Coding is a shorter way of saying computer programming, one of the most fundamental elements of our 21st-century lifestyles. The code tells a computer what to do and how to do it. The first programming language was Plankalkul, which emerged in the 1940s, long before the advent of personal computers. By the 2000s, coding languages like Python, C, and JavaScript came to dominate the internet. Today, most of us could hardly live the way we do without coding.
As more and more websites and content appear daily, coding proficiency has become increasingly important in the job market. The demand for coding proficiency crosses virtually every industry and sector, from app and web development to cybersecurity, data science, and financial technology (FinTech). Many tech professionals today need to master multiple coding languages to qualify for their positions. If you want to build or expand your coding expertise, consider enrolling in a bootcamp that features coding or includes it as part of a broader development curriculum.
What Can You Do with Coding Training?
Learning to code is one of today's essential skills, ranging from web apps to ecommerce platforms. Consider the following projects you can do after you learn to code.
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||CPN900||—Extracting data from one or more websites is a great way to practice your Python programming skills. You can use a library like BeautifulSoup or Pandas to parse documents and analyze data.
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Build A Single Page website—Many Web Designers and Developers create responsive websites. One way to start practicing is to build a site that works on desktop and mobile browsers. Coding novices can use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create their first site.
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Create An Alarm Clock Application—Another Python project is creating an alarm clock app with Graphical User Interfaces (GUI). It makes an excellent beginner-level coding project, especially for those who need to practice their GUI skills.
What Will I Learn in a Coding Class?
The concepts and skills you learn in a coding class depend on factors like your existing skill set and choice of course provider. If you choose a general coding class, it will cover one or more programming languages and their libraries and frameworks. Consider the following skills and tools you can learn in a coding course.
HTML
HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. Often paired with Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML is a distinct tool and a standard building block for websites. Front-End Developers, Full Stack Developers, and Web Designers typically learn HTML and CSS together in a broader design or development curriculum. Many coding courses combine units on these two tools.
CSS
While HTML is essential for website development and maintenance, CSS is used for styling content. Consider CSS a crucial tool for creating animated effects in responsive websites. Most web design and development careers require knowledge of both HTML and CSS since design and development teams typically pair them in units.
JavaScript
You can expect to learn JavaScript in any coding class focused on front-end development, full-stack development, or web design. As one of the most popular programming languages worldwide, around 98% of all websites reportedly use JavaScript. Developers can use it for animation and interactivity, mobile app development, and slide show creation.
Python
Often vying with JavaScript for the number one position, Python is also one of the most popular programming languages worldwide. Python is essential for Data Scientists and Data Analysts and is often a favored tool for web and software application development. Software Engineers, Python Developers, and Back-end Developers are all examples of tech professionals who may rely on Python for everyday tasks.
Logic
You might not learn logic in a coding class, but you will need to rely on your logical thinking to succeed. If you have a background in courses like statistics and probability, you might find coding an easy subject to master. However you approach programming languages, your ability to solve problems using logic will benefit you in a coding-centered career.
How Hard is It to Learn Coding?
Different people find different challenges in learning to code. Some coding beginners start with Python or JavaScript, while others learn to code as part of a broad design or development curriculum. Although you can familiarize yourself with a programming language through various resources, self-training is far from becoming a coding expert. Consider enrolling in a coding-centered bootcamp or certificate program to develop theoretical and practical knowledge.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Coding?
Like the degree of difficulty, the most challenging parts of coding depend on the student. Your current skill set and experience will affect your ability to learn quickly. However, if you possess basic computer skills, many design and development courses provide beginner, intermediate, and advanced training tailored to your success. For example, you can retake a coding program like the Web Development Certificate from Noble Desktop at no additional charge for up to a year after graduation. Such policies ensure that students can learn, practice, and reinforce training over an extended period.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding?
The time it takes to get comfortable experimenting with a computer programming language is much less than it will take to code at a professional level. Coding-centered training varies in length, from 1-day seminars to multi-month certificate programs. Many coding beginners start with a single bootcamp like the Web Development with HTML & CSS course from Noble Desktop. However, others enroll in full-time five-month certificate programs like their Software Engineering Certificate. Immersive programs like these take beginners from novice to entry-level job applicants through education, hands-on portfolio development, and one-on-one mentoring.
Should I Learn Coding in Person or Online?
Whether you prefer to learn coding in-person or live online largely depends on personal preference. While every training method has unique advantages and disadvantages, the difference between learning face-to-face and via teleconferencing is insignificant to most students today.
Consider the three most common types of training programs:
- In-Person Training
- Live Online Programs
- On-Demand Learning
Learning in-person gives students the highest level of engagement possible. They can interact with the instructor and their classmates, and many report feeling more connected to the material when they have to be present in a classroom.
Online training, however, offers engagement similar to training in the traditional classroom, and many course providers offer an online option. One advantage of live online learning is that it expands the range of available training options. You can take live online classes from anywhere with an internet connection.
Asynchronous, or on-demand learning, offers unique advantages and drawbacks. Its drawback is that recorded videos have the lowest level of engagement of all the options. However, on-demand training may appeal to those with non-traditional work schedules such as the second or third shift.
Can I Learn Coding Free Online?
Many coding beginners like to get oriented to computer programming languages through free online resources. Videos like those found on the Noble Desktop YouTube channel can be excellent sources of information. However, developing professional-level coding skills will not come for free. Anyone pursuing a career in software development, web development, or web design should seek formal training. Check out bootcamps and certificate programs that feature coding or include it within a broader curriculum to get the best value for your training dollar.
What Should I Learn Alongside Coding?
What you learn alongside coding depends on multiple factors, including your current skill level, career goals, and schedule. If you plan to learn coding for general computer programming purposes, you might find all the training you need in an immersive bootcamp or certificate.
However, if you know your coding career will demand additional skills, consider researching typical job requirements for positions that align with your career goals. For example, a Web Designer may need to know coding, search engine optimization (SEO), and Adobe Creative Cloud software such as Photoshop; a Python Developer may need to know Django REST, SQL, and GitHub; and a Full Stack Developer may need to master HTML and CSS, JavaScript, and the MERN tech stack.
Industries That Use Coding
With its renowned Celtics and Bruins sports franchises, historical significance, and growing tech scene, Boston is a primary destination for many high-tech workers. Consider the following industries where coding expertise is essential:
Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI)
Boston has been a financial services hub for centuries. Today, companies like Fidelity, Putnam, and State Street dominate the landscape, and top roles requiring coding skills include Business Analysts and Financial Analysts.
Healthcare & Social Assistance
Coding is crucial in healthcare, ranging from pharmaceutical companies to private clinics. Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center are among the top-ranked facilities here, and they require coding skills to keep their computerized systems running smoothly.
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Professional and technical services include law practices, engineers, architects, and cybersecurity, to name a few. Coding is vital for engineering and cybersecurity, as these fields rely heavily on technology and devices.
Coding Job Titles and Salaries
Salaries for positions that rely on coding are higher in Boston than the national average. The following general salary ranges represent base pay plus additional pay like bonuses or profit sharing.
Full Stack Developer
Full-Stack Developers work on both front-end and back-end applications, utilizing coding skills such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. In Boston, a Full Stack Developer typically earns between $102,000 and $183,000, with a median average salary of around $136,000 annually.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer may work on operating systems, servers, or applications. They know multiple programming languages like C++, Python, and JavaScript. Boston-area Software Engineers earn from $113,000 to $200,000 annually, with an estimated total pay of around $150,000.
JavaScript Developer
JavaScript Developers apply coding skills to web apps or pages, and they may also work on individual components. Boston JavaScript Developers can expect to earn six figures, with an annual estimated total pay ranging from $114,000 to $204,000.
Coding Classes Near Me
- Noble Desktop—Coding novices aiming for entry-level full-stack development or software engineering positions should consider the live online Software Engineering Certificate from Noble Desktop. This immersive program covers HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, plus Python with Django and the MERN tech stack.
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New Horizons—The Python 3 Essentials class from New Horizons is a five-day course available to Boston students who can commute to nearby Waltham. This program covers beginner-level Python concepts, including flow control, variables, and functions. While there are no prerequisites, New Horizons recommends some previous computer programming experience.
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Launch Academy—Boston students planning to be Software Engineers can learn the ropes in-person with the ||CPN827|| program from Launch Academy. This program covers subjects like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and SQL, to name a few. Check the Launch Academy website for more information.
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Certstaffix Training—Certstaffix Training offers classes live online with the option to use their local computer lab. Their Java Programming course is a five-day program open to beginners. Topics include object-oriented programming (OOP), debugging code, control statements, and SQLite.
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iD Tech—Another respected course provider with in-person training is iD Tech. Boston-area teens ages 13-17 can start their coding education with their Java Coding for Applications and Game Development course. The one-week program covers beginner, intermediate, and advanced Java concepts in an interactive, portfolio-centered environment.
Coding Corporate Training
Would your team benefit from corporate or onsite training to expand their coding skills? Noble Desktop provides in-person and live online coding education from expert instructors. Corporate training programs can be an ideal way to move your organization forward.
If you want your employees to have more flexibility on where and when they get their coding training, Noble Desktop also offers discounted vouchers for its open-enrollment group classes. Employers get discounts when purchasing courses in bulk. Topics include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python.
Want to learn more about coding training options for your team? Contact Noble Desktop for more information and a free consultation.