Coding is the process of writing down instructions for a computer to perform certain tasks. Nowadays, understanding what coding is is actually important for anyone, whether they are going to have a career in IT or are a technology user in general.
Understanding coding is especially important if you often use apps or websites to communicate, socialize, or work. It can also open up new career opportunities, or solve problems you face on a daily basis.
In this article, we will discuss what coding is, the benefits of learning coding, examples of coding programming languages, and tips for learning coding.
Let's get started by learning what coding is!

What is Coding?

Simply put, coding is the process of writing code in a programming language with the intention of communicating with a computer. Because computers don't understand human language, we need to use machine language.

Machine language consists of a collection of binary codes, which are denoted by the numbers 0 and 1. These binary codes are put together into a series of 8 digits, called bytes. However, computing usually requires processing billions of bytes at once.

This processing task certainly cannot be done by humans because it will definitely be time-consuming and error-prone. Therefore, you need to learn programming to do coding.

A programming language is a series of commands that can be used to help you process bytes. These commands are written in code, which is then translated into machine language by the computer.

By understanding what coding is, you can communicate with the computer more effectively so that it can instruct you on the things you want.

In addition, coding also opens up bright career opportunities in the IT field and many other opportunities. Want to know what they are? We'll discuss the benefits of learning coding in the next section.

What are the Benefits of Learning Coding?
Coding can help us do various things in our daily lives, for example, as a means of making money, automating tasks, solving problems, increasing creativity, and broadening horizons.

Not only that, here are some of the benefits of learning coding:

1. Bright Career Prospects as a Programmer

The benefits of learning coding in this day and age not only allow you to have technical skills, but it can also be a great opportunity towards a career to become a programmer or developer.

Especially in this technological era, programmers and developers are needed in various fields, ranging from application development, website development and design, and software creation.

In addition, an understanding of coding can also be the foundation for other career paths, such as in the field of AI. The high demand for experts who understand coding also presents interesting income opportunities.

The point is, by learning coding, you can enter a dynamic career world full of potential.

2. High Income Opportunity

By learning to code, you will have attractive earning potential. For example, if you pursue a career as a web developer, the average salary you will get is quite high, and even increases up to 15%, more than other sectors.

In addition, if you pursue a profession as a software engineer, you will have equally lucrative opportunities.

The average software engineer salary in the United States reaches $100,000 or higher per year! Wow, that's pretty fantastic.

So, in a world of work that increasingly relies on technology like today, having coding skills is a surefire tactic that can make you a valuable asset and in demand by various industries.

3. Can Work from Anywhere as a Digital Nomad

You can become a digital nomad by understanding coding. Yep, digital nomad is a profession in the IT world that works like a freelancer, where you can freely work from anywhere and anytime.

In fact, a number of successful digital nomads usually have a background in technology, and of course understanding programming will give you remote work opportunities. When else can you work while traveling the world?

In addition, tech companies are increasingly supporting remote working. There has been a significant increase in recent years from major companies in the tech industry.

With these benefits of learning to code, not only will you have a valuable skill, but you can also prepare yourself to continue climbing the career ladder wherever you are.

4. Expand Networking with Fellow Programmers

The benefits of understanding coding are not limited to mastering programming languages. You can also build a network with other programmers, which can help build your career.

Many professionals in the IT world often establish networking to get cooperation opportunities. If you master coding, you can also join programmer communities, attend technology events, and collaborate on interesting projects.

This will certainly have a positive impact on your career. Connecting with fellow programmers will also give you insights into the industry, reach out to new opportunities, or expand your business.

So, not only for acquiring technical skills, learning to code is an opportunity that opens doors for you to expand your professional network.

Types of Programming Languages to Learn Coding
The following are popular programming languages for those of you who are interested in learning coding:

1. PHP

PHP is a programming language that you need to learn if you want to become a web developer. Because PHP is commonly used to support website development functions, namely:

Running file system functions. For example, creating, opening, writing, and closing files.
Managing forms. For example, collecting data from a file, saving data to a file, and sending data via email.
Manage the website database. For example, adding, deleting, and modifying the database.
Manage website program cookies.
Prohibit visitors from accessing certain pages on a website.
Encrypt website program data
That's a lot, right? That's why PHP is widely used to develop websites around the world. 

Data from W3 Tech shows that 78.9% of websites on search engines use PHP. Some of them are WordPress, Facebook and Wikipedia.

2. JavaScript

JavaScript is a programming language for those of you who want to learn to program websites with dynamic displays and content.

That is, JavaScript programming language for coding is something that can help you create moving content without the need to reload the page. 

An example is the increase in the number of retweets and likes on the Twitter application which is displayed directly.

javascript example on twitter
Not only that. You can also create websites with animated images, photo slideshows, and poll filling.

3. Python

Python is a programming language that you need to learn. Because for beginners, this programming language is easy, the syntax code is simple, and similar to English.  

The ease of syntax is what makes the number of Python programming language users grow. The evidence is that the level of popularity reached 11% in 2021, up 2% from 2020.

Despite its simplicity, Python is surprisingly versatile. It is often used to manage website servers and develop software.

4. Java

Java is a programming language that must be learned to learn mobile application coding. Not only that, Java is also commonly used to build desktop applications. 

Java is currently 26 years old. Wow, quite old too, huh? However, there are still many users. In 2021 alone, its users reached 35% of developers worldwide.

There are several reasons why Java is still relevant today, namely:

User friendly - This programming language is quite easy to use. This is because the code syntax is simple and similar to English. This makes it easy for beginners to learn the basics of Java and move on to more advanced Java.

Portable - Java is a portable programming language. This means that Java will remain compatible when used on various platforms.

Comprehensive and accessible learning resources - Java is an age-old language. Therefore, the learning documentation is plentiful and freely available. Examples include JHipster, Maven, and Google Guava. 

5. Ruby

Ruby is an open source programming language that you can use without paying for a license. This language was first introduced to the public in 1993.

Initially, Ruby was only suitable for building desktop programs. But since the emergence of the Ruby on Rails framework, it can now be relied upon to build websites with ease.

Here are some reasons why Ruby can be an option for those of you who want to learn coding:

Compatible with GUI Tools - Ruby is compatible with various GUI (Graphical User Interface) based tools, such as GTK and OpenGL.
Flexible for Various Purposes - Ruby and the Rails framework are reliable enough to build desktop and web applications.
Concise Code - Ruby's syntax is quite concise, making it suitable for beginner programmers.

6. HTML

HTML is often referred to as a programming language. However, HTML is actually a mark up language. What is a mark up language?

Mark up language in the sense of coding is a computer language that uses tags or signs. These tags will be read and translated by the computer into a website program display.

Learning HTML is important, you know. Because mark up language can be used to create a website page structure. In a way, this will affect the SEO aspect of your website. 

For example, you have finished creating a website using PHP. Then you feel that the header and layout look unattractive. Well, you can modify it using HTML.

7. CSS

If you want your website to be more attractive, PHP and HTML are not enough. You also need to learn CSS which functions as a design language.

How come it can be called a design language? 

Because, CSS is useful for designing the front page or appearance of the website. For example, text color, font type, lines between paragraphs, column size, and background type.

When designing the front page with CSS, your code writing process will be faster. This is because CSS simplifies the process of creating a website by organizing the elements written in the markup language.

That was an explanation of what coding is, its benefits, and some popular programming languages for learning coding.