Coding has become one of the most important skills to have in today’s workforce. Computer programmers are needed in industries that go far beyond the technology sector: education, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing are just a few other fields where coding skills are in high demand.
It’s no secret that technology has completely transformed the world of work as we know it. It’s hard to imagine any job today that doesn’t require some knowledge of how to operate a computer. Nurses must use applications and devices to monitor patients, administer medication, and record observations. Teachers use virtual learning environments to create learning experiences with their students. Secretaries and office managers must master spreadsheets and manage information digitally. Retail staff must use point of sale systems to complete transactions. The list of ways that workers use digital technology is growing.
Even if you don’t interact with technology often at work, you surely will at home or living your day to day life. Smartphones are ubiquitous, and the amount of other ‘smart’ objects from dishwashers to TVs and refrigerators continues to enter our homes. Many of our interactions with friends and family now take place via social media platforms! Ordering food, dating, and shopping have become perfectly normal activities to do with a computer.
Yet while we use technology in nearly every area of our lives, most of us barely understand what goes into creating the applications and computers we use. In fact, most of us are probably intimidated by the thought of developing technology and turning business ideas into software applications. And so we have the exact circumstances that make coding such a high demand skill: workplaces need people that not only understand how to use an app, but how it works and can be innovated from the back end.
This article will explore coding and what you can expect when you start a journey into the world of computer programming. If you are a teen wondering what tech career pathways will be the best to follow, or are considering a career change into coding, or looking for work - you have arrived at the right place!
Looking for a career change? Want to get started in tech? Upgrading your professional skillset? Coding continues to be a highly valued skill across industries and professions.
What is Coding?
Coding is all about using programming languages - specific numerical and alphabetical codes - to instruct machines to follow a series of actions. Writing code, in other words, is like writing instructions or a manual for computers to follow. You can tell a computer to behave more efficiently, or in a certain way. Opening emails, creating visuals, processing data, providing content recommendations, or locating cars and takeout options are just a handful of tasks someone writes code for. Coding is the way humans communicate with machines.
Coding transforms ideas and instructions into binary machine code: the language the computer can understand. Thankfully, humans don’t deal with binary code directly, as it is made up of a series of combinations of 1s and 0s that represent electrical signals that enable a computer to perform tasks and operations. Because binary code, or machine level languages, are so hard and monotonous to use, humans invented programming languages or codes that are much easier to use.
Some of the most commonly used programming languages include:
- Java Script
- Java
- C
- C++
- Python
- Scala
- PHP
- Ruby on Rails
- Objective-C
- Swift
- SQL
- Perl
- HTML
Languages like these bridge the gap between computers and humans, translating human linguistic elements into binary code. They are similar to human languages, containing basic syntactic elements like nouns, verbs and phrases grouped together to form sentence-like structures. While programming languages look like and resemble English, they are actually more precise without room for ambiguity or interpretation.
Want to see what code looks like? Hit control and click your mouse or touch pad and select “view page source” or “inspect” from the pop-up menu. You will see the code that was written to build the website you are looking at.
Python isn’t just for adults and professionals - kids and teens can learn coding too! Get your child started in one of the hottest and exciting creative industries.
What is the Difference between Coding and Programming?
Computer programming and coding are actually two different things, but the distinction is important if you are looking to study either area. Programming encompasses the bigger picture in software development: providing well, thought out instructions for telling a computer what to do or what you want it to do. When you program, you are solving problems, thinking through the complexities of the solution you are working with, and focusing on the small details. Programmers use algorithms, or mathematical formulas, to approach solving a problem.
Programming the logical reasoning, analyzing, and planning out of instructions for a program or application. Coding is the actual process of writing code that tells the computer to do the actual work. You would not actually code until you have planned the program or solution.
What Will I Learn in a Beginner Coding Course?
Beginner coding courses are great for both children and adults, and will teach you the fundamentals of writing a programming language. For kids, coding is kept fun and engaging by focusing on creating simple games, graphics, or structured play with a cute or funky robot. Parents can easily find coding toys in their local toy store, and these products can provide hours of endless play while learning the basic concept of providing instructions for a machine.
Older students will engage in code differently as the purpose for learning is typically to attain employment or enhance an existing skill set. A quick search online will reveal plenty of options for beginner coders, from live instruction to asynchronous courses or coding ‘boot camps.’ Depending on what kind of course you want, any beginner course will be different.
If curiosity is driving your coding journey, you may want to look into a general asynchronous online course where the students self-directs their journey through different modules. These courses are usually free or low cost, incredibly convenient, and will introduce you to coding or a specific programming language at a fundamental level. If you are generally self-motivated, highly curious, but do not want to make a large financial commitment to learning coding at this time, these types of courses are perfect. Asynchronous, self-guided courses are not ideal if you don’t consider yourself to be the most independent learner or if you want to achieve faster results.
Coding boot camps are offered by plenty of private learning institutions, or you can even find some at a school of continuing studies at your local college or universities. These courses are exactly what they sound like: an intensive period of instruction where the expectation is that you will push yourself hard to grasp a new programming language. These types of courses are great if you already have some technical or coding skills and want a quick upgrade or refresher on a language you might also use in your work. Before taking a boot camp, find out what skills you should already know to be as successful as possible in the class.
For a longer term, more sustained approach to learning, you may want to consider enrolling in a certificate, degree, or diploma for computer programming or coding. This is a great option if you want to complete your formal learning in a postsecondary institution. More than the specifics of coding, you will learn computers and technology from an academic perspective that will enable you to have a great career in tech.
Python is one of the most widely used programming languages around the world. Find out how you can become a Python master!
Take the Approach of a Lifelong Learner
Whatever way you choose to learn coding, remember that any learning you do is a first step in a lifelong journey of learning. You will likely have moments in which you will upgrade your skills, learn a new industry or trade entirely, but your foundation of learning in coding or programming will always be there to bolster any new knowledge you acquire.
Lifelong learning is key to any area you choose to study. The world of work is complex and always changing, and those who do not have the mindset of retraining or re-educating will likely face challenges in staying competitive in the job market. Know that if you do decide to study coding, that your skill set is highly desirable and valued. Always bear in mind, though, that the world can change quickly!
There are so many options for learning Python, including University and College programs. Explore all the ways you can start coding today.
Should I Learn Python Programming with a Tutor?
The Python programming language has become incredibly popular for a variety of reasons: it is versatile, mimics familiar language, can be used in data science and machine learning, and is used in a broad range of industries and contexts. Google uses Python, as does Netflix. Coders that use Python can run a line of code right away and get instant feedback, unlike other programming languages like Java or C++ where you must compile the whole program to detect errors.
If joining a boot camp or class just isn’t your thing, a great way to learn Python is to hire a private tutor. Python tutors can work with you individually to teach you the basics or how to use it in a way that addresses your specific work environment. For younger learners, a Python tutor can teach the essentials that will be useful in a postsecondary program, or help students already enrolled in programs to apply it in their current studies.
Supeprof is the best site for finding a Python or coding tutor in Canada. On the Superprof website, students can easily find dozens of Python tutors from around the country with a variety of work and academic backgrounds. Simply type in Python or Coding in the search tool, and you will find plenty of prospective tutors that will help you to get to the next level of learning you want.
Superprof makes it easy to contact and even pay your tutor through the site, which is safe to use and empowers learners to choose who they want to learn with. You can even find great articles to guide you on your journey, and plenty of other tutors who you might also hire to help you pursue your other interests - cooking, sports, languages, and more!
Find your Python tutor on Supeprof today.
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