, and this limits the number of new terms to understand. However, the good news doesn’t stop there. Python is extremely useful professionally, being one of the most used programming languages in nearly all industries. To make things even better, learning Python is a breeze as there are heaps of excellent Python courses there to help.

Ruby

Ruby was created to be easily understood by people with varying backgrounds and different skill sets. The language doesn’t require prior theoretical knowledge and uses simple syntax, making Ruby an excellent choice for beginners. Learning this language has become even more accessible since the addition of the Ruby on Rails framework, often humorously called “the mother of all computer language tune-ups.”

Ruby on Rails brings many enhancements to the language, allowing developers to create web apps more quickly. With the Ruby on Rails framework, developers can also create software applications, something that some other web languages don’t allow.

Next steps – where to learn how to program

Once you’ve determined which programming language you want to tackle, all you need to do is choose the most efficient learning method that works for you. There are several ways to gain programming skills, such as distance learning and online courses, a mentoring program, or even a stint in an academic institution.

As a developer, your best course of action is to invest your time wisely by mastering the core elements of your chosen language and building good habits like writing clean code. Things change quickly when it comes to new technologies, trends, and frameworks, but learning programming fundamentals means you can adapt and pivot according to the demands of the day.

Have you ever thought about learning to program? Do you think it’s a life skill you’d be willing to invest in? And if so, which coding language – front end or back end – would you like to learn?

* This is a sponsored post.