Updated April 11, 2022
Coding has become both a lucrative, secure line of work and a necessity for the world's infrastructure in record time. Learning to code has even captured the focus of federal and state initiatives, for example, Code Oregon, to promote STEM careers.
Why so much talk about coding? Because that’s where the well-paying jobs are. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hundreds of thousands of positions entail coding, and the median pay for those jobs nationwide was over $89,000 in 2020.
Are you considering dipping your toe in the world of coding and tech?
Here are four things you may not have realized about the field:
1. Coding is all about creative problem-solving.
Whether you’re designing a website or creating a new app, as a coder it is your job to make the vision become reality. You’ll need to research different technologies and platforms available to you in order to reach your goal.
2. Coding is a team sport.
Contrary to popular stereotypes, the best coders are highly collaborative and work on tight-knit teams. A coding project can include project managers, designers, product managers, and other coders. And just like any team, you’ll need to learn how to navigate group dynamics. When you’re learning to code, it’s best to adopt the best practices of pair programming so you’re prepared to be a contributing team member.
3. Coding requires a keen eye for detail.
Forgetting a bracket could break all of your code. Paying close attention to detail is critical to becoming a successful coder. Moreover, whenever you create new code the best practice is to document exactly what you’ve done, so you can reference what you’ve done later and your team members can know what you’ve added.
4. Learning to code is a constant endeavor.
There are numerous coding languages and platforms, and there are always new technologies being created. Becoming a computer coder is a commitment to lifelong learning and trying new things.
Learning to code opens up a whole new world of opportunities. In addition to job opportunities and high earning potential, there are so many possibilities for working on new, exciting projects and working with diverse people.
