7 Good Reasons to Learn Programming Fundamentals

Read on to learn the fundamentals of programming.

15:07 24 March 2022

You don’t have to be a software engineer to benefit from basic programming knowledge. You also don't need to have an abundance of technological knowledge to get started. Most people can learn the fundamentals of programming after just a few weeks of studying, though it will take months before you're able to put together scripts and programs completely on your own. 

 

And even if you never make software engineering a full-time career, you'll benefit from the many good reasons to learn basic programming fundamentals.

 

Why Learn Programming?

What are the best reasons for learning how to program?

 

1. Flexible utility. The best benefit here is that learning how to program gives you flexible utility in a variety of different categories. You can use your programming skills to create the solutions you need, as you need them, in both your personal and professional life. For example, you can use SQL to improve data reporting for your organization, creating dashboards from scratch that are both accurate and easy to use. You can also use your programming knowledge to create scripts that automate basic manual tasks for you, saving you time and streamlining the efficiency of your work. Because programming can be used to make almost any kind of conceivable software or script, the possibilities are endless here.

 

1. Resume improvements. Knowing how to program looks good on a resume. It's one of the best skills you can list, especially if you're applying for a job in some technical role. However, even if you're not going into software engineering or some other technological field, having programming listed as a basic skill can make you more attractive to potential employers. If choosing between two otherwise equal candidates, hiring directors will likely choose the person with more skills, giving you a competitive edge in a competitive marketplace.

 

1. Higher pay. Depending on your job, learning the fundamentals of programming could introduce you to a pay raise. There's a shortage of programming talent available, so if you're able to fill this niche, you can demand a higher salary. If your acquisition of programming skills can make you better in your own current position, you may be in a position to ask for a raise.

 

1. A wider range of career options. Once you learn programming, you open the door to a wide range of different possible career opportunities in the future. If you're thinking about leaving your current job, or if you just want more options for yourself down the road, this can be massively beneficial. People with programming skills can become full-time software engineers, part-time developers, or they can spend their time working on passion projects or starting their own businesses. They also frequently have the option to work from home and set their own schedules.

 

1. Improved critical thinking skills. Programming isn't just about learning how computers work or learning a language in the conventional sense; it's about learning how to solve problems by thinking critically. Even learning the most basic fundamentals of programming, you should benefit from improved critical thinking skills. You'll have ample practice solving problems and thinking logically, giving you a better foundation you can use in other areas of your life.

 

1. Better technological familiarity. Programming will help you become more familiar with the technology you use every day. You'll have a much better understanding of how software works, how computers work, and how technical issues arise. Accordingly, you'll be much better at solving those technical issues.

 

1. The personal challenge. Computer programming isn’t easy to learn, even if you have some background in math, engineering, or related subjects. For many people, learning programming is a personal challenge – and a highly rewarding one if you end up successfully mastering your skills.

 

Getting Started

What steps can you take to get started?

 

• Choose a language. One of the first things you’ll need to decide iswhich programming language to learn first. There are dozens of different programming languages worth using, though some have more versatility than others. Select a programming language that's appealing to you and one with high earning potential.

 

• Choose a primary source. There are many sources where you can learn programming, but you'll need to start with something simple. Do you want to sign up for a class? Watch a YouTube series? Get an internship?

 

• Get involved. Programmers learn best when immersed in their craft; that means practicing your skills and talking to other experts regularly.

 

You can start writing basic scripts after just a few weeks of familiarity and practice. But if you want to become more competent and make a career out of your skills, you'll need to dedicate many more months of learning and effort. Meantime, try to take things one step at a time.