Are you interested in learning how to code, but not sure where to start? Well today we’ll briefly discuss the importance of learning to code in this beginners guide. Coding is a valuable skill that remains in high demand. Knowing how to write code and understand code can open doors to various career opportunities. With the rise of Chaptgpt and other text generating AI models out there, one could almost think, “Hey I can just have the AI model generate the code I need, why should I take the time to learn?”. Well, for a moment let’s remind ourselves that the calculator did not replace accountants or mathematicians, and at the end of the day we still may need someone to build that calculator (at least for now). 

Coding and/or programming is the process of designing and building an executable computer program to perform a specific task. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll briefly discuss the history of coding, a few of the more popular programming languages, the benefits of learning to code, and the future of the industry. We’ll also provide recommendations for websites and resources that are suitable for beginners.

Let’s get started:

The history of coding is long and varied, the earliest known examples of written instructions for computer-like devices dates back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Leading up to the more modern era of coding the trajectory followed the Jacquard loom in 1801 and continuing with the Analytical Engine, Z3, Fortran, BASIC, C programming language, Linux, JavaScript, and the Agile Manifesto. Coding has played a significant role in the development of computers and the internet that we all use today.

There are many programming languages in use today. The popularity of a particular language can vary depending on the sector and the specific needs of the project. Programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, C#, JavaScript, and PHP are widely used across a variety of industries. Listed below is a brief description of the languages mentioned and what they’re generally used for.

1. Java: Java is a popular, general-purpose programming language that is designed to be portable and platform-independent. It is often used for building enterprise-level applications, particularly those that run on servers or mobile devices. Java code is compiled into bytecode, which can be executed on any machine with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
   
2. Python: Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language that is widely used for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and scientific computing. It is known for its simple, easy-to-read syntax and its large standard library that supports many different programming tasks.
   
3. C++: C++ is an object-oriented, low-level programming language that is widely used for developing operating systems, device drivers, and other system-level software. It is also commonly used for building high-performance, resource-intensive applications such as video games. C++ is an extension of the C programming language, so it includes many of the same features as C but with additional functionality.
   
4. C#: C# is a modern, object-oriented programming language that was developed by Microsoft for building Windows desktop applications and games. It is also widely used for building web applications and mobile apps using the .NET framework. C# is similar to Java and C++ in many ways, but it was designed to be simpler and more consistent than those languages.
   
5. JavaScript: JavaScript is a widely-used programming language that is typically executed in web browsers, but it can also be used on the server-side. It is often used to create interactive web pages and dynamic user interfaces. JavaScript is a versatile language that can be used for a wide variety of tasks, including creating web apps, automating tasks, and creating mobile apps.
   
6. PHP: PHP is a popular programming language that is widely used for building dynamic, server-side web applications. It is often used in combination with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create interactive websites and web apps. PHP code is executed on the server and then the result is sent to the browser as HTML. PHP is particularly well suited for tasks such as parsing data, generating dynamic web pages, and working with databases.

As stated previously coding is a very valuable skill that remains in high demand which can lead to wonderful career opportunities in various industries. It enables problem-solving, encourages creativity, and can be a fun and rewarding hobby. While there are many reasons why it is important to learn the basic fundamentals of coding, it is difficult to predict the exact future of the coding industry, as it is constantly evolving and subject to various technological and market forces (See the previous post regarding Chatgpt). However, there are some trends that are still likely to shape the future of the industry and increase the demand for skilled developers. There will continue to be changes in programming languages, artificial intelligence, and the increasing importance of big data analytics. Learning the basics helps one to understand the logic and structure, debug and troubleshoot, customize and innovate, and collaborate with others. In addition, learning the basics aids in future proofing by providing a solid foundation that can be built upon as technology continues to advance. 

Listed below are a few websites and resources available for beginners who are interested in learning to code. If you are considering learning to code, we recommend exploring these and other resources to find the one that best fits your learning style and goals.

1. Codecademy: Codecademy is a popular website that offers interactive courses in a variety of programming languages, including Python, Java, HTML, and more. It is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive lessons.
   
2. Khan Academy: Khan Academy is a non-profit organization that offers free online courses in a wide range of subjects, including computer programming. Its programming lessons are suitable for beginners and cover languages such as JavaScript and SQL.
   
3. freeCodeCamp: freeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization that offers free coding classes in a variety of programming languages. Its lessons are interactive and cover a wide range of topics, including web development and data science.
   
4. Code.org: Code.org is a non-profit organization that promotes computer science education and offers a variety of resources for beginners, including interactive tutorials and lesson plans.
   
5. Scratch: Scratch is a programming language and online community developed by MIT specifically for beginners. It is designed to be user-friendly and allows users to create interactive stories, games, and animations by dragging and dropping blocks of code.

In addition to those helpful resources, our friends over at websiteplanet.com have shared a wonderful post about learning HTML. https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/html-guide-beginners/

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