Coding is the process of crafting instructions for computers and other devices using programming languages. While the term is often used interchangeably with programming, coding may be more accurately described as the foundational skill of programming, which combines coding with software architecture, design skills, and project management to create fully functional software solutions.
Lord Byron’s daughter, Ada Lovelace, is arguably the originator of coding, as in the mid-1800s, she became the writer of the first known machine algorithm. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s that Plankalül became the first high-level programming language. Many core languages used today—such as C++, Python, Java, and JavaScript—date back to the golden age of programming language development spanning the 1980s and 1990s. These languages continue to be essential tools for developers, programmers, and data professionals across various industries.
What Can You Do with Coding Training?
Learning to code opens up a world of possibilities, allowing individuals to communicate with devices and build a wide range of digital solutions. From websites and mobile applications to complex software systems, coding skills enable the creation of tools that solve problems across industries. Coders play crucial roles in data analysis, visualization, video game development, and the creation of augmented reality experiences. Their work spans diverse fields, from healthcare and biotech to entertainment and smart home technology.
Beyond traditional tech roles, coding skills can also empower creatives and others to make art or to support their hobbies. Artists and designers use coding to build portfolio websites or create interactive digital installations. Writers might develop custom publishing platforms or craft interactive storytelling experiences. Hobbyists leverage coding to bring personal projects to life such as digital art, meal planning applications, or workout tracking tools.
What Will I Learn in a Coding Bootcamp?
While specific class topics will vary, some of the skills commonly covered in coding classes are listed below.
Programming Languages
Coding classes typically focus on teaching one or more programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, or Java. Students learn the fundamental concepts, syntax, and structures of these languages, enabling them to write instructions that computers can execute. This knowledge forms the foundation for creating functional applications and software.
Problem-Solving and Algorithms
Students in coding classes develop skills to break down complex problems and design step-by-step solutions. They learn to create efficient procedures—known as algorithms—for solving problems or performing tasks. This skill is essential for approaching challenges logically and creating optimized solutions for various programming tasks.
Data Structures
Understanding different ways to organize and store data is a key component of coding education. Students learn about arrays, stacks, queues, and trees, among other structures. This knowledge helps professionals choose appropriate methods for storing and manipulating data, leading to more efficient and scalable code.
Web Development
Many coding classes cover web development, teaching students the skills required to build websites and create web applications. Curricula often include HTML for structuring content, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for adding interactivity. These skills are highly relevant in today’s digital landscape, where creating user interfaces and functional web-based solutions is essential.
Critical Thinking
Coding classes foster critical thinking skills, which are invaluable for programming and development professionals. Students gain experience in analyzing problems, evaluating different approaches, and making informed decisions about coding solutions. This skill is crucial when debugging issues, optimizing code, and continuously improving programming techniques.
How Hard is It to Learn Coding?
Coding is generally known as a challenging topic to learn, especially for complete beginners to the tech world. While some individuals will find the basics relatively accessible, achieving professional-level proficiency demands focus, time, and dedication. Beginners can grasp simple programming concepts within weeks of intensive study in a bootcamp-type program, but mastering complex software or web development requires extensive practice and understanding of problem-solving techniques. The journey to becoming a proficient coder is often filled with significant hurdles that can become serious roadblocks when attempting to learn on one’s own, but live instructors can quickly answer questions and provide guidance in real-time to help students navigate the learning curve. Considering how substantial the rewards are of learning coding, the vast majority find the effort and time required to master the skill set are well worth it.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Coding?
Many learners struggle to master the abstract thinking and logical problem-solving that form the foundation of all programming skills. Some newcomers find the process of debugging—identifying and fixing errors in code—a significant hurdle to overcome in their learning journey. Complex concepts like object-oriented programming also number among the most challenging aspects of learning to code. However, even though students will encounter many challenges in their learning journey, coding proficiency is achievable with time, patients, and plenty of hard work.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding?
The length of the coding learning journey can vary greatly depending on individual factors and goals. For beginners, grasping basic programming concepts and writing simple scripts typically takes a few months of dedicated practice. However, achieving professional-level proficiency typically requires one to two years of consistent hard work. Intensive coding bootcamps can prepare students for entry-level positions in a matter of months, but it’s important to note that coding is a field where continuous learning is essential. Professionals must proactively ensure that they keep up with ever-evolving technologies and best practices in the industry.
Should I Learn Coding in Person or Online?
Those who prefer the most traditional learning experience possible—including a commute to a brick-and-mortar classroom for regularly scheduled class sessions—will find in-person coding bootcamps the most comfortable fit for them. This option allows students to meet face-to-face with a live instructor and their classmates in a structured environment.
However, the benefits of a structured schedule and a live instructor are also available via live online coding bootcamps. This format allows students to enjoy real-time guidance and feedback from a live instructor in a virtual classroom without the hassle of a commute—which can make in-person bootcamps inaccessible or prohibitively inconvenient for some students.
Asynchronous, on-demand coding bootcamps are an additional online learning format with significant differences from their live online counterparts. Also known as self-paced classes, these bootcamps provide a flexibility that is attractive to some learners due to their fully prepackaged curriculum that allows students to move at their own pace without any scheduled class sessions. The major downside of this format is that they lack access to the guidance and mentorship of a live instructor, which most students find essential when learning a skill set as complex as coding.
Can I Learn Coding Free Online?
While the internet offers a wealth of free coding resources—including YouTube videos, podcasts, forums, and tutorials like Noble Desktop’s free online coding seminars—these materials are rarely, if ever, sufficient for coding learners to meet their goals. However, they can be useful introductions to basic concepts and vocabulary before attending a paid, structured program, where live expert instructors can provide the personalized guidance, feedback, and support necessary for mastering such a complex skill set as coding. Free resources can be excellent for kickstarting a coding education, but professional skill development typically requires investment in a comprehensive course or bootcamp to gain the depth of knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry connections to build a successful career in the field.
What Should I Learn Alongside Coding?
While mastering programming languages is an essential component of preparing for a coding career, aspiring coding professionals should develop a well-rounded skill set to enhance their career prospects. Version control systems like Git are essential for collaborative development, while SQL proficiency is vital for database management and back-end work. For those focusing on user-facing applications, understanding UI/UX principles can significantly improve the quality of their projects. Additionally, familiarity with cloud computing platforms and basic cybersecurity concepts can provide a competitive edge in the job market.
Soft skills are equally important in the tech industry. Strong communication abilities are essential for teamwork, client interactions, and explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and adaptability are also high-value skills for job candidates in the field. For those interested in data-driven roles, complementing coding skills with knowledge of statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms can open up opportunities in data science and analytics. Ultimately, cultivating a diverse skill set and embracing continuous learning are key to thriving in the dynamic field of coding and software development.
Industries That Use Coding
The growing tech worker shortage in Canada promises ongoing job opportunities and security for coding bootcamp graduates. While nearly every sector now requires a strong online presence, certain industries stand out as featuring particularly abundant job openings for coding professionals. These include technology and software development, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, and creative and digital media.
Technology and Software Development
It’s no surprise that Canada’s tech and software development sector is a hotbed for coding jobs. Professionals in this field use languages like JavaScript, Python, and C# to create web and mobile apps, cloud solutions, and innovative software products. The demand for skilled coders in this industry continues to grow, offering exciting opportunities for those with the right skill set.
Financial Services
While Toronto, Canada’s financial hub, is well known for its vast number of jobs for coders, financial institutions, banks, and FinTech companies throughout the country offer a wealth of employment opportunities for coding professionals. The sector highly values Java’s security features, which makes it ideal for developing trading platforms and banking software. Python expertise is also in high demand for those interested in algorithmic trading and financial analysis roles.
Healthcare and Life Sciences
Canada’s healthcare sector increasingly relies on coding professionals to manage data, build websites, and develop various biotech applications. Python’s strong data analysis capabilities make it a go-to for hospital data management. Meanwhile, languages like R are essential for statistical analysis in medical research, opening doors for coders in this vital field.
Creative and Digital Media
Canada’s thriving creative industry—encompassing film, television, digital media, and gaming—offers numerous opportunities for coding professionals. The interactive digital experience sector and video game industry are particularly vibrant. Aspiring game developers should focus on mastering C++ and C#, while web-based interactive media roles often require expertise in JavaScript and frameworks like Three.js.
Coding Job Titles and Salaries
Professionals with coding skills can expect highly competitive salaries in a variety of roles. Software Engineer, Web Developer, Full Stack Developer, and Front-end Developer are just a handful of the available positions for coding bootcamp graduates.
Software Engineer
Canadian Software Engineers can expect salaries between CA$72,000 and CA$112,000 as compensation for designing and developing software ranging from computer games to operating systems. Their expertise in programming languages and problem-solving makes them indispensable in the tech industry, contributing to the creation of innovative software solutions for businesses and individuals alike.
Web Developer
Web Developers designing and maintaining websites in Canada earn CA$49,000 to CA$74,000 annually. These professionals play a vital role in creating engaging online experiences, ensuring that sites are not only visually appealing but also function seamlessly across various devices.
Full Stack Developer
The similar role of Full Stack Developer—specifically responsible for both back-end and front-end development—can expect between CA$61,000 and CA$89,000 per year. Their versatility allows them to manage entire projects independently, making them highly sought after by employers looking for comprehensive skills.
Front-end Developer
Canada-based Front-End Developers who specialize in client-side development can anticipate salaries in the range of CA$56,000 to CA$87,000. Their focus on creating engaging user interfaces helps businesses maximize their online presence and improve customer interaction with digital products.
Coding Bootcamps Near Me
For those looking for coding classes in the Toronto area, General Assembly offers a 12-week Software Engineering Bootcamp that covers full-stack web development. The in-person program at their Toronto campus teaches students to build applications using various frameworks and APIs. One of the priciest options on the market, it provides comprehensive training for beginners looking to start a career in software engineering.
Le Wagon’s Full-Time Web Development is a nine-week intensive bootcamp that meets 45 hours a week in Montréal. Students learn how to design and build responsive websites with skills like workflow management, Ruby programming basics, database management, and front-end development.
Juno College of Technology offers an intensive ||CPN892|| that equips students in Toronto with a comprehensive skill set in modern web technologies. Over nine weeks of intensive classes, students learn HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, with a focus on responsive design and popular frameworks like React.
CodeCore College’s Developer Bootcamp is a 12-week program in New Westminster, British Columbia. The course focuses on JavaScript and Ruby on Rails, providing students with a solid foundation in full-stack development including overviews of software architecture, programming logic, and development methodologies.
For those preferring online options, Noble Desktop offers two highly reviewed live online certificate programs. Their Full-Stack Web Development Certificate is a 420-hour course covering front-end and back-end technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Node.js. Perks include their proprietary workbooks, a free retake option, and ample career support.
Noble Desktop’s Software Engineering Certificate is a 510-hour bootcamp ideal for aspiring Software Engineers of any experience level, including beginners. Like their Full-Stack Web Development Certificate, it is available on a full-time or part-time schedule and in-person in NYC or live online. It covers the same material as their full-stack certificate, as well as React, Python, and Django. Bootcamp participants will enjoy the same perks as those who attend the Full-Stack Web Development Certificate program.
Coding Corporate Training
Noble Desktop provides custom coding training solutions for those looking to train multiple team members in their organization. Whether you want to provide your data team with training in Python or another language, equip your marketing department with HTML and CSS, or support your web development team in learning a new JavaScript framework, Noble Desktop has a solution that can be tailored to your needs.
Companies in Canada have the option of purchasing bulk vouchers to attend Noble’s live online classes—the same high-quality programming they provide in-person in NYC. Alternatively, organizations can arrange a live online coding program tailored to their needs or fly in an instructor from Noble Desktop to provide onsite training at their location. Reach out to Noble via email to begin a conversation about how they can help your team reach their full coding potential.