The 5 Benefits of Learning Code

Have you ever wondered “What are the benefits of learning to code”?

I mean, why should you even attempt to learn it?

Is it only for smart geniuses like Bill Gates or Elon Musk? Who before there millions, excuse me billions were considered as nerds.

How the tables have turned.

These are the same thoughts that crossed my mind when I first even heard the concept of coding.

I mean, I knew I was pretty smart and could get my way around things and figure them out, but this idea of coding and building something from scratch.

It piqued my interest, but it was way beyond my comprehension, right?

Or so I thought.

I then learned about the wonderful world of web development and when you look at the overall picture of what makes up websites, and the internet, a simplified version, it can be boiled down to 3 primary languages

1. HTML
2. CSS
3. Javascript

For someone who was interested in web design these 3 primary languages are a good start for anyone wanting to get into web development.

So the question still remains…

Is coding only for nerds and geniuses?

Well coming from someone who is a self taught developer who learned through sheer determination and many hours of practice, trail and error I am here to tell you…

NOPE!

But I can guarantee that you will feel like one when you do learn to write some code.

Shout out to my aspiring coders!

Coding is fun and when you build something that works with code you will BE AMAZED!!!

I know I was.

With that being said, I have learned a couple of things along the way, that’s not to say I made it but I’m still learning this beast of web development.

However, I noticed a few things and would like to point out some of the benefits of learning to code that I’ve experienced…

which is what other developers claim as well.

I was quite surprised about the outcome and I think you can have something to look forward to while you’re trying to learn how to code and even stay motivated along the way.

In reality, the possibilities are endless, but how can you know what they are if you don’t know what potential is actually out there for you.

So let’s get down to the benefits shall we…

The Top 5 Benefits Of Learning To Code

1. Job Opportunities

Did you know the demand for employees in the tech industry is growing rapidly everyday.

I don’t even have to put up any facts for you to see how fast the tech industry is growing which means more help to manage these technical infrastructures.

I mean just think about it, computers and the internet came about in the 80s. It’s still in its 20s and look at what we have accomplished with it already.

I know when I was 20 I had no idea what I was doing with my life let alone anything to show for it but the internet has dominated that fact along time ago.

In fact, if the internet wanted to it could retire right now buy an island, or a couple, and live off its residuals.

ok I’m done giving the internet a real life.

Back to the benefits.

So since the tech industry is growing so fast and doesn’t seem like it will be slowing down anytime soon, getting a job in the tech field doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to know how to code.

There are plenty of opportunities in tech companies that need help from project managers to product developers.

In fact, skill crush has an amazing article about 12 jobs that don’t require coding skills if that necessarily isn’t your thing, but we are talking about the benefits of code so it can be a way to get in the field while you are developing your skills.

That’s what I call productive planning.

The list can go on and sometimes it just takes a little creativity, research, and thinking outside of the box.

But where does coding come in as a benefit.

Well, let’s imagine you’re in the search for a job and let’s just say for the sake of argument the job isn’t related to anything in tech per se.

While you’re on these interviews for these non tech companies and you present your resume it states that you have technical skills, such as studying code and even better your a self-taught developer.

Along with that you have a portfolio of successful coded projects.

Now what do you think this small amount of information will say about you?

One your self-initiated/self-driven and hard working because regardless if you think coding is easy, the perception of learning how to code is really hard, and guess what you are now classified as one of the “smart” ones.

Congratulations! You have now upgraded yourself and your skills.

Now what do you think that says about you to your potential employer of this company?

Here’s a hint, they think you are a good candidate for this position and that you’re interested in and serious about technology.

Worst cast scenario is your over qualified for the position you applied for and you need to look for a position that meets your requirements and even better is in the tech industry.

2. Make More Money

Let’s not beat around the bush.

One of the main benefits of learning to code is to make more money

We all desire to have more and we all have our reasons.

We need it to live and we would like a little extra to buy the necessities of life, or maybe the comforts, I know I do.

Maybe you want to revamp your entire life and your goal is to be financial free to work on your own time and schedule.

Or even build your own business.

Well I have good news for you…

Coding can give you the access to allow you to do just that.

Especially now that more companies are opening up to the idea of working remotely (working from home or out of the office).

Coding, and really the internet, has created a generation of people that are known today as digital nomads.

They are making a full time income from just a laptop and a wireless connection and traveling wherever they desire.

It something that most of us developers and millennials desire now.

The fact that you don’t have to be stuck in an office all day to make the same amount of money––or maybe more.

It truly is incredibly the things we can do now because the introduction of technology and the internet.

Along with coding you can learn the business of freelancing and working on your own.

Create your own business around your skillset and truly create your own schedule.

I am currently doing this right now as I’m building a business to enable me to create my “front end lifestyle“…

a.k.a Financial Freedom

I won’t lie to you guys this isn’t always the easiest route to take and it gets hard sometimes.

Especially when it seems like there is more month than there is money.

But if you’re determined to create your own business then you’re willing to take on the risk.

Many of us desire that, but are not sure how to do so…

Well, learning to code can be one of those ways.

Oh and for the record…

Financial freedom doesn’t mean you have to have a million bucks to be free, but it’s the ability to create an income without slaving to a 9-5 job for the majority of your life.

3. Learn A New Language

Did you know that coding is basically a language?

Have you ever wanted to learn how to speak and write in a new language?

Now you can with code.

Similar to any other language, it’s fairly simple once you know the structure and vocabulary –– which in coding is called syntax.

Once you begin to understand those concepts then you’re one step closer to writing and developing code.

In fact, within the programming language javascript, there are about 7 fundamentals once you need to understand.

Once you do you can make some pretty cool websites and web apps.

Now that doesn’t sound so bad does it?

No, right?

When I first understood how the web works and how code interacts with each other, I was blown away

I said to myself “I gotta learn more“!

It felt like I had a superpower and I could use it for good.

Not to mention make a little money on the side with this highly valuable skill.

4. Problem Solving

One of the best benefits of learning to code is problem solving.

If you really want to know what coding is, breaking it down it’s even more than just language learning.

Simple put…

Coding is problem solving.

Writing code is all about solving problems.

Get it?

When you write some code and somethings not working, you have to find what the error is (hint: problem solving).

Even when developing a new program your problem solving.

A program or a website is actually solving a problem somebody has.

Whether they need a website for their business, or making a multiplication program for the 20 times table .

Your doing one thing…

Solving A Problem

I can’t stress this enough.

It’s all about solving problems, and even if you don’t think you can, that’s the beauty of learning to code.

It teaches you how to think analytically and process your way through the problem.

I know that still sounds difficult, but I’m going to give you a solution for that in the next paragraph.

For those of you thought that coding was filled with complicated math and science stuff don’t let that scare you.

I am a living testament who has failed physics. Seriously I got an “F” my senior year on my report Card.

It’s the only F I ever got in my life and I’m amazed I still graduated.

But that’s just to tell you that you can learn code to even if science isn’t your thing.

Remember that solution I was going to give you whenever you get stuck with something.

This is a resource that all developers love to use when they get stuck, and there is no shame in their coding game.

you ready for it…

Yes, google is your friend when it comes to getting stuck and problem solving.

The internet is filled with many resources of any and everything someone is looking.

That includes developers creating resources and forums like stack overflow to help developers with any question they might have.

Seriously, ask any coding question and it most likely has been asked on stack overflow.

I can guarantee whenever you get stuck someone has already asked that question before.

If all else fails, then reaching out to the community of coders can help. They are more than willing to help you solve that problem.

The more time you spend in the code, and around programmers, your mind will begin to shift and think differently…

And that’s what problem solving is all about isn’t it?

5. Life Skills

How do you progress in life, your job, your career, or your finances?

Short answer, build up your skills.

Your skills are what make you even more valuable to a company, a job, and more importantly…

a business.

People pay you according to how they perceive your value and how you can help solve their problems.

The bigger the problem you can solve the more value you are to them.

You become a benefit to them because you took the time to invest in yourself.

And for off the record when I say invest in yourself I’m not just talking about learning how to code.

Investing in yourself means what are you willing to do to help develop yourself.

Do you read books on a subjects you want to learn, study?

Or maybe watch videos and practice something that interest you?

If you wanted to learn to make a favorite dish of yours then go cook it.

If you wanted to learn how to draw take some time to do it.

But if you want the skills that increases your income then focus on what skills companies are looking for…

Then create a path for yourself.

Check my post on becoming a web developer for more

Trust me your future self will thank you.

Or even better if you want to create your own business begin to study what it takes to build one.

My only suggestion though, when picking something to do is focus on one thing at a time.

I am a firm believer that you can not productively multitask.

Plus it will help in not feeling overwhelmed when you feel you have too much to do.

So if you are really trying to get good at something pick one thing and put all your focus and attention to it.

Do this until you get to a point where you become as Cal Newport says…

“So good that they can’t ignore you”.

Conclusion

So to wrap things up, these are the 5 benefits of learning to code and why you should start…

1. Job opportunities
2. Make more money
3. Learn a language
4. Problem solving
5. Life skills

I could list so many others, but I believe these are the top essential. I am a testament to all these benefits too.

1. Since I learned to code and decided I wanted to make a change in my life; landed a new job in tech (job opportunities)…
2. Made significantly more money (make more money)…
3. Learned a new language; javascript the language of the web
4. Problem solving; I think this one speaks for itself; I learned to code and using those skills to get a new job.
5. Last but not least, life skills. I am now in the midst of building a business around my new found developed skills.

I hope you find this article inspiring and it gives you the motivation to start learning how to code.

If you enjoyed this then please share it with someone you think might like or need this.