Why Programming
Is it worth learning?
Hello, my name is Sharon, am a Tech enthusiast, and I was a trainee at Andela Women in Tech cycle 5. In this blog post, I will explain my best understanding of programming and why I really decided to walk the talk.
A little more about me, I actually did Computer Science at university. This course automatically introduced me to the concept of programming and trust me I did not fall in love immediately. What could have been the problem? Was it me? Was it my lecturers? Was it my friends? but it was just me. I just had a negative attitude altogether and I had no motivation at all. That first C code in my year one class did not make any sense to me that’s why I had considered it a waste of time. But now here I am writing code.
What exactly is Programming?
It is simply “instructing a computer to perform various tasks”. This basically means providing a computer with a set of instructions written in a language that a computer understands, for example, adding two numbers, calculating the simple interest given principal, rate, and time. Just like human beings understand a few languages like English, French, German, and so on, so is the case with computers. Computers understand a set of instructions written in a specific syntactical form called programming languages.
Why I think Programming is worth learning.
You must be asking yourself does one really need a computer to add two numbers or even calculate simple interest? after all, even a kid can do such things. What is programming used for? what benefits do computers offer? Well, computers offer a number of benefits which include the following;
Computers are fast. If you know how to utilize the power of computer programming, you can do wonders with it. In a second a computer can perform a billion additions, which a human being can not do.
Computational thinking. It is the ability to communicate your thoughts in a structured and logical way. This type of thought process is like the step by step instructions that are coded into a computer. Software engineers, computer programmers use this method of thinking to solve problems. Computational thinking is a combination of advanced mathematics, algorithm development, and logic.
The great potential in programming careers. Most jobs require the knowledge of basic IT skills, while even retail and fast food jobs require the use of technology and computers. Coding specialists are well-paid and highly sought-after on the current market, and their job opportunities continue to expand.
Improve interpersonal skills. In addition to developing hard skills like HTML CSS and JavaScript and so on, coding also develops soft skills like getting along with coworkers, because most projects are so enormously collaborative. Whether you’re interacting with bosses, subordinates, or outside stakeholders, good people skills are essential for thriving in any environment. You know this, right? Those same skills can also help in my personal life by teaching me how to get along better with friends and family.
Remote working. When you work with technology, there are more opportunities to work online, or remotely. Meaning it doesn’t matter where you are on vacation, at home as long as you’re doing your assignment.
Finally, I choose to learn how to programme because of passion and the learning opportunities like Andela Women In Tech program, why not grab this opportunity and gain tech skills that will accelerate my motion to a Software engineering career.
