What to Learn After Programming

Computer programming creates automated solutions to problems through a language the computer understands as instructions. The Programmer then tests the program to ensure it’s working correctly and makes any necessary corrections. If you know how to use programming, you might consider learning more about data structures and algorithms, databases, or object-oriented programming. We’ll cover each related skill below, so you clearly understand what skill you want to tackle next. 

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.

Skills to Learn Once You’ve Studied Computer Programming

After you’ve learned a programming language, you may wonder what to study next. The following paragraphs cover some of the skills you may consider studying once you’ve learned to work with one or two programming languages:

Data Structures and Algorithms

After you learn a specific programming language, you must continue practicing it. It can also be effective to apply it to different diverse occasions. One way to do so is to learn more about data structures and algorithms. The more you understand both, the easier it will be to excel as a Coder and have a robust understanding of a given language. Data structures take various forms, such as lists, arrays, dictionaries, and trees. It’s crucial to find out which data structures are available in a programming language you’ve learned, how they’re coded, and how they can be applied to data structures that aren’t available. Algorithms are the steps a computer uses to transform a specific input into an output. Although it’s not imperative to master every algorithm, having a basic understanding of popular algorithms like those that sort and search is an excellent first step.

Enrolling in one of Noble Desktop’s in-person or live online coding classes is a great way to learn more about data structures and algorithms. Various course options are available, such as a Python Developer Certificate and JavaScript Development Certificate. You can also learn more about the best algorithms for Data Scientists by reading Noble’s free article Top 10 Algorithms for Data Science.

Databases

Nearly every program created requires a database. Therefore, learning more about databases is an excellent next step once you’ve learned programming. A database is an organized collection of data or structured information generally stored electronically in a computer. For the most part, databases are controlled by database management systems. The data and the database management system are often referred to simply as a database. The data contained in the most common database types are structured in columns and rows in tables, which makes querying and processing efficiency. It also ensures that the data in the database can be easily located, modified, organized, and updated. Most databases use SQL, or structured query language, to query data.

If you are interested in exploring how to work with databases, Noble Desktop provides several in-person and live online SQL courses.

Object-Oriented Programming

Once you’ve mastered the basics of a programming language, such as JavaScript or Python, you may want to explore specific programming concepts or skills in more depth. One such skill is object-oriented programming (OOP). This programming model organizes software design around objects, also known as data fields with specific behaviors or traits, instead of logic or functions. OOP is more concerned with the objects that a Programmer seeks to manipulate instead of the logic behind the manipulation process. This programming approach is often used in complex or large programs that require regular maintenance. If you want to explore OOP, you likely will begin by gathering the objects that need to be manipulated and determining how they relate. This process is also referred to as data modeling. Some examples of objects are small computer programs like widgets and entities described by properties such as their name or address.

Key Insights

• Programming is a process by which a problem solution is converted into instructions designed to communicate with a computer. 
• Programming is an in-demand skill set with various applications across industries and professions. Those with coding skills can design interactive websites, create computer games, design mobile apps, and automate repetitive tasks. 
• Once you’ve learned to code in a language such as Python or JavaScript, you may consider learning other skills that are related to programming, such as how to work with databases, how to use algorithms and data structures, and how to communicate with databases using SQL. 
• For those who wish to explore coding in-depth, Noble Desktop offers a range of in-person and live online courses designed to help individuals become proficient or skilled Programmers.

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.