Last Updated on March 17, 2021 by Filip Poutintsev
Coding has become one of the most important skills to have today. To those new to the world of technology, coding refers to the process of creating software, applications and websites. 
The number of websites and the need for applications is increasing day by day because of digitalization. The business industry hasn’t been untouched by this development either. E-commerce is increasing globally which has created a demand for coders and experts in Information Technology and Systems.
There are several advantages and disadvantages of learning to code or Programming. This article presents both the pros and cons of learning how to code so that you can make a well-informed decision.
Check this article to know what actually a programmer does, how much do they earn and a guideline to become a good programmer.
Advantages of Learning to Code
1. A Better Understanding of Product Development
One of the biggest advantages of learning how to code is the knowledge you gain from it, particularly the knowledge of product development. Say you take up coding by taking classes or on your own; there is a good chance that you will be tempted to give up or will give up for an array of reasons.
Even if you don’t acquire the knowledge to become a full-fledged programmer, you will still have a basic understanding of what product development is.
This might mean that you will be able to gauge how much time it will take for someone to build a website for you or how much effort it will take for someone to build a product for you; you will have the upper hand in that they will not be able to lie to you. It might also mean that if necessary, you can help get a job done on time by using your own set of skills.
2. A Skill Relevant to Today’s Job Market
Like discussed before, at a time where digitization is increasing globally, coding is a very relevant job in today’s market and the need for developers and coders is never going to diminish.
There are hundreds if not thousands of IT-related jobs on the market and they are almost always very competitive. While it is not necessary to have a degree in Computer Science or a related field to learn to code, it does provide an edge if you do have that degree.
Learning to code on your own can provide you with the knowledge necessary to get you through life easier while learning to code by going through a University level education will give you an edge and a plus point in the job market.
3. Development of Logic and Creativity
Another major reason why you should learn how to code is for the development of logic and creativity. Computer Science in general is a field that focuses on problem solving and problem-solving requires a person to be logical and creative at the same time.
Learning how to code will give a person the ability to think outside the box to solve any kind of issue or problem. This ability can come handy in any field you choose to pursue; not just Computer Science.
4. Gateway to STEM
The biggest advantages of learning how to code on your own are to pave a way for you to get into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Almost every individual in the field of STEM knows how to code since you must interact a lot with technology.
If you plan on taking Computer Science, the knowledge of coding can be especially useful since when you have a good foundation, it makes the process of learning several programming languages easier. It makes it easier to adapt to or understand any kind of programming language.
5. Understand the World
The world is slowly moving towards digitization. It won’t be long before the technology is used in every industry in the world. For a person with basic coding skills, it might mean having the ability to figure out what’s wrong with your company’s website or what’s causing a problem in your server.
Understanding how these basic blocks work together to create something much bigger and complex is certainly a great and impressive skill to have. You will be able to adapt to a more digital world, easier than others.
Disadvantages of Learning to Code
1. No Guaranteed Success
While it is true that the world is moving towards digitization and learning to code can give you an edge, there is also no guaranteed success. In order to become a professional software developer, basic coding skills are not enough in the job market especially since it is already very saturated.
While coding skills can definitely come in handy for personal use, it does not guarantee success in the long run.
2. It Could get Boring
One of the biggest turn-offs of coding is how boring and frustrating it can get for some people. Especially in the beginning when you’re just starting to code, you can run into syntax errors and not even realize the error you made until the programs stop running halfway and now you have to go back through a big chunk of code to see what went wrong.
Some programming languages like Python show what line the error is on or even what the error is but there are other languages that are not as specific. This can get monotonous for some people.
3. Difficult to Get into Competitive Schools
Coming back to our first point again, even though coding is a great gateway to STEM, it does not guarantee you a spot in competitive schools. Graduates from competitive schools usually always have an advantage when it comes to jobs so unless you truly understand programming and can code fluently, it is going to be difficult to get into good schools.
Not every skill you acquire must turn into monetary gain. If you are someone who believes in that, learning to code is for you. It is fun, it is essential and learning something new is never boring.
On the other hand, if turning your hobbies into something that can bring monetary gain is what you want, learning to code might not be fruitful for you unless you are ready to dedicate a lot of time and energy into it or maybe even go to school for it.
