The Ultimate Guide: What is Coding for Beginners?

Learning to code is not only advantageous for professional growth but also greatly enhances one’s appeal in the competitive technology job market. The process may seem daunting initially, but with unwavering commitment and consistent practice, one can undoubtedly achieve proficiency. Regardless of background or initial skill level, mastering coding is attainable for anyone who is willing to invest the time, effort, and has access to valuable online resources. Participating in an intensive coding bootcamp offers a strategic path to entering the industry, as it focuses on hands-on skill development and creating a strong portfolio. This comprehensive article delves into the essential programming languages, explores various career opportunities in coding, and outlines the key skills that beginners should prioritize to enhance their programming expertise effectively.

Read on for a closer look at this exciting career path.

Coding 101: Understanding the Basics

Since the emergence of high-level programming languages like FORTRAN and ALGOL in the 1950s, significant advancements have been made in software development. These languages have provided programmers with powerful tools to address complex computing challenges efficiently. In the contemporary landscape, coding has evolved to encompass the creation of intricate operating systems, diverse software applications, and intricate websites that form the backbone of our digital ecosystem. As a result, programmers play a crucial role in shaping and maintaining the functionality and structure of our modern technological infrastructure.

To get started in this enduring field, it is important to first establish the basics of coding and how it works.

A Simple Definition of Coding

Coding is a communication method used by programmers to instruct computers on tasks, forming the basis of computer programs, apps, and websites. It is the basis for almost every functional aspect of digital technology, ensuring efficient and effective communication between computers and users.

Coding Examples — What Does Coding Look Like?

Programming languages, such as HTML and SQL, sit at the core of constructing and preserving digital assets, encompassing diverse functions crucial to modern web development. HTML stands out for its foundational role in website creation, specifying the structural framework that dictates how elements are positioned and interact within a page layout. Just as crucially, CSS emerges as a vital companion to HTML, offering the means to harmonize the visual aesthetics of a webpage, allowing for customizations like vibrant green headings that capture user attention. On a parallel track, SQL emerges as a cornerstone for efficiently managing, modifying, and sorting through vast datasets housed within databases. A pertinent example of SQL’s utility lies in its ability to extract targeted information, like identifying prospective customers from a business’s internal database, thereby serving as a valuable asset for marketing campaigns. Proficiency in these languages becomes paramount for front-end web developers, underscoring their pivotal role in crafting and upholding an organization’s diverse user-facing elements across digital platforms.

How Does Coding Work?

Fundamentally, coding serves as the bedrock of both web development, allowing for the creation of dynamic websites and engaging user experiences, and software development, powering a myriad of applications that simplify and enhance various aspects of modern life. Through coding, skilled programmers craft intricate scripts and algorithms that form the backbone of complex systems, dictating how different elements interact and function seamlessly together. While the intricacies of programming may seem daunting, the beauty lies in the fact that even the most sophisticated tasks can be broken down into a series of logical steps, expressed through a combination of symbols and language that convey specific instructions to computers. Once meticulously crafted, these instructions are then translated by a compiler into the machine language, a binary system of ones and zeros that is the native tongue of computers, facilitating the seamless execution of tasks and enabling devices to perform their designated functions accurately and efficiently.

How Is a Piece of Code Executed?

Code execution is the process of a computer running a programmed code, executing instructions and commands as directed. It can involve displaying images on the screen, inputting data into a database, or performing calculations, as long as the computer can understand the programmer’s instructions.

What is Computer Code Used For?

Computer code plays a pivotal role in numerous industries, including vital sectors like cyber security, healthcare, and finance. Within these sectors, it acts as a cornerstone for securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices, bolstering data-driven infrastructure, and safeguarding sensitive information from potential cyber threats. Beyond these critical areas, the significance of computer code extends to transforming everyday services such as Uber, which leveraged code to develop a seamless platform connecting drivers and riders, revolutionizing the ride-sharing landscape and establishing itself as a prominent player in the market. This dual application of computer code highlights its versatility in enhancing operational efficiencies, ensuring data security, and ultimately delivering substantial value to end-users across varied industries and services.

What’s the difference between coding and programming?

When it comes to coding and programming, although they are commonly used interchangeably due to their shared foundation in writing programs, they possess distinct differences in their scope and applications. Programmers, who play a pivotal role in high-level problem-solving tasks, provide crucial advice on implementing suitable technologies for projects, emphasizing aspects like security and scalability to ensure efficient functioning. This role entails crafting code that caters to specific user needs, such as enabling password retrieval through email for users facing login issues. Moreover, programmers must carefully weigh factors like scalability when deciding on a database solution to store user data, like Alex’s, recognizing the importance of accommodating a potentially large user base without compromising performance. Thus, a programmer’s primary duty revolves around guaranteeing the database’s capacity to meet the demands imposed by a significant volume of users, ultimately facilitating seamless operations and user experiences within the system.

If you want to further explore the similarities and differences between these terms, check out our coding vs programming guide.

Why Are There So Many Programming Languages?

Programming languages are comparable to a diverse array of vehicles in that they serve as essential tools for executing a wide range of tasks with their distinct functionalities. Each programming language possesses its distinct set of capabilities and limitations, rendering it suitable for specific applications. For example, Java finds its niche in developing a vast array of applications, from desktop interfaces to immersive video games and mobile applications, whereas Python excels in business application development, processing audio and video content, and conducting in-depth analysis of website data. Similarly, Swift stands out as the preferred language for constructing seamless applications across various Apple devices. Recognizing the unique strengths and weaknesses of different programming languages can guide individuals in selecting the ideal languages to initially learn and continuously develop throughout their professional journey. Embracing a commitment to perpetual learning is crucial for programmers as technology advances rapidly, user demands evolve, and skill sets expand. Therefore, comprehending the individual strengths and limitations of each language is essential in determining the most valuable languages to master both at the beginning of one’s career and along their ongoing professional growth path.

Different Types of Coding

Understanding high-level coding concepts offers individuals a profound insight into the intricate world of computer code. Yet, the true essence of coding shines through in its broad application across diverse industries and disciplines. In the technology sector, a multitude of code types have played a pivotal role in shaping the internet and refining its advanced digital infrastructure, creating a robust network that supports the global exchange of information and services.

The Internet

Coding has been instrumental in the development and maintenance of the internet, from early computer networks to modern social media communities. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are key elements in creating site structures, appearances, and interactivity. Coding is an ever-changing field, with best practices constantly updated to accommodate new technologies. Web developers must adopt a learner’s mindset to stay updated with industry changes.

Operating Systems

An operating system (OS) is a system-level software that manages computer hardware and software, providing resources for programs. Examples include Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. These base-level softwares are composed of code necessary for a computer to function properly. C and C++ are commonly used coding languages for OS development due to their versatility in creating various digital infrastructures.

Desktop Applications

Numerous programming languages are utilized in desktop application development, such as C# for Windows applications, Swift for macOS and Apple devices, and Java for Java-based applications. Understanding these languages can be beneficial as different organizations have different preferences, making a command of multiple languages advantageous.

Mobile Applications

Coding is crucial in mobile application development, a key aspect of modern technology. Common mobile app languages include Swift and Objective-C for Apple devices, and Java and Kotlin for Android. These languages are used to create and refine the specific characteristics of different app interfaces, ensuring efficient and user-friendly mobile app development.

Native mobile apps: Smartphone applications, like those developed using a specific programming language like Java for Android OS-enabled devices, allow access to the device’s various features.

Cross-platform mobile apps: Smartphone applications designed to run on multiple operating systems like iOS and Android can reach a wider user base.

Mobile web apps: Smartphone applications that mimic desktop URL viewing on mobile devices.

Common Programming Languages and Their Uses

The text provides an overview of the basics of coding and discusses common programming languages, including dozens with unique use cases and strengths, such as Python, Java, and Ruby.

 

JavaScript

JavaScript is a client-side scripting language used for creating interactive web pages. It allows developers to dynamically display information, zoom in or out content, display counters and timers, produce animations, and play audio or video. JavaScript is widely used by web developers worldwide and is the most sought-after and utilized programming language in web development. According to HackerRank’s 2020 developer skills report, JavaScript is the most well-known programming language among web developers and the most common language hiring managers seek among job candidates.

Python

Python is a versatile programming language used in various fields, including back-end development, software development, and data science. Its straightforward syntax makes it easier for new coders to understand. Python is a popular first language for new programmers and is widely used across various industries. According to HackerRank’s 2020 Developer Skills Report, Python is a sought-after programming language, second only to JavaScript, and is increasingly sought after by hiring managers.

HTML

HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is a fundamental language for web developers and designers, defining the layout of most websites. It is used to structure web pages and featured content, such as paragraphs, bulleted lists or images. HTML’s role is to organize web pages for other technologies to build upon. Learning HTML is essential for becoming a web developer or designer, as it describes webpage elements, distinguishing them from other site content and applying them to headings, images, tables, and paragraphs.

CSS

CSS is a design language that enhances the appearance of websites by adjusting their background images, font style, colour, paragraph spacing, column size, layout, and layout designs. It works in conjunction with HTML, providing a more aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-navigate website structure.

SQL

SQL is a structured query language used to interact with databases and their information, enabling modifications, updates, row addition or deletion and data execution for data modification, row addition, and query execution.

C#

C# is a versatile programming language used for building web applications, Windows programs, and video games. Although not as popular as JavaScript and Python, its versatility across various digital mediums makes it a crucial choice for aspiring coders.

Is coding hard to learn?

Coding is a challenging skill to learn, but it becomes easier as you understand the concepts and piece the information together. Mastering coding requires daily commitment and understanding the vast world of coding. Focusing on areas like cloud computing, machine learning, or data science can help you develop a deeper understanding of the subject. Explore different coding jobs in the next section, and learn more about the difficulty of learning coding in this full article.

How to Learn Coding

To become a proficient coder, there are various paths to pursue.

Coding Bootcamps

Coding bootcamps are a great starting point for those interested in the coding field, offering a hands-on, practical learning curriculum. These programs provide real-world scenarios and help learners develop a professional portfolio. They can be delivered full-time or part-time, offering flexibility.

College Degrees

Traditional college degrees offer a great opportunity to learn coding, taking between 2 to 4 years depending on the degree level. These degrees allow students to explore various interests and can be beneficial for those who want to learn coding outside of the discipline.

Self-Learning Options

Self-teaching is an excellent way to learn coding, with numerous resources like websites, free online courses, videos, and smartphone apps available. However, some learners may struggle with the lack of support and mentorship, making deep learning more challenging.

Common Coding Careers

The growing significance of technology in daily life has led to a surge in demand for coding professionals, with various career paths available for programmers.

Web Developer

Web developers play a crucial role in building websites and applications that are essential for our daily lives. The job market for web developers is expected to grow by 8% by 2029, significantly faster than the average. The median pay for web developers in 2020 was $77,200, significantly higher than the average for all U.S. jobs. This makes web development a rewarding career that involves coding, design, or a mix of both.

Software Engineer

Software engineers possess extensive knowledge of programming languages, software development principles, and computer operating systems, enabling them to create powerful software applications. Companies are investing heavily in technology and software engineering, increasing their demand. The median annual wage for software engineers was $110,140 in 2020, and the job market is expected to grow by 22% by 2029.

Computer Programmer

Computer programmers create and test software, working closely with software engineers and developers. The median pay for these professionals was $89,190 in 2020. However, the job market is projected to decline by 9% by 2029 due to global competition. Despite this, highly skilled employees still enjoy a strong job market for computer programmers

Final thoughts

Coding is a crucial skill that can transform your career or change your current one. It involves understanding the term, comparing it with programming, understanding its purpose, and its workings. Learning coding is not difficult, and it can lead to various professions.

Coding FAQs

If you are still asking yourself, “what is coding?” these FAQs may help:
Is Coding Hard?

Coding proficiency can vary based on previous programming or technology experience, requiring commitment, patience, and willingness to practice and make mistakes. An immersive coding bootcamp can provide hands-on experience and help gain proficiency in this complex field.

 

MEAN: $113,501

MERN: $92,949

LAMP: $98,904

Server-less: $49,454, though average for “AWS Developer” is $120,063

MEVN (Vue developer): $94,301

Flutter: $97,254

Is Coding a Good Career?

Coding-related jobs are in high demand and pay, with strong job prospects across computer and information technology careers. The BLS predicts a 11% growth by 2029, applicable across software development, web development, software engineering, and information technology roles.

How Do I Start Coding?

Learning to code can be challenging, but resources are available to help beginners get started. Hands-on experience is crucial, and working on websites, programs, or projects is an excellent way to learn the ins and outs of coding. Coding bootcamps can also jumpstart your career.

Are Coding Bootcamps Worth it?

Coding bootcamps offer mentorship, networking, hands-on experience, and technical skills to aspiring coders, providing a thorough yet flexible environment for learning industry skills.