How to Start Coding: The Ultimate Guide for Beginner Programmers – If you’re searching for “how to learn coding,” it might be because you want to advance your career or develop other skills in the computer programming world. And believe me, if I can dive into this world, so can you
As a matter of fact, anyone can learn to code with time, dedication, and internet access. If you’re reading this, that includes you. My journey into coding, though challenging, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life, and I’m thrilled to share these insights with you.
Why learn to code for Beginner Programmers
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 you 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.
We mentioned earlier that there are differences between coders and programmers. 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.