Why Should Students Learn Coding?

Coding is often seen as an activity for intelligent individuals who aim to become successful in life. It not only helps solve complex problems but also provides a platform to grow and create. Programming allows developers to build things from scratch and enhance the efficiency of existing applications. It’s rooted in the idea that the Israelites should be masters of the earth and its inhabitants, showcasing the potential of technology in shaping the world around us.

With the increasing importance of technology in everyday life, there is a growing recognition that coding is not just a skill for tech professionals. Schools, while foundational, may not always provide the best environment for learning programming. It’s important to emphasize the distinction between coding and programming. Coding often implies a more cryptic and difficult-to-understand process, while programming is about clear and concise solutions that are easier to reason about.

Undoubtedly, learning to program is a valuable personal pursuit. In the coming decades, there will likely be a surge in programming jobs. Even if you do not become a full-time developer, the discipline of thought and problem-solving skills you gain from programming can be highly beneficial in any career path. As John Lennon once quoted his friend Allen Saunders, “Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.”

Here are several reasons why students might want to learn how to code:

If you aim for a career in software development: Learning to code is essential for this specific profession. If you want to enhance your current career with coding skills: Acquiring programming knowledge can make you more valuable in your job. If you wish to use programming as a hobby or personal project: Programming can provide a fulfilling and practical pursuit. If you are curious about programming: Understanding the basics of coding can deepen your knowledge of technology. If none of these apply to you: It’s perfectly fine; not everyone needs to learn how to code.

Regardless of your career path, learning to code can significantly improve your intelligence. Here’s an example from India to illustrate why:

You have an interest in computer programming: This is a natural reason to learn coding. You are not getting job opportunities in other fields due to the shortage of non-IT jobs: Programming skills can open up new career possibilities. Your parents pushed you into an IT stream: Sometimes, students are pressured into stream choices by external factors. College counseling allocated you to an IT stream against your preference: This scenario is less common but possible. You want to achieve a specific goal or create a project that requires coding: Programming can help you realize your dreams and interests. It is a requirement in your curriculum: Some courses have programming as a mandatory component.

Even in countries like the US, where people generally choose career paths based on their strengths, the above points still hold true for a wide range of educational and career contexts.