8 Misconceptions About Programming You Must Know

As computer technology continues to advance and shape the world one click at a time, having relevant skills can surely open up a lot of opportunities. Computer programming is just one of the most lucrative skills everyone should learn today, but sadly, a lot of people only see it as a dull interest that only enthuses nerds who love locking themselves inside their computer labs. This, and all the other preconceived notions related to programming, can be very discouraging to those who are actually taking interest in learning this skill. In this article, we’re going to shed light on these misconceptions by breaking down eight common myths about coding and programming everyone must know:

1. Coding and programming are the same. This is probably the most common misconception most people have when it comes to programming. For the record, coding and programming are two different things. Coding is the process of creating commands for machines and computers through programming languages. Programming, on the other hand, refers to the creation and development of programs, software, and mobile application in general. Though the concept of coding and programming may seem like two interchangeable things, there is still a thin line that creates a distinction between these two, which is basically rooted in matters of scope.
2. Coding is only for geniuses. One common myth about coding most people have is that it is only for people who are exceptionally intelligent, but that’s far from true! Just like cooking, driving, or playing the piano, coding is a skill anyone can easily learn. With a plethora of materials that are readily available online nowadays, acquiring the knowledge and the ability to write a code is just a search away. Hence, patience, dedication, and genuine interest are the only things anyone should have to start their journey in mastering this skill.
   
3. Computer programming requires strong Math skills. While numbers are heavily involved in coding and other programming processes, you don’t have to be a Math wiz of some sort to become a programmer. Yes, there may be certain programming jobs that would require someone to have exceptional Mathematical skills, but there are also roles that involve little-to-no maths at all. Being good at Math can be an advantage, but it is not a pre-requisite skill. After all, programming doesn’t solely revolve around numbers—good problem-solving skills, as well as analytical and logical thinking, are also vital in learning computer programming.
   
4. Coding is only for people who have extensive knowledge about computers. There’s no rule stating that coding is only for people with IT or Computer Science degrees. Having top-notch computer skills can be favorable as it allows you to grasp the process of coding much faster, but not having advanced computer skills shouldn’t discourage you to start your journey in coding. Acquiring these skills on your own (by attending masterclasses and thorough self-studying) can be your springboard if you don’t aim to start your coding career in the future.
   
5. Programming is not for women. Since the software industry is a male-dominated field, people often stereotype programming as a skill or profession that is primarily exclusive to men. But that’s not exactly true. As a matter of fact, the world’s first computer programmer was a woman. In 1843, Ada Lovelace made history by creating the very first computer program in existence. Her notable contribution was then used a century later, in the development of the computer software that we use today.
   
6. Coding is only for adults. While coding may already be very challenging for adults, it is not impossible for kids to learn and get introduced to this venture at a very young age. In fact, coding for kids is now slowly gaining popularity as more and more opportunities become available for children to take interest in coding. These opportunities take the form of after-school programs, boot camps, online tutors, and even online games—which make learning coding a fun activity for kids.
   
7. Programming languages are all the same. As you try to pick which programming language to learn, you might think that mastering one particular language can automatically make you good at all the other ones because you assume that every coding language is the same. For example, Python and JavaScript may have a lot of similarities, but there are certain limitations to Python’s features as compared to JavaScript which is intended to run in all browsers. To put it simply, these programming languages may have the same programming fundamentals, but each of them works differently. That’s why before you start learning a particular programming language, you must first make sure that it would fit best with your goals.
   
8. Coding is boring. Well, this one may still vary depending on an individual’s own preferences, but generally, coding is not as tedious as people may perceive it to be. It is an exciting journey that goes beyond writing long lines of code, solving analytical problems, running endless tests, and constantly fixing bugs—enabling people to think outside the box. Additionally, the long and grueling process that comes with creating a program can be very rewarding, as you get the sense of fulfillment once your project starts running.

About the author:

Chatty [chattyg.writing@gmail.com] is a freelance writer from Manila. She finds joy in inspiring and educating others through writing. That's why aside from her job as a language evaluator for local and international students, she spends her leisure time writing about various topics such as lifestyle, technology, and business.