Explore the world of computer programming, a versatile skill set with numerous applications across industries. Learn about the free resources available for programming, the associated costs, potential career paths, and the high-demand job market for programmers.
One of the great things about studying computer programming is that nearly every modern computer language is available for free. In addition, open-source programming libraries are free, as are most code editors, making programming a reasonably affordable and accessible skill. This article will explore some of the costs associated with programming and the tools you can download or use for no cost.
Computer programming is writing coded instructions that communicate to a computer, software program, or application you’d like for it to perform a specific task. Programmers write code to create these instructions to find solutions to different issues and ensure that different software programs and apps will operate successfully. This process often involves devising strategies to enhance code to implement organizational initiatives more effectively. Most programmers work with various coding languages, such as Python, C++, and JavaScript. Typically, Computer Programmers perform various daily tasks: writing code, updating software programs to address security vulnerabilities or fix bugs, writing and testing code for apps and programs, troubleshooting code to spot errors, and translating existing code from one programming language to another. It’s a job that is ever-changing. The field of computer programming continues to grow in popularity as Programmers find new ways to communicate more effectively with computers. Programming has changed drastically over the past century. Initially, programmers used punch cards containing rows of numbers read by a machine. Now, it incorporates drag-and-drop interfaces and other methods that allow for much faster programming speed. Although some individuals use the terms “programming” and “coding” interchangeably, the two are slightly different by definition. Programming is a mental process that requires creating the instructions given to a computer. In contrast, coding pertains to translating those instructions into a written language understandable to a computer. Read more about what programming is and why you should learn it.
Computer programming is a versatile skill with various uses across industries and professions. Because we rely so much on computers for daily tasks, those who know how to program have many job opportunities.
The following are a few items you can do with a background in programming:
If you’re new to computer programming, you may wonder how much it will cost to have the tools you need to write code. One of the major perks of being a Programmer is that most of the languages you’ll need and the tools to work with these languages are free. Therefore, they are largely accessible to those interested in learning programming.
The most popular coding languages, such as Python, C, C++, C#, Visual basics, R Groovy, Java, PHP, JavaScript, Assembly language, and SQL, are all free to use. In addition, many popular libraries are open-source, which means it was released with a license by which the copyright holder allows others to work with, change, and even distribute the software and its code as they wish. For this reason, open-source languages and software are often developed collaboratively and publicly. Public development can help build communities around programming, as well as be an incentive for some individuals to pursue learning this skill.
Not only are programming languages and open-source libraries free, but so too are most source-code editors. Code editors are programs created to edit a computer program’s source code. They are standalone apps or are built into web browsers or integrated development environments. Some popular free code editors are Notepad++, Atom, Visual Studio Code, Webuilder, and NetBeans.
Computer programming is one of the most sought-after skill sets in this technological age. Because the tech boom isn’t expected to slow in the coming years, those with programming skills have many job prospects with high pay. The median pay for Programmers in 2021 was $93,000. Programming is valuable because of how much of the world is automated online. Those with coding skills have the power to improve how businesses run, which is of value to many employers.
Another reason to learn programming is that the profession has many perks beyond the high pay. Not only are programming jobs available in various fields and professions, but many provide enticing work benefits, such as unlimited vacation time, flex hours, and work-from-home options. In addition, programming is a skill that allows you to explore your creativity through a technical channel. This profession involves much more than giving machines instructions; it involves problem-solving, abstract thinking, and creativity. Even though programming may seem a rigid, tedious process, those skilled at writing code find creative solutions to real-world problems that address the larger picture. They create code from scratch, using the organization’s goals to inform their work. This process involves experimenting with different codes to find the most efficient, appropriate solution.
You may also want to learn programming because it’s a skill that can lead to much greater workplace efficiency. Programmers create applications that can automate regular processes that would otherwise take many hours. In addition, they create websites or apps that reach a much wider audience of interested customers. This scalability has the potential to improve an organization’s reach much more than advertisements, or physical stores would be able to accomplish.
Free introductory programming courses are available online if you want to learn computer programming but aren’t sure about enrolling in an entire course. These courses and videos are designed to help you understand different programming languages before committing to more intensive learning options.
Noble Desktop offers an hour-long webinar devoted to getting started with Python programming. Intro to Python Fundamentals provides an overview of how to use Python for automating boring or repetitive tasks. This beginner-friendly course is designed for those who may be new to programming and want to know what Python is and how to work with it. Noble also offers Intro to Node.js for those who want to learn about this popular JavaScript framework used for creating web apps.
In addition to Noble’s free online programming resources, materials are available from other top educators as well. Udemy currently has several free online programming classes, such as Programming 101, designed for those new to working with hardware, networking, licensing, and programming. In addition, Git & GitHub Crash Course: Create a Repository From Scratch is also available. This course is a mere half an hour long and teaches students how to make a Git repository, clone it, and make changes. Coursera also provides a wide range of free programming courses. Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming offers 12 hours of beginner-friendly content on core programming principles in software engineering. Coursera’s C++ Basic Structures: Vectors, Pointers, Strings, and Files includes nine hours of instruction on how to code and run a C++ program.
Noble Desktop, an educational provider, located in Manhattan, offers a range of programming courses for those new to this field and individuals with more advanced coding skills. Noble’s bootcamps and certificates provide hands-on programming training in the small class setting and are an excellent option for those who want to take their programming skills to the next level.
Those wishing to pursue a career as a Full Stack Web Developer, explore Noble’s in-person and live online Full-Stack Web Development Certificate since it presents a high-level learning opportunity. Instruction is provided on both front end web development and back end programming. Participants in this rigorous course learn CSS, JavaScript, and HTML. In addition, instruction is provided on using Git to track code changes. Those enrolled also create dynamic web apps using Node.js and React. For those who want to study the most widely used programming language, Noble’s JavaScript Development Certificate is for you. This intensive certificate program teaches students how to use JavaSript to design websites, build web applications, and create database-driven apps.
Noble also offers a Data Science Certificate for those interested in becoming Data Scientists. This hands-on program provides mentoring, as well as hands-on training, from industry experts. Instruction is provided on core data science skills, such as creating machine learning models, using SQL to query databases, and performing data analysis using Python. Tuition includes the option of a free class retake for up to one year, as well as one-on-one mentoring.
Noble also offers an in-person and live online Python Developer Certificate for those who want to work with Python. Those who enroll in this certificate receive hands-on instruction on fundamental Python programming skills, like using Django for Python software development and working with Django REST, SQL, and Git. This training is designed to prepare students to become Back End Developers, Software Engineers, or Python Engineers.
