Why Coding is Beneficial: Advice for National Coding Week

As it’s National Coding Week, we thought we would raise awareness on the value of learning digital skills and share some ways that you can develop your technical skillset. 

In today’s technology-driven world, the ability to code has become an invaluable skill. Whether you’re a professional developer or just dipping your toes into the world of programming, there are countless benefits to learning and advancing your coding skills. 

Since 2014, children have been learning basic coding and technical skills from primary level education, with the option to advance their knowledge in secondary school. But prior to this, technical education was more of a niche interest, with many adults having insufficient digital skills, one of the main reasons for the widespread technical skills gap.  

Read more on how increased education is the key to closing the technical skills gap.  

How are digital skills beneficial?

1. Problem-solving proficiency 

Coding involves a significant amount of problem-solving. Learning to code equips you with the skills to logically rectify complex issues by breaking them into smaller, manageable pieces and develop systematic solutions. These skills can be applied to various aspects of life, giving you a new perspective on how to solve problems, whilst making you a more efficient decision-maker.

2. Abundant career opportunities

The demand for tech talent is extensive, so much so that the digital skills shortage has yet to alleviate and fundamental skills in data science and analytics have continued to decline. By learning to code, you can open the door to exciting new career opportunities across various industries. Whether you are interested in pursuing a full-time career in, for example, development, data science or cybersecurity, or you aim to progress to a more senior position in your current job, having in-demand skills can provide a vary of lucrative and fulfilling opportunities. Not to mention the highly desirable remuneration packages on offer for experienced tech professionals. 

3. Creative outlet 

Coding is not just about numbers and algorithms (a common misconception for non-technical persons); it’s also a form of creative expression. Have you ever thought of an amazing app or website idea and wished you could implement it yourself? Got ideas on how to improve the design or functionality of your current employers website, and wished you could take on the redesign project independently? Writing code offers you the chance to create something from scratch. Whether you’re building a website, designing a game, or automating tasks, coding allows you to bring your ideas to life and express your creativity. 

Now that you’re aware of the benefits of learning to code, let’s explore some ways to develop or advance your technical skills:

1. Online courses and workshops 

The internet has an abundance of coding resources available for learners at different stages. Websites like Codecademy, Coursera, and edX offer a wide range of courses on various programming languages and concepts. You can learn at your own pace, making it accessible for beginners and experienced coders alike. 

2. Tutorials, books and eBooks 

Online tutorials are a great way to supplement your learning. They are useful for seeing how other people code with the languages you are learning, and to see how the language can be used in different contexts. Doing some further reading or listening to eBooks is also an effective way to build on your knowledge. 

3. Join communities 

Join coding communities, forums, and online groups to connect with fellow coders. Collaboration not only exposes you to different perspectives but also provides opportunities for learning from others and sharing your knowledge. Joining a community is a good way to build connections and even meet potential tutors!

4. Contribute to open source software 

Contributing to open source projects is a fantastic way to gain practical coding experience. You’ll work on projects with a community of developers, learn from their expertise, and make valuable contributions to software used by people worldwide. 

5. Work on coding projects 

Putting knowledge into practice is one of the best ways to learn to code. Find a project that interests you, whether it’s a personal website, a mobile app, or a game, and start building it. The process of taking an idea from concept to completion will teach you valuable skills and boost your confidence as a coder. You can also find mini challenges on the internet if you can’t think of one to complete yourself. 

Building up your technical skills offers many benefits. It enhances your problem-solving abilities, opens the door to new career opportunities, and unleashes your creativity. Not only is great for your personal career development, but it’s an imperative step to closing the technical skills gap. With increased interest in transferable skills, employers aren’t just looking for talent with technical degrees, they are considering a variety of new avenues into the technology labour market. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer, there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of coding. 

Looking for a job in programming? 

We are currently hiring for a variety of different roles in Scotland, the North of England and Finland. Visit our website to browse through our current vacancies or speak to one of our professional recruitment consultants on 0131 510 1500.