Explore the vast world of programming and the various career opportunities it presents. Learn about the costs associated with various programming training methods, from free online tutorials to college degrees, and discover what you can do with programming skills across various industries.
Key Insights
- Programming involves writing coded instructions for computers to perform specific tasks. It is a versatile skill with applications in various fields such as web design, gaming, mobile app development, automation, statistical analysis, database management, and data science.
- Learning programming can be achieved through various methods, each with its own associated costs. Free online tutorials and videos are available, while in-person and live online courses range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Obtaining a programming degree from a college or university provides a solid foundation in various coding languages. However, it is the most expensive method, with costs potentially reaching $300,000 for a four-year program at top schools.
- In-person programming courses and bootcamps offer a more affordable and focused alternative to a degree. These courses, like a JavaScript course or a Python Developer Certificate, typically cost several hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Live online programming classes offer similar benefits to in-person courses, with the added convenience of being accessible remotely. Noble Desktop and other top educational providers offer such classes.
- The salaries for various programming positions vary widely, but on average, computer programmers in the United States earn a median wage of $86,550 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Looking to learn programming? If so, many of the tools you’ll need are available for free. Most popular programming languages like Python and JavaScript are available for free. In addition, code editors like Visual Studio Code are also free, as are open-source programming libraries. Beyond this, you’ll want to consider the cost of programming training. The cost associated with studying programming will depend on the training method you select. While online videos and tutorials in Programming are often available for free, in-person and live online courses range in price, typically from several hundred dollars to several thousand. Read on to find out more about how much you can expect to spend on learning programming.
What is Programming?
Computer programming is writing coded instructions that communicate to a computer, software program, or application you’d like for it to perform a specific task. Programmers write code to create these instructions to find solutions to different issues and ensure that different software programs and apps will operate successfully. This process often involves devising strategies to enhance code to implement organizational initiatives more effectively. Most programmers work with various coding languages, such as Python, C++, and JavaScript. Typically, Computer Programmers perform various daily tasks: writing code, updating software programs to address security vulnerabilities or fix bugs, writing and testing code for apps and programs, troubleshooting code to spot errors, and translating existing code from one programming language to another. It’s a job that is ever-changing. The field of computer programming continues to grow in popularity as Programmers find new ways to communicate more effectively with computers. Programming has changed drastically over the past century. Initially, programmers used punch cards containing rows of numbers read by a machine. Now, it incorporates drag-and-drop interfaces and other methods that allow for much faster programming speed. Although some individuals use the terms “programming” and “coding” interchangeably, the two are slightly different by definition. Programming is a mental process that requires creating the instructions given to a computer. In contrast, coding pertains to translating those instructions into a written language understandable to a computer. Read more about what programming is and why you should learn it.
What Can You Do with Programming?
Computer programming is a versatile skill with various uses across industries and professions. Because we rely so much on computers for daily tasks, those who know how to program have many job opportunities.
The following are a few items you can do with a background in programming:
- Programmers who know languages such as JavaScript, CSS, or HTML can design interactive websites for clients.
- Individuals with advanced programming skills are needed to create computer games, a popular form of entertainment for many.
- Mobile apps are more popular than ever as cell phones become more widely used for everyday tasks like banking and navigating. Those who know how to program can create mobile apps to simplify these tasks.
- Repetitive work tasks can take many hours of tedious work to complete. However, with the help of automation, they can be instructed to work independently to complete said tasks. Programming skills make it possible to automate tasks like posting on social media, controlling the thermostat at home, or sending emails.
- Programming with R or Python allows users to incorporate advanced statistical analysis into analytical or research tasks.
- With programming, it is possible to build or maintain large databases. Programmers use languages such as SQL or PHP to use and maintain extensive databases.
- Those who work in the field of data science rely on programming to perform tasks such as developing models that can make predictions based on data insights.
In-Depth Review of the Training Cost
If you’re ready to begin your programming learning journey, you may be unsure of how much it will cost to master the skills you need to succeed professionally. Since various learning types are available in person and online, the cost associated with learning computer program vary depending on the learning format you select.
The most expensive method for studying computer programming is to enroll in a college or university where it’s offered as a major. According to U.S. News & World Report, the top-five computer programming departments in 2022 are Carnegie Mellon University, MIT, Cornell, University of Washington, and University of California Berkeley. Majoring in programming provides learners with a solid foundation in various coding languages and the skills needed to get a job. College or university study typically takes four years to complete and is the most expensive learning option. Traditional methods of learning programming can cost tens of thousands of dollars annually, becoming $300,000 at the end of four years for some top schools. In addition, four-year colleges and universities often require students to take other classes, such as general education requirements. Because of the cost, the scope of curricula, and the length of these programs, they aren’t a viable option for some learners, especially those interested in learning computer programming to advance at work or switch careers.
In-person programming courses are an excellent option for learners who thrive in the classroom environment. Unlike colleges and universities that take years to complete, learners can select an in-person study option most suited to their educational goals, such as a short course in JavaScript, an SQL bootcamp, or a Python Developer Certificate. These courses are typically much more affordable than college study and generally cost several hundred to several thousand dollars. In addition to allowing students to focus their studies on one relevant subject or skill, in-person programming classes provide access to a computer lab stocked with the most up-to-date tools and software. Students who choose to study in this environment have access to an instructor who’s an expert in programming. Although it may require the additional cost associated with commuting to and from class and taking off work to attend meetings, in-person classes are an engaging, interactive way to learn programming.
Like in-person courses, live online programming classes are available from schools like Noble Desktop and other top educational providers. Because these courses occur in real-time, students can connect with an instructor, ask questions, and receive on-the-spot help with complicated concepts. All work in live online classes can be completed remotely, which makes this format an excellent option for those who may not live near an educational facility or may not be able to travel to campus several times a week. Live online programming classes still require attending class for scheduled meetings, which may mean having to take off work. However, students can complete lessons from the comfort of their home or office space.
For those unable to commit to an in-person or live online class that meets at scheduled times, self-paced programming material is a good option. Typically, these materials are the most affordable; some tutorials and content are even posted for free by top educators like Udemy or Coursera. Because all materials are pre-recorded, enrollees can watch them at any time and location with reliable internet. In addition, they can be paused, rewound, and revisited as many times as necessary to help with retention. One important consideration with self-paced programming material is that you won’t have access to an instructor to answer questions. Thus, learning programming in this format can challenge some. In addition, because of the amount of online content devoted to programming, it can be difficult to know which is the most useful and current and which is already outdated. Asynchronous programming materials are generally a good starting point for studying programming. However, to master more complex concepts or skills, seeking a more structured learning environment, such as in-person or live online classes may help.
Free Introductory Programming Course Online
Free introductory programming courses are available online if you want to learn computer programming but aren’t sure about enrolling in an entire course. These courses and videos are designed to help you understand different programming languages before committing to more intensive learning options.
Noble Desktop offers an hour-long webinar devoted to getting started with Python programming. Intro to Python Fundamentals provides an overview of how to use Python for automating boring or repetitive tasks. This beginner-friendly course is designed for those who may be new to programming and want to know what Python is and how to work with it. Noble also offers Intro to Node.js for those who want to learn about this popular JavaScript framework used for creating web apps.
In addition to Noble’s free online programming resources, materials are available from other top educators as well. Udemy currently has several free online programming classes, such as Programming 101, designed for those new to working with hardware, networking, licensing, and programming. In addition, Git & GitHub Crash Course: Create a Repository From Scratch is also available. This course is a mere half an hour long and teaches students how to make a Git repository, clone it, and make changes. Coursera also provides a wide range of free programming courses. Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming offers 12 hours of beginner-friendly content on core programming principles in software engineering. Coursera’s C++ Basic Structures: Vectors, Pointers, Strings, and Files includes nine hours of instruction on how to code and run a C++ program.
Read more about free programming videos and online tutorials.
Learn Programming with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop, an educational provider, located in Manhattan, offers a range of programming courses for those new to this field and individuals with more advanced coding skills. Noble’s bootcamps and certificates provide hands-on programming training in the small class setting and are an excellent option for those who want to take their programming skills to the next level.
Those wishing to pursue a career as a Full Stack Web Developer, explore Noble’s in-person and live online Full-Stack Web Development Certificate since it presents a high-level learning opportunity. Instruction is provided on both front end web development and back end programming. Participants in this rigorous course learn CSS, JavaScript, and HTML. In addition, instruction is provided on using Git to track code changes. Those enrolled also create dynamic web apps using Node.js and React. For those who want to study the most widely used programming language, Noble’s JavaScript Development Certificate is for you. This intensive certificate program teaches students how to use JavaSript to design websites, build web applications, and create database-driven apps.
Noble also offers a Data Science Certificate for those interested in becoming Data Scientists. This hands-on program provides mentoring, as well as hands-on training, from industry experts. Instruction is provided on core data science skills, such as creating machine learning models, using SQL to query databases, and performing data analysis using Python. Tuition includes the option of a free class retake for up to one year, as well as one-on-one mentoring.
Noble also offers an in-person and live online Python Developer Certificate for those who want to work with Python. Those who enroll in this certificate receive hands-on instruction on fundamental Python programming skills, like using Django for Python software development and working with Django REST, SQL, and Git. This training is designed to prepare students to become Back End Developers, Software Engineers, or Python Engineers.
How to Learn Programming
Master programming with hands-on training. Programming with Python, JavaScript, or another popular coding language is a crucial skill to have for many tech career fields, including data science, web development, and software engineering.
- Coding bootcamps at Noble Desktop: live, instructor-led course available in NYC or live online
- Find Coding Classes Near You: Search & compare dozens of available courses in-person
- Attend a coding class live online (remote/virtual training) from anywhere
- Find & compare the best online coding classes (on-demand) from the top providers and platforms
- Train your staff with corporate and onsite coding training