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What is Coding?

Coding is basically the computer language used to develop apps, websites, and software. Without it, we’d have none of the most popular technology we’ve come to rely on such as Facebook, our smartphones, the browser we choose to view our favorite blogs, or even the blogs themselves. It all runs on code.

How Coding Works

To put it very simply, the code is what tells your computer what to do. To go a bit deeper, computers don’t understand words. They only understand the concepts of on and off. The capabilities of a computer are guided by on and off switches, or transistors. Binary code represents these on and off transistors as the digits 1 and 0. An infinite number of combinations of these codes make your computer work. In order to make binary code manageable, computer programming languages were formed. These languages each serve different purposes, but they all allow programmers to translate important commands into binary code.

Each computer application needs a properly written code to know what to do. Most software has thousands to billions of lines of coded text and numbers. The code gives computers a step-by-step guide on how to function. Computers speed through reading the code to execute every online and offline task. In today’s digital world, everything from mobile phones to smart TVs and cars run using coded software. For example, the code might tell the computer to input an image and make it spin. Creating flawless code is essential to avoid 404 error pop-ups and software crashes. Debugging code is always the final step to reveal and fix coding issues.

Is Learning to Code Difficult?

Coding isn’t that hard for tech-savvy people who patiently put in the time and effort to learn. Coding gets an unnecessarily bad reputation from people who weren’t persistent enough to practice. The easiest coding languages only involve a few hundred terms and rules to remember. That’s a tiny sliver in comparison to learning a spoken foreign language. Once the easier languages are mastered, it’s relatively simple to learn other ways to code. Many programming languages use similar methods to code and debug computer applications.

Beginners starting to code must possess certain skills to be successful. Having strong attention to detail to pour over long lines of coded text is imperative. New coders need abstract thinking skills to visualize what written code will become. Novices must have problem-solving skills to persist against challenges without letting frustration win. Intuitive logical reasoning skills help coders correctly conclude why a code isn’t working right. Good writing skills are critical to creating code that appropriately conveys the intended message. Technology skills are also an obvious requirement for coders to fearlessly work with computer programs.

Popular Coding Languages to Learn

Since the 1970s, computer experts have created more than 700 different programming languages. Each language has a unique way of helping computers process huge amounts of information. Every coding language has different features and terms with some overlap. New coders shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the plethora of programming types though. There are only about a dozen programming languages that are commonly used. These include Ruby, Swift, JavaScript, Cobol, Objective-C, Visual Basic, and Perl. Let’s look at some of the major coding languages about which beginners should know.

HTML

HTML, or hypertext markup language, is the standard way of coding web pages to showcase electronic information. Founded by Tim Berners-Lee in 1990, HTML is used to format the content, pictures, and videos featured online. HTML tells the internet browser how to display websites for an optimal user experience.

Java

Java is an object-oriented coding language created by Sun Microsystems in 1995. Java has English-based commands used to create applications for a single computer or whole server and tiny applets for websites. Java is a popular fHTMLavorite for programming mobile apps and video games, especially on Android operating systems.

Python

Python is a server-side web and software development language started by Guido van Rossum in 1991. Python has a simple, English-like syntax to script back-end actions for applications, user interfaces, and operating systems that work well. Many platforms, including Google and NASA’s Integrated Planning System, use Python.

CSS

CSS, or cascading style sheets, is a coding language used to specify a website’s style. Developed by Håkon Wium Lie in 1994, CSS tells internet browsers each page’s layout, background color, font size, cursor shape, and more. Crafting and maintaining solid CSS code is crucial for websites to have aesthetic appeal.

C Language

C Language is a simple, low-level coding type initiated in 1972 by Bell Labs to build the UNIX system. Perhaps the easiest language, C has just 32 basic keywords used for scripting embedded systems, network drivers, and artificial intelligence. C language is versatile to get computer hardware communicating.

C++

C++ is another object-oriented programming language that expands on C to execute higher-level computer tasks. Released in 1983 by Bjarne Stroustrup, C++ organizes and stores info in bundles for more complex programs. Adobe, Microsoft Office, Amazon, and Mozilla software utilizes C++ for fast processing.

PHP

PHP, or hypertext processor, is a coding language for web development founded in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf. PHP is widely used for server scripting with HTML to piece together dynamic website content. WordPress, an open-source online platform that accounts for 20 percent of websites and blogs, is notably written with PHP.

SQL

SQL, or structured query language, is a domain-specific coding type that streams information into a database. First introduced by IBM researchers in 1974, SQL has simple syntax to run back-end web databases. SQL is used by most businesses to load, retrieve, and analyze text or numbers in their servers.

Ways to Learn How to Code

People looking to become proficient in coding for a long-term career may want a college degree. Most coding-related tech careers require at least a baccalaureate. Bachelor’s degrees require 120 education credits beyond a high school diploma or GED certificate. Find an accredited, four-year college with a slew of coding courses. Computer science majors typically get the best in-depth understanding of various programming languages. Other viable majors include information technology, computer information systems, information science, data science, web development, software engineering, and computer engineering. For careers that don’t demand a bachelor’s, consider attending a community college or technical school. Associate’s degrees in computer science and programming take only two years to complete 60 course credits.

However, paying for 24-48 months of a college education isn’t the only way to learn to code. Online specialized courses by Diana’s can help you stay focused and learn the language you want to learn to create your project. Games like Minecraft, Robocode, and Lightbot teach coding skills. Free code editors, including Notepad++, Sublime Text, Bluefish, and Visual Studio Code, help beginners learn. Attending a coding boot camp can also be effective. Bootcamps are short-term, intensive training workshops available online.

Careers Where Learning to Code is Helpful

According to Reader’s Digest, nearly 50 percent of jobs paying at least $58,000 require some coding skills. It’s estimated that 7 million annual U.S. job openings require knowing how to code. Competency with coding is America’s most desired job skill. Many people assume coding experts can only succeed as computer programmers. A programmer does write code to create functional software that executes tasks perfectly. Nonetheless, learning to code is helpful for hundreds of careers in wide-ranging sectors from medicine to education and finance. Here are some in-demand careers that prioritize candidates with coding abilities.

Database Administrator

Database administrators use coding to create secure data storage files and backups. Database administrators frequently use SQL and C or C++ to fine-tune database systems for authorized access. By 2028, the employment of database administrators will increase quickly by 9 percent for 127,400 new jobs. Database administrators enjoy a mean annual wage of $89,050.

Web Developer

Web developers are coding gurus who design the content, graphics, audio, and video features for internet sites. Web developers generally use HTML, CSS, and Java to publish top-performing websites that drive abundant online traffic. The number of web developers will surpass 181,400 by 2028 for 13 percent growth. Web developers are compensated with an $82,370 average salary.

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts know how to code digital software that encrypts and protects data files. Information security analysts often utilize C++, Python, and JavaScript to create tools that stop cybercriminals in their tracks. Demand will skyrocket by 32 percent for 35,500 more information security jobs. Information security analysts have median annual earnings of $99,730.

Applications Developer

Applications developers are the creative coders behind the software that runs on computers, tablets, phones, smart TVs, and wearable tech. Applications developers use coding languages from Ruby to Scala to fill app stores with downloadable software. The hiring of applications developers will soar by 26 percent for 241,500 positions. Application developers bring home a mean income of $108,080.

Health Informatics Specialist

Health informatics specialists design database systems for collecting, storing, and accessing patient records. Health informatics specialists know basic coding languages to develop functional, confidential EHR software for electronic recordkeeping. Faster-than-average growth of 11 percent is projected for health informatics through 2028. Health informatics specialists reap a median salary of $88,625.

Instructional Designer

Instructional designers in today’s digital age must know coding to develop an engaging curriculum for K-16 students to learn. Instructional designers code with C, PHP, Java, and others to create interactive course teaching materials. Instructional designers will experience 6 percent growth to 193,000 total jobs. Instructional designers earn an average yearly paycheck of $69,180.

Digital Marketing Manager

Digital marketing managers with coding skills can elevate their advertising campaigns to attract better business sales. Digital marketing managers use the internet as their medium for reaching potential customers with traffic to well-coded websites. The job outlook for digital marketing managers shows an 8 percent uptick for 20,900 new openings. Digital marketing managers have mean profits of $149,200.

The benefits of learning to code are actually quite vast. No longer do we live in a time when only tech professionals are using this useful language. Being able to utilize the commands of code yourself will enable you to have more control of the technology on which you depend.

For example, whether it’s for personal or professional use, more and more people are writing blogs and creating websites to share their message or skills with the world. Being able to understand basic code would allow you to make tweaks to the design of your site without having to pay a webmaster to do it for you or to wait for someone from IT to take care of the ticket you submitted ages ago. Knowledge of code can take you even further if you decide to pursue it. Some in-depth study will provide you with the skills to build a website to your own specifications and to fit your desired needs.

If you find you have a passion for technology and a talent for navigating the in-depth nature of computer languages, you could go on to become a professional coder and work for a tech company or even start your own business venture or launch a best-selling idea. The job market is opening up for technologically savvy professionals who have marketable skills in coding.

What Careers Involve Coding?

Careers that involve coding go well beyond positions in data science. There are, in fact, many positions that coding experts can acquire if they are highly knowledgeable in HTML and/or CSS coding. And what is even more appealing about jobs that require coding is that they are highly flexible. Not only can these persons choose to work independently or for a company-based employer, but there is a broad range of fields and companies that employ coding professionals. Just a sample of the careers available to professional coders can be found in the following sections.

Content Writers and Marketers

Two fun and exciting careers that involve coding are content writers and marketers. Content writers typically work independently for online content companies that provide content to businesses with an online presence. The content they write may vary depending on the needs of their clients but often includes such things as blogs and product reviews. HTML coding is often required before submitting content for approval. Content marketers may write the content themselves or employ the services of content writers. Those who choose to write the content themselves must convert their text to web-compatible coding prior to submitting final projects to their clients.

Website Designers

Another great career that involves coding is that of a website designer. Most businesses today have an online presence and maintain company websites. Business owners and managers who do not have the time or skills required to design their own websites often employ the services of website designers. It is the job of professional website designers to create effective websites that are both attractive and user-friendly. They accomplish this by utilizing their skills in HTML and CSS coding as well as such valuable tools as Javascript and/or WordPress. These persons can also work independently, or they may choose to work for website design companies.

Digital Marketing Analysts

Positions in digital marketing analysis are also among the many careers available today that involve coding. Digital marketing analysts collect and analyze data from such sources as business websites, social media sites, and forums for use in marketing strategies. Their unique responsibilities require expertise with a variety of online marketing tools and skills including HTML and CSS coding, Google Analytics, Mixpanel, and Kissmetrics. These positions pay quite well and are growing at a rate of 23 percent according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Webmasters

Obtaining a position as a webmaster is another great option for people who are looking for careers that involve coding. The responsibilities of webmasters are many and often include creating marketing content for company blogs and social media sites, designing websites, maintaining and revising web pages, and maintaining such things as computer software, computer hardware, and web servers. To be eligible for a position as a webmaster, candidates must have expert knowledge in HTML and CSS coding as well as experience using JavaScript and WordPress.

Technical Writers

Technical writers are similar to content writers, but these professionals typically write content pertaining strictly to technology. These persons can also work independently but many are employed by such organizations as large and small businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and educational facilities. According to an article posted on the website Forbes, the duties of technical writers can vary but often include using HTML and/or CSS coding to create such things as educational tutorials, instructional documents, and product or service documents.

Individuals who have expert knowledge in HTML and/or CSS coding have many terrific career options available to them. And five careers that involve coding expertise are described in the previous sections.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding?

Learning to code takes anywhere from three months to four years, depending on the learning method. For example, if you choose to attend a coding bootcamp, you can become proficient in at least one coding language in as little as three months. Getting enrolled in specialized courses will help you be more focused towards your learning . Just as an individual has to workout in the gym everyday to stay in shape, similarly everyday coding 20 -30 mins a day can make you a good programmer.

There are a lot of options in between to choose which coding language to opt for, mode of learning, Whichever you choose, you can master the basics of any given coding language in as little as three months if you apply yourself and remain focused. The table below shows you the average time it takes to learn coding using different learning methods:

Learning Method	Average Time to Learn Coding
Self-study with instructor training	6 months
Coding Bootcamp	6 months
College Degree	4 years

What Is a Coding Class?

Coding classes are short-term lessons where you can learn to code. A coding class is a great option if you want to learn some basic coding concepts or focus on one advanced topic and upskill. The best thing is that there are tons of free coding classes where you can learn the basics of coding. The vast majority of these are offered as online courses.

Here at Diana’s we give Specialized coding classes where you can learn from a live instructor with your own learning pace

Is Coding a Good Career?

Yes, a coding career is an excellent professional path. With your coding skills, you can become a computer programmer, software developer, software engineer, or cyber security expert, to name just a few options. These are all professions that pay well above the national average, so choosing coding as a career makes plenty of financial sense.

A career in coding is very secure, according to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This agency estimates that the number of open positions for software developers will grow by 22 percent from 2020 to 2030. The job outlook for information security professionals is even more impressive, with open positions expected to grow at a rate of 33 percent.

Additionally, a coding career is fulfilling. Your coding skills will probably land you in a fast-paced working environment where you will collaborate with like-minded colleagues. A coding career is also an excellent option because it will always keep you on your toes. You will have to study constantly to keep up with the latest tech, which will help you stay mentally sharp and alert.

Careers Where Learning Code Is Helpful

A coding career path is not limited to software development. There are a slew of in-demand and high-paying jobs where you can apply your coding skills. Below, we take a closer at several unconventional coding career paths:

Job Title	Average Salary	Job Outlook
Product Manager	$133,380	10%
Data Scientist	$131,490	22%
Game Developer	$110,140	22%
Cyber Security Engineer	$102,600	33%
UI/UX Designer	$77,200	13%

Coding Career Paths: A Closer Look

Programming skills open the door to a wide range of coding career paths, including product manager, cyber security engineer, and data scientist. Below, we take a deep dive into some of the best-paid coding career paths. We tell you the main tasks each profession involves and the programming languages that are required.

Product Manager

Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, New York, Colorado
Programming Languages: Ruby, C#, Python, Java
As a product manager, you’ll take ownership of a given digital product and ensure its successful launch and positive reception. You’ll define what success look like and take the higher-level decisions that will help your team get there. Although coding skills are not an absolute requirement, having them will help you better understand the product and the work required to make it stand out from the competition.

Data Scientist

Highest-Paying States: Washington, California, Delaware
Programming Languages: Python, JavaScript, R, C++, SQL
Fluency in programming languages is necessary to become a data scientist. These professionals use their coding knowledge to create algorithms as well as clean and sort data. Different employers demand different languages, but common ones used in this coding career path include Python, R, Java, and Scala.

Game Developer

Highest-Paying States: California, Washington, Maryland
Programming Languages: C#, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python
A game developer’s job may involve tasks as varied as coming up with attractive character designs and choosing atmospheric sound effects. Writing the code that forms the base of the game may also be in the job description. If so, you’ll probably be required to know C++ or C#, which are the most common languages in the field of game development.

Cyber Security Engineer

Highest-Paying States: California, New York, Maryland
Programming Languages: C, C++, Python, PHP, SQL
Cyber security is a fast-growing coding career path. To become a cyber security engineer and master the art of protecting computer systems against cyber threats, you will need to learn at least one programming language. Common programming languages in the field include C, C++, and Python.

UI/UX Designer

Highest-Paying States: Washington, California, Georgia
Programming Languages: Python, Ruby, JavaScript
The twin roles of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design have taken off in recent years. In essence, a professional in UX or UI design takes care that the resulting product is as user-friendly as possible. It requires a spectrum of skills, from wireframing to research. While coding is not a must in many cases, it is always a plus as it will smooth out the collaboration with developers.

Coding Jobs: What Can You Do With Coding?

With coding, you can do everything from computer programming to data analysis. The number of jobs that you can do with coding is very high. Coding skills are required to build the digital products that we enjoy today, whether they are video games, team management software, or food delivery apps.

Coding jobs can be found in nearly every industry. Even sectors like insurance, healthcare, and hospitality employ coders. The non-exhaustive list below can give you an idea of the sheer number of jobs in coding:

Computer programmer
Web developer
Web designer
Front end developer
Backend developer
Full stack developer
Software developer
Mobile applications developer
Computer systems analyst
Computer systems engineer
Network systems administrator
Database administrator
Computer support specialist
Product manager
UI designer
UX designer
UX researcher
Data scientist
Computer research analyst
Information technology manager
Cyber security engineer

What Is Coding FAQs

How Much Does Coding Pay?

Computer programmers earn an average salary of $93,000, according to BLS data. This equals $44.71 per hour, which is an enviable hourly rate. Meanwhile, salary aggregator PayScale puts the average salary of a software developer at $73,691 yearly, while senior developers earn over $121,000 a year.

As you can see from this data, a coding job salary is well above the BLS national average salary, which is $58,260. However, how much a coding job pays really depends on a wide variety of factors, location among them. Washington, California, and Virginia are the top-paying states for computer coding salaries.

Is there a difference between coding and programming?

Yes, there is a difference between coding and programming. The difference is often rooted in scope. While coders are only concerned with writing code for software development, programmers deal with the bigger picture. For a more in-depth discussion, check our guide to coding vs programming.

What is coding in simple terms?

In simple terms, coding is the act of feeding commands to a computer in a language it can understand. The computer uses these commands to fulfill a task or a variety of tasks set by the person.

What is an example of coding?

A good example of coding is when computer programmers write the source code for a simple mobile phone application. This source code will then be compiled or assembled into a computer program that the phone’s system can execute.

What is a program in coding?

A program in coding is a set of instructions used to manipulate information so that a certain input results in a particular output. Programs allow the user to create a wide range of digital items, from an essay written in a word processor to an infographic created in Adobe Illustrator. Some popular programs include Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, and AutoCAD.