How to Decide if Coding Is Right for You

• In a growing industry, coding appeals to many people as a potential career choice.
• People who want to learn to code should have problem-solving, logic, and creativity skills.
• Coding is not for everyone, especially those who are uninterested in technology.
• Only you can decide if coding is the right career path.

Compared to the history of humanity, coding remains a relatively new concept.

Historians generally agree that the first computer programmer was 19th-century mathematician Ada Lovelace. Coding existed for the next century, even if it wasn't widely practiced.

Over the past few decades, the computer programming industry has exploded.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 185,000 people work as computer programmers in the U.S, as of 2020. And nearly 200,000 work as web developers and digital designers.

The industry appeals to people across many demographics, including career switchers. Although anyone can learn to code, a career in the field doesn't always fit everyone's goals and lifestyles.

If you're wondering whether you should learn to code, this guide can help you decide.

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Things to Consider Before Learning to Code

Before jumping into coding, dedicate some time to reflect on the following questions. Your answers can offer insight into whether coding is the right pathway for you.

Do You Enjoy Problem-Solving?

When it comes to coding, problem-solving isn't just an occasional occurrence. Coders need to think critically and sometimes solve complex problems regularly as part of their jobs. Coding could be an enjoyable and exciting career path for individuals who enjoy these challenges instead of becoming frustrated by them.

Are You Curious About Technology?

Coders' curiosity about technology is often one of the motivating factors in their careers. Learning coding teaches them about the building blocks of computer programs. Coders want to know how code creates programs, operating systems, and mobile apps. But they also remain curious about how code inspires innovations within the tech world.

Are You Interested in Technology?

Because of coders' vested interest in tech, they want to be a part of the industry. That interest is vital —individuals who don't particularly find themselves concerned with programs, computers, and apps may struggle to find the sustained motivation to stay in coding over a long period of time.

Do You Consider Yourself to Be Creative?

Although coding may seem like a dry series of letters and numbers to some, coders know that their work is building a final project. Creativity in coding can build unique visual design projects, sound and visual art, and projection mapping. So while a logical mind is essential for coding, creative thinking can also generate innovative coding.

Are You Self-Motivated?

Many coders work independently, carrying out their jobs with numbers, letters, symbols, and equations on a screen day in and day out. This type of lifestyle doesn't appeal to everyone. But even those who enjoy working in this manner need self-motivation and discipline to help them progress in their work.

Signs Coding Might Not Be a Good Fit

Coding is not necessarily for everyone. If one of the following points rings true to you, then you might consider holding off on learning coding.

Satisfied With Career Path

Many adults pursue coding because it allows them to change their jobs to find a more satisfying career. However, if you already find yourself fulfilled with your work, coding may not be the best fit. If you're still curious about coding, you can always pick it up as a hobby.

Not Interested in Technology

Code essentially makes up the ingredients of computer programs, mobile apps, websites, and many other tech products. People who feel uninterested in technology may lack the passion for programming that could help them excel in the field. People without an interest in technology can still learn how to code as a hobby, but they might not turn coding into a career.

No Interest in Building Apps or Websites

One secret to success involves having pride in one's work. Programmers who design an app or website feel this sense of satisfaction when they complete their work. However, people who lack an interest in building apps and websites may not feel as invested in the final product.

Benefits and Challenges of Learning Code

Myths About Learning Code

• Learning to code is only for young people: You don't need to be a digital native to learn how to code. At first glance, coding seems like a new language to everyone — young or old — so everyone starts on a level playing field. Adults who have been working for years often study coding to switch their careers.
• Only math experts can learn to code: Coding requires some basic math and logical thinking skills. However, you don't need to understand advanced calculus to learn how to code. If you can write simple equations, you can learn how to code.
• You need to learn every programming language to land a job: The world has hundreds of programming languages, and one person can't master them all. You can find an initial job by mastering one language. Then you can also increase your hiring prospects by expanding your portfolio to a few in-demand languages, like JavaScript, Python, and CSS —but you can accomplish this over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coding

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