Why Isn't Everyone Learning to Code for Career Success?

Thousands of job openings, high salaries, almost guaranteed employment – yet there is still a shortage of programming specialists in the market. Why is this happening? Why, despite the obvious advantages and chances of success, people still don't learn to code? I will try to answer this question in this article.

When I was in college, I took one programming class which was Introduction to C++. I had to take it twice because I failed the first time. The main reason why I failed an introductory class was my prejudice about programming. I had always thought programming was extremely difficult to learn. Thus, I hesitated to even study.

It took me several years to start learning to program again. I’m glad I did because it is definitely not as difficult as I had thought it was. I improved my programming skills at a great pace and had fun learning. After you take your first step toward programming, it gets even easier because you start to see the full picture of what you are capable of doing. It is a motivation booster.

The biggest obstacle that prevents people from learning how to code is the idea that programming is an excessively difficult subject. However, that is not the case. Programming is not a set of magic tricks that can only be performed by geniuses or computer geeks. You do not need to have an academic background or advanced math skills.

Let’s start with what it means to program. Then, we elaborate on how and why to start and what you can achieve with programming.

What Does it Mean to Program?

Programming is telling a computer how to solve a problem. You turn a problem into a series of exact steps so that the computer can deal with it. With programming, everything happens extremely fast and without any errors. The tasks are automated, so we do not need to worry about repetitive ones.

There are two main components of programming. One of them is the programming language used for communicating with or giving instructions to a computer. The other is logical thinking and an analytical mindset to determine the optimal solution for a given task. There are always many different ways to solve a problem with programming. You should pick the one that is simple and efficient.

Logical thinking is not something you need years of education to learn. With an open mind and enough practice, you can break down complicated tasks into small steps that can be solved with lines of code.

Once you have the solution in mind, you need to tell the computer how to execute this solution. This is when you need to use a programming language. How you give instructions to a computer is not like how you tell your friend to do something. It consists of precise instructions and special syntax.

I think what makes programming seem difficult from the outside is the syntax. There are certain rules you need to follow to write correct, executable code.

What Is the Best Programming Language to Start?

There are many different programming languages used in the industry. Among the most popular is Python. It is the best choice as your first programming language for the following reasons:

• It is an easy and intuitive language just as powerful as its major competitors.
• It is open-source, so anyone can contribute to its development.
• Its syntax is as understandable as plain English.
• It is suitable for everyday tasks, allowing for short development times.

As I mentioned, a major factor that makes programming seem difficult is syntax. Python has an intuitive syntax you can read as if you are reading plain English. It is important to understand the syntax because, in programming, most of your time is spent reading someone else’s code. It is a motivation breaker if you have a hard time understanding what you read.

Python has a very productive developer community. There are a ton of third-party libraries that make the language even more impactful. Python outperforms all other languages in the data science domain thanks to its rich selection of libraries.

There is an increasing demand for people with coding skills in Python. A lot of people from a wide range of industries realize this opportunity and make a career change. However, they usually have some concerns. That they may be too old to learn Python is at the top of the list. Here is a great article that answers this clearly: it is never too late to start your Python journey.

Although it is relatively easy to learn Python, you need a structured and well-designed plan. The track “Learn Programming With Python” is a great place to start. It not only covers Python basics but also introduces data structures and algorithms, very important concepts in every programming language.

The best way to improve your coding skills is to practice. Learn Programming With Python has an interactive console so that you can experience the great features of in-browser practicing. You write real code and see how it works. This is the best way to learn.

We Learn How to Program, Then What?

Once you learn to program, job opportunities increase tremendously. Considering the ever-increasing popularity of Python, learning it is a career booster. Here is a list of jobs you can do after learning Python.

Python dominates the field of data science which is one of the best domains in terms of job opportunities. The first and foremost skill required to work in the data science ecosystem is Python.

Although mostly associated with data science, the scope of Python has well exceeded it. There are many other cool things you can do with Python: here is a list of 10 ideas.

In addition to its ease of learning and intuitive syntax, the vast third-party Python packages simplify and expedite the process for implementing these ideas. It comes with the power of an active and expanding Python open-source community.

Python can also improve your day-to-day work. You may have routine tasks at your job, like sending regular emails and organizing files. Some of these tasks can be tedious and time-consuming. Fortunately, it is quite simple to automate these tasks in Python.

Work From Home?

We all have experienced difficult times in the past two years due to the global pandemic. The work-from-home lifestyle has turned into more of a necessity than an opportunity. Even the biggest tech giants have asked their employees to work from home.

Unfortunately, remote working is not feasible for every profession, because physical presence is required in many industries. This is not the case with programming. If you are a programmer, you can work remotely. All you need is a computer and an Internet connection.

The pandemic aside, working remotely has several advantages. Commuting to work consumes a non-trivial amount of time especially if you live in a crowded city. You can save that time for your personal needs. Moreover, you have the opportunity to live wherever you want.

Learn Python!

Programming is not something you need to spend years learning. It also does not require advanced degrees or super math skills. Once you take your first step into programming, the rest becomes smooth and fun.

All you need for learning to program is to set aside some time and have a good plan. You do not need to study or practice for long hours. However, consistency is important. Programming is a skill that is improved with continuous practice. So, you should not have big gaps in your learning journey. Try to study daily even if it is just for 30 minutes.

You also need a plan to use your time efficiently. There are a ton of online resources for learning to program. However, without a good, well-structured plan, you waste time. LearnPython.com has well-prepared tracks that expedite your learning process. For instance, Learn Programming With Python is a great way to start.

There are more jobs for people with programming skills. It may even be as much in demand as foreign language skills or MS Office skills. Learning to program is a highly profitable investment; in finance terms, the return on investment is likely to be pretty high.

You also have the flexibility to work as a freelancer. If you like to make your own schedule and be your own boss, being a freelancer may be your dream job. With a decent level of Python knowledge, you have many opportunities as a freelancer.

The time and the effort you put into learning how to code are worth it. Start your learning journey as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate!