Is It Worth Learning to Code? 5 Reasons to Learn to Code

With constant expansion and innovation in the tech industry today, you may be asking yourself, why should I learn to code? The perceived difficulty of actual programming is a major reason people are reluctant to learn it. Also, the cost of a four-year computer science degree at a public university may appear prohibitively expensive to some students.

If you have an affinity for computers and want to learn how to program from scratch, this article will discuss why learning coding in 2023 is worth it. Below you’ll find the five most compelling reasons why you should learn to code, along with a list of some of the greatest free resources on how to learn to code for free.

What Is Coding?

Coding is a set of instructions that tells a computer how to perform a specific task. You can teach computers what to do or how to behave more quickly if you learn to write code. This knowledge can be applied to creating websites and apps, processing data, and various other tasks. 

Is It Worth Learning to Code in 2023?

It is worth learning to code in 2023. Coding is one of the most valuable skills to learn in 2023, due to the rapid advancement and incorporation of technology in society at large, and the high demand for software products in almost every aspect of corporate operations.

Learning to code is worth it because it is a desirable skill in the workforce that can help you enter a steady career path. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software developers have a projected job outlook of 25 percent over the next decade. This role is also high-paying, with a median annual salary of $120,730.

5 Reasons It Is Worth Learning to Code

The benefits of learning to code begin with developing valuable in-demand skills such as problem-solving skills and creativity. One of the major reasons to learn coding is that it will provide you with nearly limitless opportunities for a career change. You can join major tech companies in Silicon Valley as a software engineer or launch your own startup and achieve financial independence. Let’s look at these reasons in more detail.

To Promote Problem Solving Skills

According to recent academic research, coding improves problem-solving skills by requiring the constant breakdown of problems into their component parts and reassembling them in a logical, step-by-step order. It also hones patience, as troubleshooting faulty code takes time and persistence. 

Developing these soft skills is one of the more practical reasons to learn coding. No matter what career choices you make, problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and persistence will be important if you want to succeed. 

To Unbox Your Creativity

Being creative allows you to see things differently and deal with uncertainty more effectively. In numerous spheres of life, whether personal or professional, creativity enables you to see the big picture. Coding helps you enhance your creativity.

To Change Your Career

Having experience in programming will open doors to new and rewarding careers. Since nearly every industry uses coding, you may not need to switch industries to find a coding job. You can explore available coding job postings. BLS projects that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow by 15 percent between 2021 and 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

To Launch Your Own Startup

With coding skills, you are not limited to working for a high-tech company. Coding is one of the top technical skills aspiring startup founders should learn. Basic computer programming skills give you a competitive edge and the autonomy to generate and execute product ideas independently.

To Make More Money

Whether you choose to work for a technology company, start your own business, or code as a side hustle job, computer programming knowledge will make your occupation more lucrative. BLS states that computer programmers in the United States earn a median yearly wage of $93,000, and ZipRecruiter estimates that freelance programmers make $72,176 per year.

Basic coding skills can help you land more than just a computer programmer role. A wide variety of careers in the tech space, such as data scientist, systems manager, web developer, and software engineer, all use popular programming languages. All of these roles in tech come with above-average salaries. 

How to Learn to Code for Free

You can learn to code without spending money on a four-year computer science degree. There are numerous resources that can help you learn coding for free. These include free bootcamps, coding challenges, classes, coding apps for beginners, and massive open online courses (MOOCs). If you want to find out where to learn coding for free, check out our list of resources below. 

Why Should I Learn to Code?

One main reason why you should learn to code is that it will help you develop practical skills like creativity and problem-solving skills. As a result, learning to code opens up numerous job opportunities. Coding benefits include a diverse range of industries to work in, increased earnings, increased career opportunities, and the freedom to launch your own startup.

If you’ve decided that learning to code is a good idea, you have many learning options at your disposal, from online classes to apps that make the learning process fun and engaging. However, nothing beats a coding bootcamp. Coding bootcamps are worth it because they focus on the skills that will get you hired and put at your disposal a team of career professionals to help you during the job search.

Why Should I Learn to Code FAQ