WHAT IS CODING AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?

WHAT IS CODING AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?

By: DJ Johnson

WHAT IS CODING?

Coding, in the simplest of terms, is telling a computer what you want it to do, which involves typing in step-by-step commands for the computer to follow.

Computers are not clever things; however, they are very obedient. They will do exactly what you want them to do, so long as you tell them how to do it correctly.

Learning to code has been likened to learning a foreign language, or perhaps more specifically a family of foreign languages.

There are many different coding languages, each one designed with certain things in mind. Examples include C, a ‘low level’ but fast programming language that is good for anything graphically intensive like games; JavaScript, which was specifically designed for dealing with web content; and Perl, a multi-functional language that is often referred to as the ‘swiss army knife’ of programming.

WHY IS CODING IMPORTANT?

Code powers our digital world. Every website, smartphone app, computer programmer, calculator, and even microwave relies on code in order to operate. This makes coders the architects and builders of the digital age.

Over the next 10 years, it is estimated that there will be 1.4 million jobs in computer sciences and only around 400,000 graduates qualified to do them.

Jobs not directly linked to computer sciences – such as banking, medicine, and journalism – will also be affected by the need for at least an understanding of programming and coding.

I believe our kids should learn to bend, join, break, and combine code in a way it wasn’t designed to. It’s a whole generation of kids that will use code like my generation used words. This technology has and will empower us all, it’s as big as you want to make it and as far as you want to take it. STEM programs like my non-profit Itech which helps kids learn the STEM program and gain access at an early age are extremely important. 

HOW CAN I LEARN TO CODE?

This summer, we are hosting a series of coding workshops that will be available online. Our program leader Kalood "DeeDee" Younis has been working hard to develop a program that is engaging and fun. This introduction to programming will teach you the basics of designing a web page using code, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript along with Python. You will be able to create and learn at your own paste as well as collaborate with ours in the program as well.

For more information, visit:

www.itech0.com

Email: [email protected]