Coding has a lot of stereotypes and myths surrounding it. If you listen to most of these claims, coding seems a near-impossible skill to learn with limitations and impossible requirements. Myths about coding can discourage you and paint a bleak picture of your career if you don’t have access to accurate information.
If you are interested in web development or programming but are holding back because of what you have heard or read, this article is for you. Here, we debunk the eight most common myths about coding to help you make a sound career decision based on facts.
Myth 1: You Need to Go to University to Learn Coding
Gone are the days when going to university was the only way to learn to code and build a career. Previously, most companies used to require a university degree when hiring, which is no longer the case.
In today’s information age, numerous platforms and resources exist that help you learn and develop your coding skills without going through a 4-year university study. Programming classes and camps for kids as young as seven years also exist. You can choose to learn coding by yourself, attend coding boot camps, or sign up for online coding courses on platforms like Coursera and Codecademy.
However, this is no way to say that a degree is useless. Higher-level roles may require you to have a degree and experience to improve your prospects. However, university education should not deter you from pursuing your interests. You can get in the field with an associate’s degree as you build your skills with hands-on experience through internships and volunteering.
Myth 2: Coding is for Geniuses
One of the most common myths around coding is that you have to be a genius to learn the skills. It goes hand in hand with the notion that coding is hard, and only people with exceptional intelligence can hack it. With this in mind, it can be intimidating if you don’t consider yourself smart enough. However, the claim is not entirely accurate since coding is more about how you think.
You can become a successful developer if you master logical and computational thinking. You also need to understand algebra and basic math concepts, have excellent problem-solving skills, and be creative.
You can learn and excel in coding without worrying about whether you are smart enough or not. Note that everyone makes mistakes, and you may fail a few times. It doesn’t mean it is the end of your coding journey. Use the hurdles as learning opportunities to improve your skills and do better.
Myth 3: You Have to Learn All Programming Languages
There are numerous programming languages that you can learn, ranging from Java, Python, and C++ to Ruby and C. But, you don’t need to know all the existing frameworks and programming languages to become a good programmer or software developer. It is impossible to grasp all the existing languages.
Every programming language serves a specific purpose, and there is nothing like the best programming language to learn. You only have to find out your career goals and choose a programming language that enables you to pursue them. For example, you need to know JavaScript, CSS, and HTML to become a front-end developer.
Most employers prefer hiring someone who specializes in one programming language and is proficient than one who knows a little bit of everything else. When you decide on a few key areas and specialize in mastering them, you become the authority in the field and can ascend the career ranks much faster. It is also much easier to start small when learning to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Myth 4: Everyone Should Learn to Code
As the world becomes more tech-oriented, it is becoming increasingly important to know how to be able to interact with the different technologies around us. Coding-related careers are also highly lucrative as the demand for good developers will continue to increase.
Despite the benefits of learning to code, we all don’t have to. It is okay if you are not interested in programming. Every person is unique and has different interests and goals. Eventually, deciding to learn coding boils down to personal preference.
Myth 5: You Have to Stick to One Coding Language Forever
The digital space is a fast-changing environment, and what may seem to be the ideal language now may not be in a few years. Technological changes can call for you to handle more than one programming language and use different frameworks. Also, preferences and goals can change, causing you to explore other programming languages.
To become a good developer, you need to cultivate a deeper understanding of programming instead of focusing on programming languages. You also need to be flexible and adjust to the changing tech needs to remain relevant. This is possible through continuous learning, watching out for emerging trends, and staying updated so you can align your skills accordingly.
Myth 6: Learning to Code Requires a Tech or Engineering Background
Just as you don’t have to be a genius or math wizard, a background in tech or engineering is not mandatory to learn code. Anyone can learn to code and excel, regardless of professional background or experience. Individuals with zero experience can become great coders and build exceptional websites when they love technology and are willing to learn.
While prior experience can give you a head start as you learn to code, it does not determine how you turn out as a developer. The crucial drivers of success are curiosity, problem-solving skills that you can learn with time, and the commitment to keep going despite failures and challenges.
Myth 7: Coders Have No Social Life
The idea of developers who keep to themselves and interact the least with other humans pushes the narrative that learning to code condemns you to a life of loneliness and solitude. Although coding requires focus and attention, you can still enjoy a fulfilling social life.
Developers have coding communities that are always ready to welcome you. They allow you to make valuable connections with similar-minded individuals who can help you walk the coding journey. Also, most developers collaborate on projects and share ideas in teams when creating software or building apps and websites.
Besides the interaction and support you get from other coders, coding adds flexibility to your life if you work remotely. Instead of spending your whole time in a cubicle over a computer, you can choose your work hours and make time for the important activities and people in your life.
Myth 8: Coding Limits Your Creativity
Contrary to popular belief, coding requires you to be creative and think outside the box. You have to develop ideas for designing video games, websites, and apps and execute them successfully. Remember, some roles require more creativity than others. For example, front-end developers have to think about fonts and website layouts.
For some people, coding presents an opportunity to represent abstract ideas the way artists do when they create. When coding, you may face challenges like errors and bugs that require debugging. To successfully navigate coding challenges, you have to flex your creative muscles and find a solution that works best.
Final Words
Don’t let myths founded on misunderstanding deter you from venturing into your dream career. While some of the claims may have hints of truth, they don’t represent the entire reality of coding and web development. If you are passionate about learning to code, enroll in a coding training class or program and begin your journey to a fulfilling career.
