Introduction

I have been coding professionally since 2010, and since 2009 as a hobby. Coding has unveiled benefits that extend far beyond its significance as a job. With these benefits, I am ever convinced that everyone should learn to code.

Here are a few reasons why I believe that everyone  ( including you ) should learn how to code.

It is the right skill for these times

In today’s increasingly digital world, the ability to code has become a valuable skill that cuts across industries.

• It will open a world of possibilities previously hidden
• It could open up job opportunities
• It will open new ways of thinking

Our world is rapidly becoming more and more digitized. Hence, coding is becoming as important as it is to read and write.  Hence, I say move with the times. Technology is permeating every aspect of our lives. By staying with the times, you become a proactive participant in shaping the future with technology. Since most technology is controlled in some way by logic, ( or code ) learn to code.

Employment and career opportunities

Some of the most lucrative jobs are within the realm of coding. Hence the demand for people with coding skills is skyrocketing. Coding also includes citizen developers. Here you can use tools that require little to no software expertise to create fully functional software.

Businesses of all kinds are increasingly reliant on software and digital solutions. And why would they not be? That is the only way to go.

• Place yourself at the forefront of the digital age.
• Enhance your career prospects.
• Be more adaptable in a world where speed is crucial.

Even if you do not pursue a career as a software developer understanding how code works empower you to collaborate effectively with technical teams. It will also serve you well regardless of the career you eventually decide to pursue ( or are already in ).

It helps with problem-solving

When you have to solve a problem, the tools at your disposal are limited to the knowledge you already know. Hence if you know how to code, you give yourself another avenue through which to solve your peculiar predicament. Also, you can exponentially increase the ability to solve the problem if you add programming to your arsenal.

Put another way, coding is the language of creation in the digital realm. Combine your unique perspective with a logical approach. Once you add this to your soon-to-be-acquired skill of coding, then the sky is the limit. Coding literacy together with the power of emerging technologies like

• artificial intelligence
• blockchain
• the Internet of Things

can only broaden the horizon upon which you deliver cutting-edge solutions and breathtaking innovations to your inner circle, friends, family, work colleagues, and boss.

It sharpens the analytical mind

Do you have children? would you want them to be more error-proof and think in more than one way? Then giving them the ability to sharpen their analytical skills may be just the thing. Coding introduces you to breaking down complex problems into smaller bits.

I have learned through many experiences as well as trial and error that no problem is insurmountable. There is always a solution! Every problem has rules that once followed, would inevitably lead you to the right solution. However, you might be asking yourself what the right solution is. Experience leads you to the right solution. And you can only get experience after learning to code. Even one day of coding gives you experience. This experience is immediately transferable to many other facets of your life.

Consequently, coding will become a valuable skill. It will demonstrate itself in various aspects of life. These include tackling everyday hurdles to making strategic five-year decisions in the boardroom.

It is fuel for your business

Coding enables you to bring your business ideas to life. Your business idea could do with a site? Your business idea could do with a chatbot? Your business idea could do with lots of solutions. Interestingly enough a lot of the sites and tools exist for you to do that right now! The only barrier to entry is that you be conversant in learning how to code.

Is it any wonder that the top businesses today are all tech biased?

• Apple
• Alphabet
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Microsoft

Need I go on? you should also be at the forefront of these opportunities which are right at your fingertips. Coding gives you another perspective that can be applied to solving real-life problems. Take up coding. You just might be the next great innovator to impact your world in a very positive way.

Conclusion

With the reasons above, I hope that I have convinced you why embarking upon the journey of learning how to code. Learning to code offers numerous benefits that can greatly impact your personal and professional life.  Do it not for others. Do it for yourself. And do it now.

Begin learning to code today

You need not be a bystander and say, “You will wait for others to take the lead”. You can too. All you need is the will to study and acquire this skill. The possibilities are limited only by your creativity and ambition. I will encourage you to have a tutor or mentor. Together with him, just start. You are never, never too old to start learning how to code.

Until later keep learning.