You didn’t choose the programming life, the programming life chose you!
Hello World, Let's Begin!🌎
In this blog post, I will briefly cover and answer a few common questions on programming.
Why do I say the programming life chose you?
Simply because software development is everywhere around us and a beneficial skill to have. With a rapid increase in entrepreneurship and I.T., there is a high demand for programmers from software developers to cloud engineers. Not only is it a rewarding field but also a beautifully diverse field with so many great people from different walks of life to connect with!
This field is also constantly evolving and offers workplace flexibility to accommodate your lifestyle. You can even work from home, which is a great excuse to consume extra coffee all day!
So what are the 5 W’s of programming?
–What is programming?
–Where do we see programming?
–Who can be a programmer?
–Why do we need programmers?
–When can I start programming?
What is programming?
Computer programming is the process of designing and building an executable program to accomplish a specific computing result. A perform a specific task by using a programming language (a set of words, rules, symbols, etc etc to write computer instructions).
Simple Example:
1.Leave home
2.Walk towards your car
3.Turn car on
4.Begin driving to destination
5.Arrive at destination
6.Park car
7.Turn off car
8.Walk towards store entrance
9.Begin shopping
A Programming language implements an algorithm and has its own set of instructions, commands, and syntax to create a software program. It’s what we use to communicate effectively with a computer so it may execute the intended result.
Programming languages will fall under low or high-level programming. Explained briefly in this chart I made below. ⤵️
As shown above, they have their own merits, pros, and cons. But they are also prone to errors also known as bugs. Here is where problem-solving comes to play.
At one point, you will be fighting bugs. But keep calm, these are not the ones you screech for, these are programming bugs that prevent the correct operation from executing well. You will need to locate this bug and resolve the issue for your code to work. But don’t panic yet, it’s easier than finding that 8 legged spider in your room!
Disclaimer: You may still screech a little with error bugs too.
These languages each serve their own purpose individually or similarly but no two are the same. Therefore, there is no such thing as the “best” language.
Now you make ask yourself, “with so many languages to choose from, which is the most suitable for me?”
Finding the language that is most suitable for you will depend on this key question:
“What do you want to do as a programmer?”
Let’s presume you want to learn to build websites, you will use your answer to navigate what in specificity you will need to learn.
Do you want to work with the front-end (what users interact within the browser)? You will mostly work with the famous trio:
- HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language)
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) &
- JavaScript( Programming language)
Or do you want to work on the back-end (work with the server, interacting with the databases)?
You will have to work with a programming language such as-
- Ruby
- Java
- Python or others.
Programmers can also learn both front-end and back-end over time, known as full-stack developers. Besides the languages mentioned above, there are other tools and skills you may need to learn. You will have to research the job market of the exact position you intend to work in for a better chance at employment. These skills and tools will be discussed in a future blog.
Note: Programming is also referred to as coding. Your first program/code in any language will most likely be “Hello World” 😀
Where do we see programming?
We see programming everywhere.
From the moment our electronic alarm clocks wake us up, at work when we are sending emails, when paying for our lunch at the local deli, and so on.
It helps us keep our everyday tasks convenient and efficient. Imagine rushing to buy and eat lunch but the cashier is adding up with pen and paper the cost of every item to every person in line during lunch hours? Yikes!
Programmed codes help keep our everyday lives easier and efficient!
Who can learn to program?
As long as you can read and write, you can learn to code. However, realistically, you will need to evaluate if coding is for you.
When many of us begin our journey into tech, it’s easy for us to become discouraged since this field can be overwhelming and constantly evolving. It is recommended that you do your research and have a well-structured plan to make this process as smooth as possible.
It may or may not be simple for you but remember you are learning a completely new language that is intended for computers to comprehend. Understandably, you may feel victim to imposter syndrome (IS). Explained in the summary below.
To avoid unnecessary discouragement or I.S., it is adamantly suggested you find your best learning style in order to eliminate resources that may hinder or impede your experience with coding. Learning how you retain information can be the most crucial factor determining how simple or complex your coding experience is.
For example, a visual learner may not do well listening to podcasts and may struggle to absorb the concepts of coding, and so on. A visual learner will do better-watching tutorials with pre-recorded “live” coding, taking notes, saving coding snippets, and such. So research your learning style, there are tons of resources online and even quizzes to help you find yours. Below is an example of general learning styles.
Why do we (still) need programmers?
The average person believes that we are so far advanced in our digital age that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is just about capable of replacing humans. While we do have new technologies manufactured that resulted in a decrease in particular job positions, AI is not ready to replace coders. Our civilization stills need people who know how to code in order to improve and/or build new digitally influenced services or new tech products.
Even programming languages are constantly releasing new updates so there is always something new to learn!
The I.T. industry also continues to grow so programming opportunities will continue to surface.
When can I start programming?
Right this second. There is no specific age range to learn to code. As long as you can read and write you are more than qualified.
If you can access the internet and read this blog, then you can log on to any coding website, pick your language and begin some lessons.
The best part of learning to code is that it can be absolutely free these days.
All you need is any computer/mobile device that has internet access and the will to learn.
Now in 2020, we are lucky to have various choices to accommodate our learning style. We can start with Youtube tutorials on the language selected, free coding websites, or you may even join a coding Bootcamp (school training) and there are plenty of other resources that we will cover in a very near future post.
You can learn to code in small chunks and gradually build on the fundamentals you have learned and apply them. There is no correct pace you need to follow!
Just breathe, absorb, and own your pace.😀
Conclusion
Programming is literally everywhere around us. It makes our lives more convenient and smoother. And truly a rewarding field with great flexibility all around.
Programming comes across as intimidating and hard to learn but please know, you are more than capable of learning! Soon enough you will be coding like its second nature and helping others!🦾
Thank you for making it to the end! I hope I have been of some help and clarity. Overall, my posts will orbit around these topics and go into greater depth.
Please leave me a comment if you enjoyed it or you have any suggestions post for me to cover. Be well and happy coding!
Top comments (2)
Nice, thorough run-down of coding and where it's headed. I especially like your caution of falling into the I.S. trap - a discouraging journey for anyone trying to learn coding. Excellent tips! 😍
Great read 🙌🤩