What is coding?  

Coding is the process of using programming languages to give instructions to a computer. These instructions power the websites, software, and applications people use every day. As a software developer and mobile app developer, I, Collinz Dev, have found coding to be an essential skill in my career, enabling me to bring innovative solutions to life.

Why learn to code?

Before diving into your first lesson, I suggest that you think about why you want to code in the first place. In my opinion, this will help you determine which programming language to learn first, what sorts of projects you want to complete, and ultimately, what you want to make of your skills.

Coding helps build professional skills.

In my journey, I've seen how coding opens doors to numerous opportunities, not just in tech but in various industries. It's a skill that empowers you to create, innovate, and solve problems in new ways. As technology continues to weave into our daily lives, coding skills will become more desired among candidates. According to job board Indeed.com, several of the most in-demand skills fall under computing.

If you’re looking to make a career pivot into tech or to switch to a more technical role within your field, knowing at least one relevant programming language is a must. This doesn’t just apply to developers, though. Web designers should know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Project managers should know the inner workings of the tools they help craft. Even if you run a simple WordPress website, familiarizing yourself with front-end languages and some PHP goes a long way.

Even if you’re not pursuing a strictly technical role, coding experience is an asset. It shows technical know-how, the ability to grasp abstract concepts, and that you can solve complex problems. Finally, coding knowledge enables you to take up freelance work or a full-time career.

Coding can help you earn more.

The average entry-level salary in the U.S. is $40,153 in 2022. But the average starting salary for a programmer is more than twice as much, at $85,293. There's no denying the financial advantages of coding skills. The tech industry is known for its lucrative salary packages, and as someone who transitioned into this field, the financial uplift was a significant motivator..

As you continue to learn about coding, you may start to specialize. Many of the highest coding salaries come from the ability to offer your skills in a specific type of coding. For example, as you continue to code, you may become a developer. Besides writing code, developers also debug software and work with source code. Developers usually specialize in a specific programming language. Developers often earn higher salaries than programmers and have high projected job growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for developers should grow by 22% by 2030.

Coding lets you create things

One of the coolest benefits of learning how to code is the ability to bring your ideas to life. Have a concept for a website, app, or computer game? Now, you can build it exactly how you want, then share it with the world. I still remember the thrill of my first successful program—it was a simple task automation, but it felt like magic.Whether you want to monetize your project, post it on an open-source platform like GitHub, or just make things as a hobby, you’ll have the knowledge and the tools to do so.

Coding is fun

It’s cheesy but true — for me, learning to code is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Once I had the basics down and started on my own projects, the process felt less like learning and more like leisure. After all, if you’re not enjoying it, why pursue it as a career?

How to Start Coding

1 . Figure out why you want to learn to code.

2 . Choose which coding language you want to learn first. 

3 . Take online courses. 

4  . Watch video tutorials. 

5 . Read books and ebooks.

6 . Use tools that make learning to code easier. 

7 . Check out how other people code.

8 .  Complete coding projects. 

9 .  Find a mentor and a community.

10. Consider enrolling in a coding boot camp.

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