Coding 101 for National Coding Week

It’s National Coding Week, which means that people all around the UK are celebrating coding and all it can do. But if you aren’t familiar with coding, or don’t really know anything about it, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about.

What is coding?

The easiest way to describe coding is as the language of computers. Much like humans, there are lots of different kinds, though some of the more common ones include JavaScript, Python and PHP. You use code in a certain structure to tell a computer what to do or how to behave.

Is learning to code hard?

While the idea of coding might seem daunting at first, as with any language, you master the basics before you get into the more complicated stuff. If you do find you get stuck or are struggling, there are lots of resources available to help. (More information on this, later on.)

Is coding boring?

Coding can help you to do amazing things and, with the right attitude, is far from boring! We often give learners the chance to see the power of coding for themselves by letting them experiment with our mini robots in our ‘Little Wave and Big Wave’ workshops. Not only is this a fun challenge, but it helps to break coding down into a more familiar and easy to understand concept.

How do I learn to code?

Websites such as Codemy and Code Academy can help, as well as apps such as Scratch and Grasshopper. The great thing about the growing popularity of coding is that there are a lot more resources available to learn, often for free!

Another great way to learn how to code is to attend a Code Club. These are available all around the country and are becoming more common as more and more organisations get onboard with teaching people how to code. Even at Wavemaker, we have a Code Club, though it is on temporary hiatus as we look at our workshop structure and how we can make our service better.

To find out more about what Code Clubs are near you, no matter where you live in the country, visit Code Club.

Is there any point in learning how to code?

Absolutely! As the economy takes a digital shift, the future of jobs are changing. Now, more than ever, skills such as coding are becoming sought after by employers looking to get ahead of the curve and prepare for a technological future. By learning coding, and other digital skills, you are opening yourself up to a world of future opportunities, whilst putting yourself at an advantage when compared to other people.

Coding is a great skill to have and, by learning how to do it, you are joining a community of imaginative and tech-loving coders. With so many resources out there, coding doesn’t have to be scary- in fact, it could prove to be the perfect challenge!

Give it a go, you might just surprise yourself.