Programming is very much like solving a jigsaw puzzle. Except, not only do you have to fit the pieces together, but you must also build those pieces yourself. There are obvious applications for programming skills in the contemporary era. The information technology sector comes to mind. Even if you have no desire to work for google, programming might still be for you.
Firstly, programming encourages the development of logical thinking and problem-solving skills in nearly all situations. The most basic skill required in programming is problem-solving, and coding fosters a logical, systems-based approach to it. The approach consists of breaking a problem into smaller, more manageable problems. As one begins to program more, this method develops naturally; for a while, you probably won’t even realize how much more efficient coding is making you. Because programming fosters this approach and creates an environment where it can be practiced, this method can then become second nature and be applied to problems that don’t live on computers.
Secondly, programming helps to develop pattern recognition skills. Programming is often focused on finding patterns and exploiting them to solve problems more effectively. Patterns allow for the generalization of code, where a function or program is developed to fulfill a greater number of purposes. By spending time working with programs, many common patterns will become evident to the eye, and complex patterns will become easier to spot and decipher. Pattern recognition is considered one of the key measures of intelligence, and so improving it can’t hurt.
Thirdly, programming can help with careers not directly related to programming in the future. For example, understanding the methodology associated with programming and being able to recognize patterns could allow for the automation of processes within companies, which can make your job significantly easier. For example, if entering data into spreadsheets and making calculations is part of your job, these can easily be automated, possibly to the point of requiring no user intervention. Additionally, even just basic coding knowledge can make communication with technical coworkers more constructive. Everyone in that room will leave it with more information and lower levels of frustration.
Finally, studies have suggested that programming can improve several cognitive skills. The graph above shows that a simple intervention program of coding with Scratch—a visual programming language used to introduce programming to children—improved subjects’ cognitive skills. Learning to program could improve your performance in school, critical thinking schools, and creativity in all settings.
Overall, learning to program can have a variety of benefits, even to those who have no intention to pursue it professionally in the future. It can promote the development of logical problem solving skills, help with pattern recognition and abstraction, and even help with careers unrelated to programming in the future. At this point, you may as well stop questioning whether or not you should learn programming, and start thinking about when.
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