Are you considering learning to code in 2024? Well, you’re not alone. With the world becoming increasingly digital, learning to code has become one of the most sought-after skills. But is learning to code worth it in 2024?
The answer is an emphatic yes! Learning to code provides many benefits and can open doors for your career that were previously unavailable. It’s also a skill that will remain valuable over time as technology continues to evolve and expand its scope. In this article, we’ll explore why learning to code is a wise choice in 2024 and how it can benefit both your personal and professional life.
What Is Coding?
Coding is a process of writing instructions for computers to follow and execute tasks. These instructions are written in a programming language, such as Python or JavaScript, and the code can be used to create websites, applications, games, and more.
Coding is becoming increasingly important in today’s digital world. Many industries rely on coding to create and maintain their products, from healthcare to finance. Learning to code can open up a range of opportunities and career paths, from software engineer to UX developer.
How and Why I Learned to Code
My first university degree was in medicine and I obtained my MD after I finished medical school. However, I was long interested in coding and practiced it as an amateur since middle school.
After graduating from medical school and practicing medicine as a physician for a few years, I realized that I was more passionate about programming and decided to switch careers to computer science by attending a Master’s degree in Computer Science for non-CS majors.
My decision was primarily motivated by my passion for programming and building things, solving puzzles, and the desire for a greater work-life balance.
For me, programming is an incredibly fun activity that I could do even as a hobby in my spare time. I could literally spend hours coding not noticing the time pass and would feel elated every time my code succeeds in doing something useful or smart.
Is Learning to Code Worth It in 2024?
Learning to code is absolutely worth it in 2024 and is actually a really great idea. Learning to code magnifies your career opportunities and provides you with skills you could use for both personal and professional development.
However, this doesn’t mean that everyone should learn coding. In fact, learning to code is only a good idea for those who feel a genuine interest in this craft or those who really need it for their job or to achieve their career goals.
Is learning to code a good idea in 2024? Absolutely! In 2024, the demand for software engineers is at an all-time high. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 200,000 developer jobs will need to be filled annually in the next decade with a demand for software engineering professionals rising by 25%.
Let’s talk a little more about why learning to code is a great idea nowadays by looking into the advantages that the skill of programming presents.
Reasons for Learning to Code in 2024
1. It’s Intellectually Stimulating
Learning to code is an intellectually stimulating activity that requires problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. You have to break down complex problems into smaller parts and come up with creative solutions.
Coding can also be a very fun and rewarding activity since you have the satisfaction of creating something from scratch and then seeing it come to life.
It can serve as a creative outlet by allowing you to create games, websites, applications, and more.
2. It Leads to Broader Job Possibilities
The ability to code can open up a world of job possibilities. Many companies are looking for software engineers and developers, so learning this skill can help you become more marketable and help you land your dream job.
Even if the job doesn’t explicitly require these skills, a majority of companies are looking for applicants who possess some level of computer programming knowledge. As technology continues to become more deeply embedded in our lives and work processes, having basic coding competencies will be essential for future employment opportunities.
Even if you learn how to code, but don’t necessarily want to become a developer, there are still other tech-related roles like Email Marketer and Technical Project Manager where it helps to have at least some basic coding knowledge.
3. Coding Is Fairly Easy to Learn
There are multiple degree and non-degree options to learn how to code. You can enroll in a coding bootcamp, attend online or in-person coding classes, watch tutorials on YouTube and other learning platforms, or just teach yourself by learning from online resources.
For those of you who are just starting out, it may seem like learning how to code is quite a daunting task, but it is actually not that hard. With the right learning tools and resources, coding can be learned fairly quickly with some practice and dedication.
4. Programming Career Provides Great Benefits
Coding is a lucrative career option with great benefits. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers earn an average annual salary of $109,020.
Programming career often also provides remote work opportunities, flexible hours, and a great work-life balance. Software developers are known to enjoy a relaxed and fulfilling lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for learning, growth, and career advancement.
5. It Allows You to Take on Side Projects
Having coding knowledge can help you take on various side projects and build your own applications, websites, or software products. This is a great way to supplement your income and also boost your portfolio.
Learning how to code can also help you become an entrepreneur if that’s something you’re interested in. You can use your coding knowledge to start businesses such as web development or creating applications.
In conclusion, learning to code is worth it in 2024. It’s an intellectually stimulating activity that leads to various job opportunities and great benefits. It’s also fairly easy to learn with the right resources, and it allows you to take on side projects and build your own applications. So, if you’re interested in learning to code, now is the perfect time to start!
Will Learning to Code Get Me a Job?
Now, this is a great question. Simply learning how to code will not land you a job right away. In fact, breaching the gap between knowing how to code and becoming a hireable software developer is a difficult task.
To get a job as a programmer, you need to clearly show employers you have all the necessary skills to successfully perform the tasks required for the job. This involves having a polished resume, a strong portfolio, robust interview skills, and a good understanding of the industry.
So, learning to code is only part of the equation – you must also hone your job-seeking skills and gain as much industry experience as possible to become an attractive job candidate.
Getting a computer science degree or a bootcamp certificate will help you showcase your coding abilities, but it is also quite possible to land a job being a self-taught developer by working hard on your resume and portfolio.
What Careers Can I Pursue as a Coder?
Learning how to code opens the door to various career paths. Here are some of the most popular roles you can pursue if you develop coding skills:
- Web Developer
- Mobile App Developer
- Software Engineer
- Database Administrator
- Network Security Specialist
- UX/ UI Designer
- System Analyst
- Game Developer
- DevOps Engineer
Depending on the field you choose and the expertise you develop, learning to code can be a very lucrative career with excellent job prospects and great benefits.
No matter which path you decide to take, learning how to code can bring you immense satisfaction and give you the opportunity to solve interesting problems. Plus, it can help you land a great job. So learning to code is definitely worth it in 2024.
How Long Does It Realistically Take To Learn To Code?
The learning process of coding can be different for everyone, but it typically takes around six months to a year to become proficient enough in programming languages to develop applications or websites.
This learning timeline is just an estimate, though – learning to code with a course or bootcamp program can help you learn faster and reach your goals much sooner.
The important thing to remember when learning how to code is that you can always build upon your knowledge. Even after learning the basics, you should continue learning new technologies and concepts to continually increase your coding skills.
Overall, learning to code is worth it and can open up a lot of doors for you. It’s an intellectually stimulating activity with various job opportunities, great benefits, and the potential to become an entrepreneur.
How Do I Know if Coding Is Right for Me?
If you’re passionate about learning new technologies, problem-solving, and creating something from scratch – coding might be the right career path for you. Of course, it’s important to do your research before learning how to code and make sure that this is something you really want to pursue.
There are several tell-tale signs that coding might indeed be an enjoyable and profitable activity for you.
- You like dealing with computers – If you’re comfortable using computers and learning new technologies, coding might be a good fit for you.
- You like problem-solving and puzzles – Coding often involves problem-solving and finding creative solutions, so if you enjoy puzzles or looking for innovative ways to solve an issue – learning how to code can be a great way to challenge yourself.
- You like continuously learning new things – Coding is an ever-changing field, as new technologies and updates occur constantly, so learning never stops. If you like learning new things and staying up to date with the latest advancements in coding – coding could be a great career path for you.
- You like building things – Programming is all about building something from the ground up, so if you like the idea of creating something with code – learning to code could be a great way for you to express your creativity and create something useful.
At the end of the day, learning to code is a worthwhile investment that could bring you immense benefits. Whether your goal is to become an entrepreneur or land a job as a software engineer, learning how to code can help you get there. So learning to code is definitely worth it in 2024.
Do I Need a Degree to Pursue a Coding Career?
While a university degree can help you build a career in coding much faster and easier, it is not a hard requirement nowadays.
Many self-taught developers, as well as coding bootcamp graduates, get jobs and enter the software engineering industry every year.
At the end of the day, learning to code is much easier now with the availability of a myriad of online resources. With dedication and hard work, you can easily learn to code, build your portfolio and become a successful software developer in 2024.
Ways to Learning Coding
In order to get proficient in coding and perhaps build a career in software development, you need to find your path to learning how to code. Luckily, there are several routes you could take to accomplish this feat.
1. University Degree
Getting a university degree in computer science is the oldest and the most tested way to learn coding professionally and build a career in software engineering.
If you have never attended college, getting an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science could be a great option for you to start your formal education in programming. If you already have an undergraduate degree in another field and are thinking about transitioning, consider getting a Master’s degree in Computer Science for non-CS majors.
Keep in mind, however, that getting a university degree takes years of your time and often a significant amount of capital.
2. Coding Bootcamp
Another option for learning coding is to attend a coding bootcamp. Bootcamps are designed to teach you the basics of programming, as well as give you an understanding of the engineering process, with a much shorter learning period than that of getting a college degree.
Unlike traditional university degrees, bootcamps usually offer shorter learning periods, often just 2 or 3 months. They still cost a significant amount of money, however, averaging $13,500 for the duration of the course.
3. Self-study
Learning to code independently on your own is another popular learning approach nowadays. With the availability of online learning platforms, such as Codecademy, edX, and Udemy, learning to code is easier than ever. Learning to code on your own is even possible with the online coding games designed to help you study programming.
Self-studying requires a considerable amount of discipline and dedication, as learning on your own can often be overwhelming and difficult. It also allows you to learn at your own pace, however, and is the most cost-effective learning option.
Whichever route you decide to take on your way to your new programming career, learning to code is worth the effort and time you put in. With a bit of dedication and hard work, learning how to code can bring immense benefits to your future.
Which Programming Language Should I Start with?
Are you ready to start learning programming but aren’t sure which language to start with? We recommend JavaScript.
JavaScript is one of the simplest, most visual, and most functional languages out there. You can do web design using JavaScript and even create apps for mobile devices. It’s also the main language of web applications, such as Facebook and Gmail.
As you progress in learning JavaScript, you’ll find learning other programming languages will be much easier.
Check out our article about JavaScript as the first language to learn for information about this great tool and some materials to get you started right away. Learning to code is worth it, so get yourself geared up and start learning!
Good luck on your coding journey and happy learning!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.