Coding — an essential skill for young learners

Sandeep Jain

Technological disruption is prominent almost everywhere — from smart TVs and technologically advanced kitchen appliances to online games, puzzles and OTTs. A lot more is happening and a lot more is expected to happen in the coming years. As a result, many new jobs are being created and a significant number of existing jobs are also being re-defined. This is where computer programming or coding becomes a crucial skill for those searching for the best career prospects or planning to upgrade their existing skills.

Coding is a game changer and the ones who are skilled in coding have a competitive advantage in career. It is true that computer programming was once recognised as a skill reserved for computer nerds and geeks but now, it is popular as an essential ability as well as an added advantage for many job profiles. Of course! It isn't necessarily a thing only for those interested in pursuing a career in computer programming. Today, it is also a key component of many curriculums, even in primary schools.

 Importance

Coding is arguably one of the most important skills for current as well as future generations to learn. For young learners, programming helps to gain problem-solving skills i.e. to solve a problem in a logical as well as creative way. Coding also enhances thinking ability and enables one to think logically, strategically and analytically. Most importantly, coding is the future and therefore, an extremely useful skill to possess. Students who learn coding at a young age will have numerous progressive employment opportunities available to them in the future.

 Important job skill

Coding is no longer an option; it’s an essential life skill for young people. Therefore, it is a great idea to demystify the digital world, get connected, get creative and get coding.

 According to IBEF's February 2021 report on E-commerce Industry in India, the Indian e-commerce market will likely grow from $ 38.5 billion in 2017 to $ 200 billion by 2026. With the growing usage and significance of e-commerce, demand for coders as well as software developers and analytics specialists with knowledge of coding is also growing. Customer expectations are also evolving as they prefer a smooth and speedy buying experience along with personalised product recommendations. Therefore, the services provided by programmers have become a key retail success factor.

 Apart from software and application programmers, many other job roles also require coding expertise. Some of these job roles are business analysts, graphic artists, data scientists etc. Further, with data becoming a valuable commodity and data breach a looming threat, the number of cyber security jobs is increasing.

 According to India Skills Report 2021, Software/Hardware & IT and Internet businesses are among the sectors that are expected to hire the most in 2021. Therefore, there are many positive career options for those with experience in coding.

 How to learn coding?

 Today, numerous platforms are offering online courses on different levels of coding as well as different languages. One can opt for a good course according to their preferences and learn the essentials of key programming languages to level up their career. There are numerous job opportunities for programmers across a wide range of industries. Hence, it only makes sense to learn the skills of coding and enhance your growth prospects.

 Summing Up!

 Technological advances don't seem to stop as they are rapidly changing the world. Every smartphone app, website, computer program and even a microwave and calculator rely on a code to operate. Naturally, the demand for digital skills is huge. Yet, many young people continue to be digital consumers rather than becoming digital creators.

 As code progressively influences our everyday life, digital skills are becoming crucial for aspiring minds to grow in their career. It is important for young people to leverage opportunities to enhance digital knowledge to grow at the workplace and for better career prospects in future.

The writer is Founder & CEO,  GeeksforGeeks

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