Johannes Helmold / @JohannesHelmold
reporter
Programming has become one of the most in-demand skills in the modern workforce, with the demand for tech talent showing no signs of slowing down. A*Help (reputable review authority of educational services) researchers state that people people are learning to codefor career advancement. But there are also other motivations behind this growing trend. We turned to Reddit’s LearnProgramming community to find out.
For some, learning to code is a means of pursuing their passions. As one Reddit user put it, “I’m learning to code because I’m interested in creating things. I have all these ideas for games, apps, websites, and I want to be able to turn them into reality.” For others, programming offers a way to solve real-world problems and make a positive impact on society. “I want to use programming to create solutions to problems that I care about,” said another user.
But it’s not just personal interests and societal impact that motivates people to learn to code. Many see it as a pathway to financial stability and career growth. “I’m learning programming because I want a stable, well-paying career,” commented one user. Another user shared their experience of struggling to find meaningful work before discovering programming, saying, “I didn’t want to work in retail or food service for the rest of my life. Programming offers a path to a better future.”
Interestingly, some users noted that learning programming has had unexpected benefits beyond career and personal growth. “I initially started learning programming because I was interested in a career change, but it’s also helped me become more patient and detail-oriented in my personal life,” shared one user. Another user echoed this sentiment, saying, “Learning to code has taught me problem-solving skills that I use in all aspects of my life.”
While the motivations behind learning programming may vary, the LearnProgramming community had one common piece of advice for newcomers: persistence is key. “Learning programming is hard, but don’t give up. It’s a skill that takes time and practice to master,” said one user. Another user urged newcomers to embrace failure as part of the learning process, saying, “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow.”
As the demand for tech talent continues to grow, it’s clear that programming will remain a highly sought-after skill. But for those looking to learn, it’s important to remember that programming offers much more than just career growth. It can be a means of pursuing passions, making a positive impact, and developing problem-solving skills that can be applied to all areas of life.
Several commenters on the LearnProgramming thread shared their personal experiences of learning programming and the challenges they faced. One user noted the steep learning curve when starting out, saying, “I struggled a lot when I first started learning programming. It felt like I wasn’t making any progress, but I kept at it, and eventually things started to click.” Another user shared their experience of feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information they needed to learn, saying, “It was like trying to drink from a fire hose. There was just so much to take in.”
Despite the challenges, many commenters found the process of learning programming to be incredibly rewarding. One user shared their experience of creating their first website after months of learning to code, saying, “When I finally saw my website live on the internet, I was over the moon. It was such a great feeling to see something I had created from scratch.” Another user noted the sense of accomplishment that came with solving difficult coding problems, saying, “When you finally figure out a tough problem that you’ve been working on for hours, it’s like a lightbulb goes off in your head.”
Some commenters also noted the importance of having a supportive community to turn to when learning programming. “I joined a local programming meetup group, and it’s been incredibly helpful. Having people to bounce ideas off of and get feedback from has been invaluable,” said one user. Another user echoed this sentiment, saying, “Online communities like the LearnProgramming subreddit are great because they provide a space for people to ask questions and get help from more experienced programmers.”
Logan Romford, IT expert, shared his views:
“I can completely relate to the most popular comment on this thread about learning to code in order to create things. When I first started learning to code, it was because I had a clear vision of the app I wanted to build. I was frustrated by the limitations of existing tools and wanted to create something that was tailored to my specific needs. The process of learning programming has been challenging, but the ability to bring my ideas to life has been incredibly rewarding. I now have a newfound appreciation for the power of technology and the impact it can have on our lives. For anyone considering learning to code, I would encourage you to think about the things you’re passionate about and how programming can help you bring them to life. It’s a skill that can unlock countless possibilities and lead to personal growth beyond just career advancement.”
In conclusion, the motivations behind learning programming are diverse, ranging from pursuing passions to seeking financial stability to making a positive impact. However, what unites all learners is a shared experience of overcoming challenges and finding the process of learning to code incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s the sense of accomplishment that comes with solving difficult problems or the joy of creating something from scratch, learning programming offers a unique set of benefits that extend far beyond career growth. As one commenter put it, “Learning programming has opened up a whole new world for me. It’s challenged me in ways I never thought possible and given me the tools to create things I never thought I could.”
