Knowing how to write some simple code may become as ordinary a job skill as opening a Word doc, according to many experts.
What kind of code are we talking about? For the most part, experts say that HTML, CSS , and JavaScript are the most useful – and simplest – languages for non-techies to learn. These languages will help you understand the Web and many games and apps. If you want to process data or explore databases, learn Ruby or Python.
What jobs can benefit from coding knowledge? Just about any job that uses a computer, according to recent studies. The educational nonprofit Code.org noted that two-thirds of open computing jobs fall outside of the tech sector in fields such as journalism, finance, medicine, and entertainment. And recently, producers and designers at Boston’s public broadcasting station took HTML classes to better understand how their projects work.
Staying competitive in the job market may be the biggest motive for learning computer languages. Even if you have no intention of becoming a programmer or developer, knowing a little code can enhance your resume. At the very least, studying code, like studying any language, can offer the kind of mental exercise that helps you adapt to many different career options.
Where do you start? Depends on how you like to learn. Most public libraries are stocked with how-to books on all the most popular computer languages. If you want more instructor attention, and have deeper pockets, there are coding bootcamps around the country as well as programming classes at local tech schools and public colleges. There are also a number of affordable online learning options such as Codeacademy and Code Avengers. For an even broader range of technical courses, you can look into Lynda.com.
Whatever route you take, remember that programming may well be literacy for the 21st century. It’s not just for geeks anymore.