NEWS

April 29, 2025

by Tega Akuruli

• #learntocode

Why Everyone Should Learn a Bit of Code

In today’s digital world, code is the invisible language shaping everything from your mobile apps to your favorite social media platforms, online shopping experiences, and even smart fridges. While not everyone wants to become a software engineer or full-time coder, understanding the basics of coding has become an essential digital literacy skill for tech consumers in 2025.

Whether you’re a business owner, designer, marketer, or just someone navigating the digital space, a working knowledge of code can help you make smarter tech choices, collaborate better with developers, and even automate your day-to-day tasks.

What Is Coding, Really?

Coding (or programming) is the process of writing instructions that computers can understand and execute. These instructions are written in various programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Java.

At its core, coding is about solving problems using logic and structure skills that are transferable to almost any field.

Why Coding Matters for Tech Consumers

1. Empowered Decision-Making

Understanding basic code lets you make better decisions about the digital products and tools you use. For instance, you can assess whether a website builder supports custom code, or whether a plugin may interfere with your online store’s performance.

2. Better Communication with Developers

If you’re managing a tech project, even a little coding knowledge will help you understand timelines, challenges, and limitations, allowing smoother collaboration with technical teams.

3. Customization and Automation

Coding opens the door to small-but-powerful automations. Want to scrape data from a website, clean up a spreadsheet, or set up a script that emails you daily updates? A few lines of Python can do that.

4. Increased Career Versatility

Today’s job market rewards tech fluency. Learning even beginner-friendly languages like HTML, CSS, or SQL can give you an edge in roles that aren’t traditionally tech-heavy, such as sales, product management, journalism, and operations.

Where to Start as a Non-Developer

● HTML & CSS: These are the building blocks of the web. HTML structures content (headings, paragraphs, links), while CSS styles it (colors, layout). Perfect for content creators, designers, or marketers.

● JavaScript: JavaScript adds interactivity to web pages (like forms, sliders, and animations). Understanding it can help you tweak front-end functionality or better understand user experience.

● Python: A beginner-friendly, high-level language widely used for automation, data analysis, AI, and web development. It’s readable and powerful, making it a favorite for first-time coders.

● SQL: SQL (Structured Query Language) is used to interact with databases. If you work with large datasets or reporting tools, learning SQL can help you extract exactly the information you need.

Popular Platforms to Learn Code (Free & Paid)

• FreeCodeCamp – Great for learning web development basics.

• Codecademy – Interactive and beginner-friendly.

• Coursera – University-style courses from top institutions.

• W3Schools – Handy reference for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

• GitHub – A platform to store and collaborate on code, and explore open-source projects.

Practical Coding Projects You Can Try

• Build a personal portfolio website using HTML & CSS.

• Automate file organization on your computer with a Python script.

• Use JavaScript to create a quiz or calculator on a web page.

• Analyze a dataset using Python and visualize it with graphs.

• Write a browser extension to improve your workflow.

Coding Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

• “It’s too late to learn.” Many people start coding in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. It’s never too late.

• “You need to be a math genius.” Coding relies more on logic and patience than high-level math.

• “You need a computer science degree.” Most successful coders today are self-taught or bootcamp-trained.

Code Is the New Literacy

You don’t need to become a developer to appreciate or benefit from learning how to code. As digital tools become more intertwined with daily life, understanding how they work even at a basic level gives you an edge. You become a smarter tech consumer, a better collaborator, and a more empowered problem-solver.

So why not give coding a try? It might just become your favorite new hobby or open the door to exciting opportunities you never imagined.