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What is coding? Coding can be defined as writing instructions for computers and other hardware. The computer is then able to read the instructions (called “programs”) and do what you have asked it to do.
Computer language is different from human language. A human needs to learn “computer language” (commonly known as programming languages) to write programs that the computer can understand.
Some “computer languages” include Python, Java, C, C++, and JavaScript.
Computers use compilers and interpreters to convert programs into what’s known as machine-readable code.
“Machine code” is information stored in zeros and ones (binary digits).
A person who writes programs is called a coder or programmer.
Coding and programming are usually used interchangeably. But is that correct? Let’s compare the two terms in the next section.
What’s the difference between coding and programming?
In the previous section, we saw that the terms “coding” and “programming” can be used interchangeably. This is because both involve writing programs.
The two terms, however, differ in terms of their scope. In addition to writing code, a programmer is also involved in high-level problem-solving.
For example, a programmer might advise on the technologies that should be used in a project. This is because they have things like security and scalability in mind.
A coder’s responsibility, on the other hand, will involve writing code that results in a certain user story being fulfilled.
For example, if the user story is that Alex should be able to receive an email when they click the “forgot password” button, a coder will write a program to help Alex retrieve their password.A programmer will need to take a factor like scalability into consideration when choosing the database to be used to store Alex’s data. (Will the database still work when thousands of users are simultaneously trying to retrieve their passwords?)
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What is coding used for?
1: Which of the following data structures allows elements to be added and removed in a Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) order?
It’s quite difficult to come across a company, organization, or industry where coding isn’t used.
All the big tech companies—Meta, Amazon, Netflix, Google, and Apple (known as MANGA, MAANG, or MAGMA)—use code.
Small businesses and organizations also use code to build their websites.
The magnitude with which code is used differs. Giant tech companies will use code for most of their products. They’ll also use different programming languages, depending on the product or service that they are building or offering.
Small businesses and organizations are less likely to use a wide range of languages since they have fewer products, but it’s still an important part of how they function.
If you think about it, coding is used for practically everything.
Here’s a list of some ways code can be used:
- To build operating systems (like Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux)
- To build programs that can only run on a command line
- With IoT (the Internet of Things), for example, to ensure that your garage door sensors work correctly
- To build static websites with HTML
- To build applications for the web and mobile devices
- To build products and services for customers, for example, Netflix and Spotify
- To build open-source software (software that developers can use for free, and contribute to)
- To build libraries, frameworks, plug-ins, and add-ons to extend the use of software. For example, coding was used to build React, a JavaScript framework that is used to build frontend applications
The list could go on and on. We haven’t even begun to talk about how coding is used in fields like healthcare, finance, and transportation. And yes, coding is involved in taking people to Mars—rovers and robotics, anyone?
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Why is coding so important?
As we have seen in the previous section, coding is really quite significant in almost every part of our daily lives and how we go about our business.
But in what other ways is coding important to learn?
It’s a great way to build a career in tech
Technology has permeated every aspect of our lives. You can order your favorite meal via a mobile app, transfer money from the comfort of your home, and switch your lights on and off from your phone—even when you’re not home.
At the core of all this technological advancement is coding. Teams of developers, designers, coders, and programmers work together to build this software that makes our lives so convenient.
Coding has therefore become a highly valued skill, as companies the world over work towards building solutions that make their customers’ lives easier.
Companies also strive to understand their customers’ needs in order to offer better products and services.
Coding is therefore one way to build a great career in tech, where you get to build solutions to real-world problems.
You get to develop skills that you can use in your personal life and in the rest of your career, too
Aside from the opportunities for a career in technology, coding helps you develop skills that you can use in your personal life and career, such as logical thinking and problem-solving.
As you work with different people in your team, company, and even customers, you learn other skills like communication and collaboration.
You can build a tech business
With coding skills, you can build a product that people will love and use daily, like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, that can eventually become a business.
The best part is that you can build the tech yourself (something called “bootstrapping” in the startup world) without having to pay people with coding skills to build even a prototype for you.
Best App to learn coding online in India
With the rise of online education, learning to code has become more accessible than ever. In India, where technology is rapidly advancing, numerous online platforms offer coding courses to individuals of all skill levels. Entri App is known for its hands-on approach, allowing learners to practice coding while they learn. The platform offers courses in popular programming languages, web development, data science, and more. Interactive coding exercises and projects ensure that learners gain practical experience and confidence in their coding abilities.
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Why Entri?
Learning to code opens up a world of opportunities in the tech-driven landscape of India. With Entri App, you can acquire coding skills at your own pace, without geographical limitations. You can learn coding in your own regional language. Whether you aspire to build websites, develop apps, or explore data science, Entri App offer diverse courses taught by experts.
Some of the important features are Recorded & Live Sessions, Industry Expert Guidance, Capstone Projects, Soft Skill Training, Course Certificate, Guaranteed Internship and much more..
As you embark on your coding journey, take advantage of the interactive lessons, real-world projects, and coding challenges Entri App offer. Remember that consistent practice, dedication, and a hunger for learning are the keys to mastering coding skills. By immersing yourself in learning, you’re setting the foundation for a rewarding and impactful coding career in world’s ever-evolving tech ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: HOW DO I FIGURE OUT WHAT TO LEARN?
The most important thing is that you want to learn something that interests you, because once you start learning, you’ll be with this topic for a while. Choosing something just because it’s popular or what others are doing isn’t the way to go because if you don’t have a true interest in it, you’ll lose the motivation to learn! Spend some time seriously looking into the different tech career paths before choosing one to go down.
As far as what will be in demand in the future—really, all tech careers will be. But in particular I’d say those relating to data science, AI, and cybersecurity will have a notable labor shortage in years to come, so if you have an interest in any of those, definitely go for it.
Q: WHICH PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE IS THE BEST TO LEARN?
I usually tell most people to start by learning HTML and CSS, then move into learning JavaScript. The reason is that JavaScript is used everywhere: frontend, backend, and even to build mobile apps. It has many use cases, which is why I think it’s smart to learn.
When it comes to deciding which language or technologies to learn, it all comes down to your end goals.
Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO BOTH GRAPHIC DESIGN AND CODING?
If you have an interest in coding and graphic design, then there’s nothing to say you shouldn’t learn skills in both areas. They often work hand-in-hand, so having knowledge and skills in both areas could be desirable for certain career paths.
Q: SHOULD I LEARN PYTHON 2 OR PYTHON 3?
Now, in 2020, it’s a no-brainer: Python 3 is definitely the way to go. There are still some situations where picking up Python 2 might be advantageous, or you may just want to learn a little of the history and the differences between Python 2 and 3 for curiosity’s sake, but job-wise, Python 3 is the clear winner.
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