Why Should I Learn to Code

Part science, part artform, coding is an integral part of the professional world and everyday life. A solid coding knowledge can help launch your career, improve your workflow, channel your creative side, and even enhance key cognitive functions. 

So if you’re wondering, “Why should I learn how to code?” you’ve come to the right place.

10 Reasons Why You Should Learn How To Code


Businesses across every industry rely on coding, and not just in a company’s tech department. Coding can be useful for every profession and every person. So whether you’re an artist, an advertiser, or a tech novice, here are ten answers to the question “Why should I learn to code?”


#1 Coding Skills Can Expand Your Career Opportunities

Employers across multiple sectors deeply value employees with coding skills. A 2015 study conducted by marketing firm Burning Glass found that seven million job postings required coding skills—and these weren’t just software development positions. Marketing, manufacturing, finance, and healthcare (among others industries) value computer programming skills in job candidates. 


In fact, according to job posting site AngelList, job candidates who applied to non-technical positions with technical skills (like coding) were 50% more likely to get matched with potential employers. Learning to code can elevate your candidacy for future opportunities in your field.

#2 Switch Careers By Learning to Code

On the flip side, if you’re feeling a little stuck in your career, and asking yourself “What jobs can I get if I learn to code?” the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computer and information tech jobs will grow 12% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all other jobs. 

Here are just a few occupations that require coding skills:

  • Computer and information research scientists
  • Computer network architects
  • Computer programmers
  • Computer support specialists
  • Computer systems analysts
  • Database administrators
  • Information security analysts
  • Network and computer systems administrators
  • Software developers
  • Web developers

#3 Computer Programming Can Foster Success in Non-Coding Jobs

Even if you’re not pursuing a career in software development or computer programming, coding can be your secret weapon in productivity. Here are just a few ways computer programming can support you at your non-coding job:

  • Streamline your workflow – Does it seem like a huge chunk of your workday is wasted on tedious tasks? Coding can help you save time and increase productivity by automating certain procedures on your computer. With coding knowledge, you can:

  • Automatically backup files
    •
  • Login to multiple secure-programs at once
    •
  • Build reports in Excel
    •
  • Upload and publish files from one program to another
    •
  • Look really good in front of your boss
  • Make cross-departmental connections – Chances are, you probably have coworkers who specialize in technology or digital media. Your company might have an IT, software development, graphic design, or even digital marketing department. Having a thorough understanding of coding can help you work more collaboratively with these departments.

    Together, you can streamline workflow and build cross-departmental innovations. Plus, the more tech fixes, web development, or computer programming skills you learn, the more self-sufficient you’ll become. By fixing your own tech issues or addressing coding issues, you can save these departments tons of time and bandwidth. 

  • Create a business portfolio – A custom website can act as a digital resume, showcasing your qualifications and spotlighting your accomplishments. By learning to code, you can customize and design a website that will grab a recruiter’s attention and help you stand out in the job candidate pool. 

    • #4 Learning to Code Can Increase Your Earning Potential

    Coding careers can help put your salary head-and-shoulders above the national average. 

    According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for computer and technology positions was $88,240 in May 2019. To give you some perspective, the median annual salary for all occupations in the US was $39,810. That’s a 120% difference!

    But you don’t have to be a computer scientist to benefit financially from coding. Coding skills  can qualify you for pay increases across multiple sectors. Here’s how: 

    #5 Coding Improves Logical Thinking

    Learning to code is similar to learning a new language—the language of logic. In order to code a program successfully, you must articulate precise commands in a way that the computer can understand. And that ability translates to almost every aspect of life.

    Just ask coding student Heather Stegner, Senior Director of Communications at American Wood Council. In a recent interview, she says: 

    “Coding forced me to start out with a plan, identify potential trouble areas, and troubleshoot, troubleshoot, troubleshoot. It's a logical way of thinking that I've been able to apply just as successfully when developing a media strategy as trying to figure out why Internet Explorer isn't cooperating.”

    You can apply the logic skills you learn from coding to the digital world and the world around you. 


    #6 Practice Efficient Problem-Solving

    To solve a coding problem, you must be methodical and creative. You’ll need to take a complex tangle of code and break it down into smaller pieces to pinpoint the problem and find a solution. These problem-solving skills translate far beyond computer programming.

    The best way to learn how to code is similar to how you learn to solve a complex issue. You must:

    • Understand the problem by breaking it down into its component pieces
    • Set up solutions to each component issue
    • Combine and build up a structure to solve the overarching problem

    Once you learn the programming way, you’ll be better equipped to solve problems across all aspects of your life. 


    #7 Learning to Program Enhances Cognitive Function 

    Learning to code can give your brain an incredible workout. Why? Because coding engages multiple parts of your brain. A 2014 neurological study shows that coding students showed improvements in:

    • Grammar skills
    • Memory
    • Pattern detection
    • Reading comprehension
    • Language learning

    #8 You’ll Gain Valuable Independent Learning Skills

    Through coding, you can learn how to build a website, create media art, and even design video games. But one of the most important coding lessons you can learn is how to teach yourself.

    Below are just a few ways on how you’ll learn through coding: 

    • Learning from experimentation – Once you have familiarized yourself with coding, you can play around with creating your own custom codes. Trial and error will be your teachers as you experiment with developing programs and your own experimentation processes. 
    • Honing research skills – By learning to code, you will sharpen your ability to find important information. Computer programming is constantly evolving into new coding languages and programs. As you learn to build your own programs, you will rely on new methods, innovations, and ideas to achieve your goals. The best way to do that? Research. Coding trains your research skills as you put new theories into practice.

    • How to recover from mistakes – When you learn a new skill, especially coding, it’s common to make mistakes. But how you handle and learn from those mistakes can decide the success of your projects. Learning how to handle errors with poise and determination is a skill you will use in almost every part of your personal and professional life. And there’s no better place to learn this than coding.

    #9 Coding Cultivates Creativity

    Sure, coding is technically 1’s and 0’s. But what you do with those 1’s and 0’s depends entirely on your imagination. Computer programming can channel your creativity and challenge your technical skills at the same time.

    Through coding, you can:

    • Create stunning digital media art
    • Practice game development 
    • Explore website design

    Coding creatively can even do wonders for your physical and mental wellness. Multiple scientific studies have reported the incredible effects of creative pursuits, including:

    • Reduced stress levels
    • Improved mood
    • Strengthened immune system

    #10 It’s Fun!

    Coding is challenging, creative, and technical all at once. You can’t beat the thrill of victory after you’ve successfully debugged a program or built something entirely your own. And once you’ve mastered the basics, there are no limits to the amazing things you can create. 

    How fun is that? 

    Learn to Code with Disney Codeillusion

    Now that you’ve answered the question “Why should I learn coding” it’s time to answer “How should I learn coding?”

    Thanks to over 10 years of coding education research, Disney Codeillusion has created an interactive learning platform designed for every type of learner. This comprehensive coding program includes lifetime access to 125 lessons, each averaging 30 minutes long. That way, you can explore the world of coding at your own pace, whenever you want!

    With Disney Codeillusion you’ll practice programming in four core coding languages through immersive games, puzzles, and design challenges. With step-by-step guidance and helpful hint features, Disney Codeillusion supports you through every step of your learning journey.

    If you need another reason to learn coding, here’s one you won’t be able to resist:

    You can start a free trial of Disney Codeillusion and begin your coding adventure today! 



    Sources: 


    Siegmund, Kastner, Apel, Parnin, Bethmann, Leich, Saake, Brechmann. Understanding Understanding Source Code with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Study). https://www.infosun.fim.uni-passau.de/cl/publications/docs/SKA+14.pdf


    General Assembly Blog. 5 Reasons You Should Learn to Code. https://generalassemb.ly/blog/5-reasons-you-should-learn-to-code/


    The Muse. 5 Underrated Benefits of Learning to Code (Even if You’re Not an Engineer). https://www.themuse.com/advice/benefits-learning-coding-not-engineer


    SkillCrush. 8 Ways Learning to Code Can Benefit You At This Very Moment. https://skillcrush.com/blog/learn-to-code-benefits/


    SkillCrush. 10 Life-Changing Reasons You Should Learn to Code. https://skillcrush.com/blog/laurence-bradford-10-reasons/

    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Computer and Information Technology Occupations. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm


    Fast Company. Why Coding is the Job Skill of the Future for Everyone. https://www.fastcompany.com/3060883/why-coding-is-the-job-skill-of-the-future-for-everyone


    Medium. 4 Basic Python Tips to Automate Your Workflow. https://medium.com/better-programming/4-basic-python-tips-to-automate-your-workflow-befabe140b83


    The Muse. 4 Major Reasons You Need Coding Skills Even If You Don’t Want To Be An Engineer. https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-major-reasons-you-need-coding-skills-even-if-you-dont-want-to-be-an-engineer


    Rasmussen College. Why Learn to Code? The Surprisingly Broad Benefits of Coding. https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/why-learn-to-code/


    Medical News Today. What are the health benefits of being creative? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320947#Improved-mental-health