Are you confused about whether you should opt for programming as a career or not? Or are you still unsure whether you should encourage your kids to start coding? Whatever your doubts or questions may be.
In this article, I will share the 13 top benefits of computer programming and why you should not think twice about choosing it as your career, especially if you hold a software engineering degree, which will add to your credentials, boost your opportunities, and increase your salary.
Even if you don’t want to be a computer programmer to earn a good living, you should still learn to program as a good brain exercise.
What is computer programming?
Programming is the process of instructing computers to perform several computing tasks. From simple calculations to highly accurate machine learning models, we can get anything from computers & smartphones.
The only problem is that computers don’t understand human languages, as the central brain behind them only understands binary signals. This is where computer programming comes into play.
We use a programming language to make computers understand the specific steps to perform for our desired output.
This is very similar to instructing someone to make a cup of tea. We tell them the same precise steps to prepare the tea. And, if the other person doesn’t mess up anything, you can enjoy a good cup of tea together.
Therefore, as a programmer, your job is to write code – a language computers understand to perform tasks.
We will explore the elements of computer programming further later. Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about computer programming.
Who can be a computer programmer?
Anyone can learn to code. Anyone, from kids to older people, can get their hands dirty in coding.
The best part is that you don’t need a formal computer science degree to learn computer programming.
A CS degree is an added advantage, but people from other fields can also quickly learn the art of coding.
13 Top Computer Programmers’ Benefits You Should Know
1. Earn a good salary by building skills
The most lucrative benefit of learning to program is earning a fair amount of money. The salary structure can vary depending on your role, but on average, the median salary of a software developer in the United States amounts to $92,000 per year.
The best part is that if you choose to follow the path of entrepreneurship, you can earn even more. All you have to do is identify a common problem and build an application or software that solves the issue comprehensively and makes people’s lives more comfortable.
2. Flexibility to work from anywhere, anytime
The best part of being a computer programmer is that you can work from anywhere, anytime. All you need is a laptop to write code. Whether you want to work from home or a cafe, you will have complete freedom over your working lifestyle.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most companies have asked their employees to work from home.
The trend is also likely to continue after the epidemic. So, if you are looking for someone who doesn’t want to go to an office and work monotonously there regularly, computer programming is the career you should choose.
3. Creatively solve real-world problems
Coding encourages a problem-solving mindset. Facebook lets people connect and stay in touch quickly.
Google is revolutionizing the internet by providing relevant search results to users. With the power of computer programming, you can solve any problem, from ordering food online to buying rented furniture.
The critical step is identifying a common problem and developing a solution to improve people’s experiences and lives.
However, you can also focus on solving minute problems, such as providing better app/software alternatives. Therefore, computer programming can open a new world of opportunities if you want to be a problem-solver.
4. Develop mobile applications
Mobile users are growing exponentially. With affordable options available, smartphones are expanding their reach to rural parts of the world. As a result, there is a massive demand for skilled mobile app developers.
As a mobile app developer, your main task is to create a robust, secure app that delivers a seamless user experience. With a simple game such as Flappy Bird or a utility app, you can garner a huge number of app downloads and also earn a significant amount.
If you learn fundamental programming concepts and design models, you can be an excellent mobile application developer and join a good company for a long, rewarding career.
5. Make addictive games that users love
People love playing games on their browsers, smartphones, gaming consoles, or other devices. According to a report by Newzoo, the gaming industry will be worth more than $200 billion by 2023.
Now, that’s a whopping amount and shows people’s interest in purchasing games and in-app game purchases.
As a game developer, you can capitalize on this opportunity and penetrate the market by creating unique and addictive games.
The game doesn’t have to be as complicated as PUBG or Call of Duty; simple mobile games such as Flappy Bird also have huge earning potential.
6. Stay ahead of the curve by continually evolving
As a programmer, you must constantly update yourself on the latest technology. For example, if you are a Python developer, you must keep yourself updated with the latest updates, as one version of Python might become obsolete in a newer version.
If you are well-versed in data structures and algorithm design, you can easily upgrade by learning other technologies and programming languages.
However, the key is first becoming an expert in a single programming language. Staying ahead of others will open several opportunities for you as a programmer.
7. Explore artificial intelligence and other future-ready trends
Artificial Intelligence is the technology of the present and future. From intelligent and friendly chatbots to self-driving cars, AI is radically transforming the world.
As a programmer, you can create AI applications or integrate AI into current systems.
Learning and becoming an expert in the AI field will be a massive advantage in the coming years because there will be a considerable gap in the demand and supply of talent resources.
8. Accomplish anything by employing technology to work for you
One of the main benefits of computer programming is that you can accomplish any task by utilizing technology.
Programming can accomplish anything, from automating tedious, repetitive tasks such as sending emails to using machine learning models to analyze customer behavior.
9. Become a mentor later
When you begin your career as a programmer, you should make several mistakes and change your course.
But if you keep at it and actively work on creating several projects, you gain hands-on experience. After joining a good company, you can polish your skills by engaging with your peers and asking for honest code reviews.
Once you have considerable development experience, you can also become a mentor and guide other programmers who are just starting out.
You can also create your own programming courses or join any reputed college for guest lectures, earning some good money while mentoring young talent.
As a mentor, you pass on your years of practical experience to young programmers and help them avoid the same mistakes.
10. Coding is applicable now in almost all industries
The scope of coding is not limited to the IT industry. The demand for skillful programmers in other sectors, such as medicine, manufacturing, and others, is also rising.
Companies will use their problem-solving abilities as excellent programmers to design robust systems and enhance business processes.
Using computer programming’s power, you can help organizations by identifying how companies can improve their sales and effectively manage logistics and other activities.
11. Improve the cognitive learning of your kids by teaching them to code right from the start
Coding for kids is now gaining importance worldwide for two main reasons. First, it introduces kids to coding and helps them become better programmers when they grow up.
Second, kids are born geniuses, and they learn better with examples while playing. Coding will improve their logical and reasoning skills, and that will help them even if they choose not to become programmers later.
12. Develop persistence
Coding is a fun ride unless everything is working fine. The process can be a nightmare when developers encounter bugs or errors.
However, this doesn’t stop programmers from coding. They tend to develop persistence, as resolving an error after a few days is their most satisfying feeling.
The key to success is persistence; you can achieve all your goals if you have that. Being a coder, you will always face certain situations where you will have to stay persistent
13. Live a life that you have always dreamt of
One of the top benefits of computer programming is that it allows you to live according to your terms and conditions.
If you become a good programmer, you can get a high-paying job or become an entrepreneur to live a lavish life. Above all, you can gain financial freedom and become independent.
In a nutshell
In this blog, we discussed some of the top benefits of learning programming, from becoming a better problem-solver to guiding others to become better coders.
Now, what are you waiting for? Explore which type of programmer you want to become and grab a coding language to start your journey to greatness.
