Why Learn To Code
Description
In today's digital world, you interact with code everywhere – from the Instagram stories you scroll through to the smart coffee maker that brews your morning cup.
A decade or two ago, you only needed to learn to code if you were interested in software development. But things have changed. Our connected world only continues to become more digital and more online. And with that, our jobs have become more digital and more online. The need to be at least familiar with code is becoming more important.
A decade or two ago, you only needed to learn to code if you were interested in software development. But things have changed. Our connected world only continues to become more digital and more online. And with that, our jobs have become more digital and more online. The need to be at least familiar with code is becoming more important.
Should you learn to code?
That used to be a simple question. Now, a better question is: "How much code should you learn?"
Code literacy has never been more important. But here's the thing: you don't need an advanced degree in Computer Science. The amount of programming knowledge you need depends on your goals and the problems you want to solve.
Code literacy has never been more important. But here's the thing: you don't need an advanced degree in Computer Science. The amount of programming knowledge you need depends on your goals and the problems you want to solve.
Why Code Literacy Matters
Even a basic understanding of code can transform how you work and think:
- It helps you speak the language of software development teams, making collaboration smoother
- It gives you the confidence to tackle simple technical tasks without needing help
- It saves you time and money on essential website updates and digital tasks
- It makes you more valuable in your current role - and more attractive to future employers
- It helps you understand what's possible in the digital world so you can spot opportunities others might miss
Code at Work
The path for those who want to become a full-time software engineer will look very different from someone who wants to learn code to help further their career as a designer or marketer. Here are a few real-world scenarios that illustrate how code can help non-software engineers in their careers:
- A local plumber who learned to tweak the branding on their business website, saving thousands in developer fees
- The creative marketer who builds and customizes multiple email templates a month using HTML and CSS
- The salesperson who figured out how to collect leads online and sync them directly to their email provider
In each of these examples, the people involved need different levels of code literacy. While knowing how to code has never been more important, the good news is that it's never been easier to learn.
Different Flavors of Code Literacy
Ready to learn how to code but need help figuring out where to start? Here's a breakdown of different types of programming languages and when they're useful:
HTML/CSS: The Building Blocks
Perfect for anyone who works with websites or email marketing. This is often the best place to start – it's visual, straightforward, and you can see results quickly.
JavaScript: Adding Interactive Magic
It's great for adding interactivity to web pages or automating browser tasks. If you work with websites and want them to be more interactive—think a pop-up modal that collects emails—this is what you'll need to learn.
Python: The Swiss Army Knife
Python is a great option for data analysis and automating repetitive tasks. It's beginner-friendly and incredibly versatile, with many great tutorials. You can use it to accomplish anything from analyzing spreadsheets to building simple web apps.
SQL: Speaking Database
SQL is the language of the database. It's essential for anyone working with databases or data analysis.
HTML/CSS: The Building Blocks
Perfect for anyone who works with websites or email marketing. This is often the best place to start – it's visual, straightforward, and you can see results quickly.
JavaScript: Adding Interactive Magic
It's great for adding interactivity to web pages or automating browser tasks. If you work with websites and want them to be more interactive—think a pop-up modal that collects emails—this is what you'll need to learn.
Python: The Swiss Army Knife
Python is a great option for data analysis and automating repetitive tasks. It's beginner-friendly and incredibly versatile, with many great tutorials. You can use it to accomplish anything from analyzing spreadsheets to building simple web apps.
SQL: Speaking Database
SQL is the language of the database. It's essential for anyone working with databases or data analysis.
Where to Start?
Whether your goal is to land your first job as a junior software engineer or you just need to be familiar enough to build a landing page, there are more great resources than ever to help you learn.
Remember, you don't need to learn everything at once. Start small and focus on what's relevant to you.
Our curated list of learning resources is coming soon!
Remember, you don't need to learn everything at once. Start small and focus on what's relevant to you.
Our curated list of learning resources is coming soon!