Programming Prerequisites

Computer programming is the act of writing instructions that are intended for computer systems or devices. The computer’s program then translates these instructions into a language that the computer can understand. You might worry that programming will be too hard to learn. This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning programming and what you should study first to make the process easier. This way, you’ll be successful however you choose to apply your new skills. 

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.

Is Programming Easy to Learn?

Over the years, programming has been labeled as a difficult skill to learn. And there is some truth to this label. Many aspects of coding can make it challenging to navigate, such as the complexity of learning different programming languages. Programming computers involves learning different languages, which is an involved task. Even though Programmers learn each time they sit down to write code, there’s a limitless amount of information for Programmers to acquire, which can make studying this skill daunting for some. However, many of these processes have already been documented and can be replicated. With time and persistence, most people can learn programming much easier than expected. 

Several factors will determine the speed at which you can learn programming and how difficult you may find this process. Your prior knowledge of math and how you choose to study programming are two factors that can affect the learning process.

Instead of trying to teach yourself programming, you may consider enrolling in one of Noble Desktop’s in-person or live online coding classes. These courses are taught by industry experts and provide hands-on training in data science, full stack web development, and software engineering. 

What to Know Before Learning Programming

To start working as a Computer Programmer, individuals should brush up on some skill sets before learning to write code. Most schools or programs list prerequisites that future students should acquire before getting started on a path to becoming a Programmer:

Advanced Mathematics

One factor contributing to the speed an individual learns programming is their prior knowledge of mathematics, particularly advanced math concepts. Because math and coding require problem-solving skills, many acquire them by practicing high-level, multi-step math problems. Learning to write high-quality code can be much more challenging without a basic understanding of mathematical concepts.

Problem-Solving

The most critical skill a Computer Programmer can have is the ability to solve problems. Although some believe that writing high-quality code is an essential programming skill, it’s one tool needed to solve a problem. Problem-solving skills are often overlooked in programming books, perhaps because these resources are designed to provide readers with tools to fix problems rather than mindsets with which to approach challenges. It’s much more important for a Computer Programmer to know how to get from point A to point B than for them simply to arrive at point B. Thus, the ability to solve problems and think of innovative solutions is a must for Programmers.

Data Structures and Algorithms

One of the essential components of a successful Programmer is knowledge of data structures and algorithms. A data structure is a method used to organize the data contained in a virtual system. Two examples of well-defined data structures are tables of data or sequences of numbers. Algorithms are the series of steps that a computer executes to transform a specific input into an output. Data structures and algorithms are often used together and provide a way for Programmers to create computer programs. 

Algorithms serve a variety of purposes. They interact with various data structures with the same computational complexity scale. It’s helpful to think of algorithms as the underlying pieces interacting with static data structures. Because the way data is expressed in code is typically flexible, those who understand how algorithms are built can generalize across programming languages. Understanding the core rules that govern programming languages and the principles that organize them allows Programmers to switch between languages easily and learn new ones quickly.

The following are common data structures that appear in different programming languages:

• Maps
• Search trees
• Linked lists
• Queues
• Hash tables
• Sets
• Stacks

In addition, the following are some common algorithm categories:

• Sorting
• Search
• Dynamic programming
• Graph/tree traversing
• Hashing and regex 

Noble Desktop's in-person and live online coding classes are an excellent resource if you want to develop your problem-solving skills and work with data structures and algorithms. 

Key Insights

• Programming is a field where individuals write instructions for computer devices or systems. The computer’s program translates the instructions into a language it can understand.
• Many consider programming a challenging skill to learn because of the complexity of programming languages and the limitless information for Programmers to acquire. However, with time and practice, most learners can acquire these skills.
• Those with a strong background in advanced mathematics, an understanding of data structures and algorithms, and well-developed problem-solving skills can acquire programming skills relatively quickly if invested in entering a new field.
• If you want to learn programming, Noble Desktop provides in-person and live online coding classes to teach you the skills needed to grow professionally.

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.