Why Learn Programming?

Programming is a field in which a computation is performed by creating a computer program that a computer or user can execute. This process involves creating algorithms, performing analysis, monitoring how accurate the algorithm is and how many resources it consumes, and implementing these algorithms. Have you ever explored all of the things programming can do? Those with programming skills are in demand in various professions across industries, such as software development and engineering, database administration, web development, and computer systems analysis. Here, you’ll learn more about the careers that benefit from programming and how it can enhance your professional life. Regardless of your goals, learning programming is a valuable and impressive skill to add to your resume. 

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.

Common Professional Uses for Programming

Programming skills are currently in demand in professions and industries across the globe. With this demand comes high pay rates for qualified Computer Programmers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for a Computer Programmer in 2021 was $93,000 a year. Programming skills are an asset to a variety of professions. The following is a list of some of the most popular programming jobs available:

• There’s a growing need for AI Engineers in all fields since this is one of the fastest-growing areas for tech professionals such as Programmers. These individuals use machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence tools and skills.
• The healthcare industry benefits from those with a background in data science and computer programming. Individuals who bring analytical skills to the job can create IT systems that can leverage and learn from various data resources in healthcare. In addition, as the healthcare field begins to learn from its data, Programmers are expected to play a vital role in helping providers become more efficient and ultimately achieve improved patient outcomes.
• Programmers are highly valued in financial service careers. Because of how widely used mobile banking and other technologies are, the financial service industry continues to expand rapidly to keep up with new applications and features.
• The computer security industry relies heavily on Programmers to help improve the security of the range of internet-of-things devices being created. Many companies who manufacture these devices aren’t aware that these products are migrating to the internet even though necessary security considerations haven’t occurred. Programmers play an essential role in securing these devices.
• Although it’s not commonly associated with programming, the education sector also benefits significantly from those with a mastery of programming languages. It’s essential for education to stay on pace with innovation. Therefore, there’s a high demand for creative, scalable, engaging educational programs, such as online bookkeeping services and digital reading programs.

In addition to typical applications of programming, many traditional industries, such as agriculture and oil, require qualified programmers to create software. If you’re currently on the hunt for a job, programming skills are an excellent way to find work in nearly any industry around the globe.

Why Learn Programming?

The twenty-first century is a time of rapid technological development. Many products we rely on daily, such as smartphones and thermostats, depend on this technology to function correctly. In addition, behind nearly every picture and chart we find on the internet is someone who programmed it to look this way. Those with programming skills have the power to create much of what we encounter daily. Several many reasons exist as to why learning computer programming can help you professionally:

Programming Skills are a Great Way to Land a Job

Many professions that rely on programming skills have a good career outlook for the next decade. Jobs in software development not only pay well ($109,000 in 2021) but are also expected to experience a 25% average growth over the next decade. Web development is also expected to experience a 23% growth, which is well above the national average. This level of growth means that those with programming skills will likely find a high-paying job in this field, a trend expected to continue throughout the next decade.

If you’re interested in learning the programming skills needed to switch jobs, you may consider enrolling in Noble Desktop’s in-person or live online Full-Stack Web Development Certificate. Participants in this rigorous program receive training on all parts of a web app, from how it appears on the front end to how data is managed on the back end. This certificate also includes one-on-one mentoring, which makes it an excellent option for professionals interested in pursuing a new career or growing within their current role.

Programmers Often Can Work From Home

A strong internet connection is one of the only requirements to work from home as a Programmer. Thus, many individuals who work in this field have the chance to work remotely if their company’s policy permits it. In addition, those who work as Freelance Programmers can always complete projects remotely. This flexibility is one of many reasons programming is an in-demand job for those balancing work responsibilities and family commitments. Another benefit to working from home is that it saves Programmers the time, hassle, and cost of commuting to and from work each day. It also allows those with programming knowledge to apply for jobs anywhere without relocating, which opens the door to many professional opportunities.

It’s a Profession That Allows You to Combine Creative and Technical Skills

Not all jobs provide the flexibility of allowing you to combine your creative and technical skills. By its nature, programming provides an opportunity for individuals to use both skill sets. Programmers are tasked with finding issues and seeking solutions. The problems they’re faced with aren’t always the same problems, which means that the solutions they find also will be new with each task. Finding innovative and effective solutions can be a challenging, albeit exciting, a process involving technical know-how and creative problem-solving skills. Moreover, Programmers can digitize their ideas. They have the skills to create apps and implement their ideas exactly as they desire.

Programming is a Great Way to Develop Problem-Solving Skills

One of the main reasons people write code is to solve problems. Programmers seek to apply the code they write to tackle pressing issues and find solutions to these problems. With these day-to-day responsibilities, Programmers typically develop high-level problem-solving skills that they use each day. These skills can even become second nature the more they’re used and can be transferable and applied to other professional tasks. 

How to Start Learning Programming

If you want to learn more about computer programming, excellent study options are available from Noble Desktop and other top educational providers. In-person programming courses provide hands-on training from instructors who have industry experience working with programming languages. These interactive courses are perfect for extroverted learners who thrive in the classroom setting. Another benefit of the in-person study is that it provides a computer lab with the most up-to-date software and tools.

In addition to in-person study options, more than 400 live online programming classes are available. Like in-person study, live online coursework allows students to connect with an instructor in real-time who’s available to answer questions, provide support, and help with complex programming concepts. This learning format also allows students to complete all coursework remotely from the comfort of their home or office space.

Many educational providers also offer self-paced online programming classes. Unlike in-person and live online study, asynchronous programming material can be completed at your speed, on your own time. It consists of pre-recorded videos, YouTube videos, blogs, and other resources. These materials can be watched or read at any time of the day from any location. An additional benefit of on-demand programming material is that it is the most affordable learning option. Some content is even available for free. These accessible features make self-paced options a helpful resource for those new to programming or those who want to get an overview of this field before committing to a more structured learning path.

Noble’s Desktop’s Blog & Learning Resources page provides a wealth of information about different programming languages. Interested learners can read more about Python, JavaScript, Coding, and Data Science. If you want to learn about Python specifically, you can also check out Noble’s YouTube channel, which has a range of videos on this language. Their YouTube video, Making a Twitter Bot in Python, provides an hour of beginner-friendly instruction on how to get started writing Python code. In addition, Noble’s Python Tutorial: Exchanging Excel for Python is also provided for free. This video discusses whether Python will replace Excel in the future in fields like marketing or finance and how you can work with this programming language to stay ahead of the curve.

Noble provides an Intro to Front-End Web Development for those wishing to learn fundamental skills needed for creating the parts of a website visible in a browser. Another option offered by Noble is their Intro to Python Fundamentals. This one-hour webinar explores what Python is and how to install it. 

Read the complete guide on how to learn programming.

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.

Key Insights

• Computer programming is the process of writing code that tells a computer, app, or program to perform a specific action. The code offers instructions for how the device should perform.
• Programming is currently an in-demand profession across industries. In particular, Software and Web Developers are projected to experience rapid job growth over the next decade.
• There are many benefits to learning programming. It’s a great way to use both technical and creative skills simultaneously, as well as to apply problem-solving skills. In addition, Programmers can often work from home, which means they can apply for jobs anywhere in the U.S. or other countries.
• You can receive comprehensive programming training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.