You might be wondering if programming is actually worth your time. Maybe you’ve hit a major roadblock in your programming journey and it seems just too difficult to bypass, could be the time required to master a given language.
A lot of beginners have stereotyped their minds into believing one or more of the programming myths that relates to their condition is true: leading to a defacto mindset hindering their progress.
A couple more finds it difficult to land a programming-related job while other already in the career space find it difficult to break even financially, a point where they can earn a full-time income from their hard-earned skills.
All these different scenarios can make one wonder if coding is worth it.
In this article, we’ll look at these different hurdles with the aim to clarify them all.
This will be a robust beneficial read and at the end of this article, you will definetely feel more motivated to dive into the world of programming than ever.
So sit tight, grab a cup of coffee and without further ado, let’s get started.
Myths about Programming
There are hundreds of misconceptions about programming, mostly considered true by people who aren’t true coders. It is important we clarify them as they only push you into believing programming is a complete waste of time. Highlighted below are 6 common misconceptions about programming:- Programming is boring
- You must be extremely smart to be a programmer
- Not good at math? Sorry you can’t be a programmer
- Programming has nothing to do with creativity
- Programmers need to memorize codes.
- Programming is meant for introverts
1. Programming is boring
It is very hard to agree with this one since programmers are practically making websites, software and apps that can all be visualized in real-time throughout the different development stages. The thought of completing your code project leaves you with exciting thrills and keeps up motivated. Do you think the developers of Mine Craft were bored at any point in time while creating the game? If your programming journey has been somewhat boring, how about you try out some really cool fun projects. See 7 fun programming projects that will keep you ahead of the curve in the video below.2. You must be extremely smart to be a programmer
Do you really need to be extremely smart to be a programmer? Not at all, just a fallacy. In one of my recent articles, Are Programmers Smart?, I made it clear you don’t need to be highly intelligent or have a high IQ, to get started in programming. programmers eventually become smart through hard work, diligence and the keen persistence to improve their analytics and their problem-solving skills. These they do while working actively and questioning the status quo. This means you don’t really need to be overtly smart before getting started in programming.3. Not good at mathematics? Sorry, you can’t be a programmer
Being a good programmer is not dependent on your understanding of calculus or Fourier series.
Neither is it dependent on your ability to solve complex mathematical problems.
Mathematically, all you need to excel at programming is the basic understanding of algebra like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
That’s all and you’re good to go.
If you need more proof about this, then you can check out my article later on this topic: Do programmers need math?
4. Programming has nothing to do with creativity
Psychology defines creativity as the ability to come up with new ideas or unique solutions to problems. Programmers with each passing day unlock thousands of endless creative possibilities.
Creativity is needed in the optimization of code.
Programming is an art, therefore programmers are considered artists.
Figuring out how to build a database to mimic a complicated, real-world event also requires a lot of imagination.
For instance, a programmer can train an AI model with tensor flow that can predict accurately the name of any art piece.
You can program an app to take a headshot of people’s faces and simulate the perfect haircut or hairstyle 💇♂️ that will be most suitable using parameters like head shape, contours and more.
I mean, if all these don’t sound creative to you, I don’t know what will.
5. Programmers need to memorize the codes
Programmers don’t memorize code.
It’s impractical to remember all the code you use, a very bad approach when coding and won’t make you a better developer.
A better approach will be to learn the underlying principles and concepts behind every logic.
You can check google, consult stack overflow or check your language documentation when faced with a problem.
Don’t be surprised to find out that professional programmers use Google way more than beginners.
A recent survey shows that 90% of professional programmers consult Google and 80% visit Stack Overflow when stuck with a programming problem.
This doesn’t make them less of a professional programmer.
They simply understand that they don’t need to memorize every piece of code skillfully relying on their research prowess to get their problems solved.
6. Programming is meant for Introverts
No doubt, there’s a positive correlation between introversion and programming but not all programmers are introverts.
The common traits of introverts – deep focus, dedication, creativity and clear thinking make them excel in programming and any coding-related job.
However, without extroverted non-coding skills like communication, teamwork, and collaboration, programmers and software engineers can never attain the professional standards often needed for large and complex projects.
Again, anybody can be a good programmer irrespective of whether they are introvert or extroverts.
11 Elite Benefits of Programming
- There is high demand for coding-related jobs
- Programming offers work flexibility
- Programming careers have great earning potential.
- Programming sharpens your problem-solving skills
- Helps you bring your ideas to life
- Programming improves your creativity
- As a programmer, you get to solve real-world problems
- Programming improves your confidence
- Helps you accomplish more by automating repetitive and boring tasks
- Sound knowledge of coding is an added advantage across any profession
- Pushes you to stay ahead of the curve in a world of ever-changing technologies.
13 Ways to Make Money as a Programmer
- Getting a full-time coding job
- Freelancing online
- Creating programming courses on platforms like Udemy
- Developing valuable enterprise apps and APIs
- Creating Games
- Starting a coding blog
- Partaking in coding challenges and contests
- Selling language-specific Ebooks
- Starting a programming Youtube channel
- Building a SAAS
- Building CMS themes like WordPress and Ghost themes
- Building 3rd party web tools like plugins
- Mentorship and Consultations.
Conclusion
Programming is never a waste of time and in a world of technological advancement, programming has grown to become a necessity across all spheres of work.
Just like RedBull, programming gives you wings and remains the closest thing we have to SUPERPOWERS.
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Till we meet again on another article,
Happy Coding!
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