Coding, often called programming, means creating computer software, apps, websites, and other tasks requiring a scripting language. The history of computer coding dates back to the 1940s with the invention of the Plankalkül programming language. Tech roles requiring coding skills range from software and web development to data science, cybersecurity, and systems analysis, to name a few.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs requiring coding, including software and web development, will grow faster than the average occupation from 2023 to 2033. Learning to code gives tech workers greater job security while cultivating problem-solving and creativity—indispensable skills for today's fast-paced job market.
What Can You Do with Coding Training?
New computer programmers and other coding beginners can develop numerous skills in training. Coders can train for many careers, including titles such as:
The direction a coder or programmer takes depends on factors such as industry or sector, career goals, and previous experience. Tech professionals with coding skills build websites, create video games, and analyze datasets. Consider the following projects that a beginner-level coder can do:
- Create a Landing Page—Coders who plan to become web designers or web developers often start by experimenting with building a webpage. Essential tools include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The exercise helps coding beginners understand how a business converts potential customers into new customers.
- Web Scraping with Python—Python is an essential object-oriented programming language for data science, analysis, or software development. However, office workers can learn Python fundamentals to extract data from a website, making this an excellent beginner-level coding project.
- Build a Weather App—Weather applications are popular web tools you can find with a basic Google search. However, you can also build one using an API (application programming interface) with Python and Django.
Other beginner coding projects include simple video games, calendar applications, and password generators.
What Will I Learn in a Coding Class?
The skills you’ll learn in a coding class depend on several factors—namely, the length of the program and its emphasis such as web development, software development, or data science. Consider the following skills and tools you might need for coding, especially if you take a bootcamp or certificate program.
HTML
HTML is short for HyperText Markup Language and is essential to many coding roles. Typically combined with CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), HTML is a standard for designing and developing web pages. Tech professionals use an HTML editor like Notepad or Visual Studio Code to add structure, text, and images to web pages.
CSS
CSS separates the content and formatting of a webpage designed or created with HTML. It is a style sheet language as opposed to a programming language. Users combine CSS with HTML and JavaScript for many front-end applications.
JavaScript
JavaScript is a primary building block of the internet and is essential to web design and development. JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages worldwide, often tied with Python for the title of the most popular programming language. An estimated 98% of all websites use JavaScript. Developers use JavaScript to create slideshows, animations, and other interactive website elements.
Python
If your first coding class does not feature JavaScript, it likely includes Python. Typically competing with JavaScript for the title of the most popular programming language worldwide, Python is essential for web and software development. Full-stack and back-end developers use Python, but many other professionals also use it.
MERN Tech Stack
MERN is an abbreviation for MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js, a popular tech stack used for front-end, back-end, and database applications. Many developers use it, or comparable stacks like MEAN. Look for classes that teach the MERN tech stack if you want to learn full-stack JavaScript development.
Soft skills for coding professionals include logic, problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability.
How Hard is It to Learn Coding?
Getting familiar with coding is relatively easy, but there are levels of understanding such as beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Complex programming languages like JavaScript and Python take time to learn, and short introductory workshops or seminars do not turn novices into experts. However, anyone entering the workforce as a coding novice should consider a bootcamp or certificate program if planning to work in a role that requires coding.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Coding?
The most challenging aspects of learning to code depend on the beginner's computer literacy, current skill set, and technical aptitude. Many children today learn to code, so it is not a question of age or experience. Another factor is whether a new coder learns through a structured training method like a coding bootcamp. These immersive programs make it easier to learn to code compared to self-teaching or trying to learn through free online resources.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding?
The time it takes to become comfortable experimenting with coding is typically shorter than the time required to learn to code professionally. Beginners can experiment before committing to formal training. However, a course like the Web Development with HTML & CSS module from Noble Desktop can provide coding competency in 18 hours. To use these tools professionally, consider taking the class as part of the Front-End Web Development, Full-Stack Web Development, or Web Design certificate programs.
Should I Learn Coding in Person or Online?
Most experts agree that in-person learning offers the highest possible level of student engagement. However, many coding beginners choose to train live online. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of the following types of training.
- In-Person—In-person training is the top choice for many coding beginners, especially for computer programming languages like JavaScript or Python. This method offers the highest possible level of engagement, and its only disadvantage is the need to commute and find parking.
- Live Online—Training online via teleconferencing provides student engagement comparable to in-person classes, and students can learn from the comfort of home or office. Another benefit is that there are many more options online than in-person.
- On-Demand/Asynchronous—Learning on-demand, also known as asynchronous learning, is another training alternative. Prerecorded videos can be helpful for people who work second or third shifts. However, this method offers lower engagement levels than others, with little to no interaction from instructors or fellow students.
Can I Learn Coding Free Online?
While free online resources like Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel and Learn Hub provide solid introductory materials, learning to code for a profession isn’t free. Online resources help orient beginners and prepare them for formal training, but building a coding portfolio requires education and extensive practice.
What Should I Learn Alongside Coding?
Coding training is essential for web developers, software engineers, data scientists, and other tech professionals. If your training program does not cover all the tools you will need for your career—like JavaScript, HTML and CSS, or Python—consider adding a class that includes them.
Industries That Use Coding
New Jersey has much more going for it than its proximity to New York City. With an ever-growing tech sector, high quality of life, and natural beauty, the Garden State is a destination for many professionals. Consider the following top industries for coding jobs in Jersey:
Life Sciences
The life sciences sector is an essential component of the New Jersey economy. Pharmaceuticals and biotech are the majority of the industry here, with medical device manufacturing comprising a lesser part. Jobs requiring coding in this sector include data analysts and web developers.
Technology
Coding is crucial to virtually every aspect of technology, from AI to website and software development. The tech sector in New Jersey encompasses information technology (IT), cybersecurity, big data, and telecommunications.
Clean Energy
Clean energy is a big part of what keeps the Garden State green. Primary energy subsectors include wind and solar, and the state plans for 100% electric vehicles by 2035. Coding is indispensable for clean energy companies’ websites.
Business, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI)
The BFSI industry includes subsectors like banking, FinTech, and insurance. New Jersey's proximity to NYC makes Wall Street a popular target for commuters from Newark, Hoboken, and Jersey City, and the state houses data from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Coding Job Titles and Salaries
Because coding is essential to roles in every sector, it can be challenging to decide where to begin a career that requires it. If you have industry-specific knowledge and experience, they can help determine a future career choice. If not, consider the following positions and their average salaries in New Jersey.
Computer Programmer
The computer programmer’s role is often a great starting point for development and design jobs. Salaries vary by industry, but the average annual salary for a computer programmer in New Jersey is about $64,000.
Front-end Developer
Front-end developers work on the client or user side of development, using tools like JavaScript and HTML and CSS in their daily activities. A New Jersey front-end developer can anticipate earning an average annual salary of around $92,000.
Software Engineer
Software engineers must have multiple programming skills, from HTML and CSS to JavaScript, Python, and SQL. Software engineers in New Jersey earn an average annual salary of about $100,000 and work in sectors ranging from finance to automotive manufacturing.
JavaScript Developer
JavaScript developers are among the most sought-after and highly paid development professionals, with an average annual salary in New Jersey of about $113,000, not including other compensation like bonuses or profit sharing. Their responsibilities range from developing web apps to testing coding.
Coding Classes Near Me
Noble Desktop hosts multiple bootcamps and certificate programs open to coding beginners. Most are available in-person at their state-of-the-art Manhattan headquarters or live online from anywhere with an internet connection. Their Software Engineering Certificate offers in-depth training in languages like HTML, CSS, and Python. You also learn the MERN tech stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js) to add databases, APIs, and other server environments and interactivity to web applications. Graduates master coding websites while developing the skills to become a front-end developer, Python developer, or Software Engineer.
Rutgers University provides training in Jersey City and Somerset. Their Rutgers Bootcamps include a coding bootcamp that includes full-stack development training. Topics include Bootstrap, CSS3, HTML5, JavaScript, jQuery, and PHP.
Another respected course provider, General Assembly, hosts multiple coding classes, including intensive bootcamps. Their software engineering bootcamp teaches beginners to code full-stack web applications. Topics include APIs, JavaScript, and Python, to name a few.
New Horizons offers multiple coding classes, including some that apply to data science and development. Their SQL Querying Fundamentals Part 1 teaches students about Structured Query Language. Many coding-centered positions where databases provide information require SQL expertise.
Another option for coding training is the intermediate-level Java camp course from theCoderSchool. This bootcamp is open to coders with some experience and functions as an introduction to AP computer science. Subjects include data types, objects, and variables, among others. Check course listings for prerequisite information.
Certstaffix Training offers multiple tech training courses, including live online programs with optional use of the school’s computer labs if needed. Their Ruby programming class is a three-day program that teaches beginners how to create their first Ruby application. Check the Certstaffix website for training options in Bridgewater, NJ.
Another alternative for learning Java is the Code Apps with Java class from iD Tech. This one-week intensive introduces beginners to the powerful programming language. Topics include arrays, data types, and variables, to name a few. Check course listings for prerequisites and any age requirement information.
Coding Corporate Training
Corporate and onsite training is a no-brainer for busy professionals and company managers: get intensive coding training in a group or individual setting, scheduled at your company location if necessary. Noble Desktop offers in-person and online options and can create a program that meets your organization's needs and preferences.
Want your team to have more flexibility with their coding education? Noble offers discounted vouchers for its open-enrollment courses. Employers get a discount when purchasing the vouchers in bulk. Featured topics include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Flexbox, Grid, Bootstrap, and Git.
To learn about coding training alternatives Noble Desktop can provide for your team, contact them today for more information and a free consultation.