What is Coding ?

Coding is the language of computers. Just like people around us speak in languages such as English, Hindi, Marathi etc. to communicate with each other, similarly, machines have their own language. ​ Today, almost every electronics you see around you relies on coding. People who write codes are called computer programmers, developers or coders. They all work with computers to create an interactive website, games, mobile applications and complex software.

Computers understand only Machine Code

Computer understands Machine code which is a combination of binary instructions (Yes or No) that a computer can understand directly. But, conveying every piece of instruction to the computer in "Yes" or "No" can be a very tedious task, therefore humans invented programming languages which they can understand easily and can also be converted to machine code for the computer to understand.

Chris Castiglione, faculty at Columbia University uses an interesting example to explain machine code.

"Imagine you are building a bridge with a group of engineers. You’re on one side, they are on the other, and you need to communicate to finish the project. The problem is, your phone has died, and your radio only works one way. All you have to communicate with them is a flashlight. One flash for yes, two for no. It will take a while but, eventually, the bridge will be built. This is how a computer communicates with people. The language the computer speaks is binary code, a mathematical language of ones and zeros. Just like the flashlight, there are only two options. The computer understands “on” and “off,” and nothing else. So unless you’re typing strings of ones and zeros into your text editor (which you’re not), you’re not really writing code in the computer’s language." What are Programming Languages?

The above piece of code is written in a language called Python which instructs the computer to print a message "Hello, world" when it is executed.

There are hundreds of different programming languages which can seem confusing, but they all do the same thing. You type in what you want it to do, the compiler turns it into language the computer understands, then the computer does it, which is called executing the code in programming speak!

Is Coding easy?

Coding is very simple and anyone can learn the basics. But the choice of language you should start with depends on a lot of factors. Like with any book, if you start with something which is difficult to comprehend you may probably never be able to finish it.

The Rule is simple, concepts and applications should go hand in hand. Since coding concepts such as variables, loops, conditionals, functions, debugging etc. remain the same across all programming languages, it is generally advised to start with an interactive block-based coding language such as Scratch/ Blockly and then move on to any other text based language.

Is Coding important?

You would find numerous studies and resources online highlighting the importance of coding in today's day and age. A lot of high profile technology company founders at Facebook, Google, Twitter etc. started coding at a very young age. Apart from building logical thinking skills at a formative phase of their brain, these people gained a lot of confidence as they developed their first mobile applications and games.

Quotes by Eminent personalities

Learning to write program stretches your mind, and helps you think better, creates a way of thinking about things that I think is helpful in all domains. - Bill Gates, Chairman of Microsoft

I taught myself how to program computers when I was a kid, bought my first computer when I was 10, and sold my first commercial program when I was 12. - Elon Musk, Founder of Space X and Tesla

In 15 years, we will be teaching programming just like reading and writing, and wondering why we didn't do it sooner - Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook Started coding when he was just 6 years old

Everyone in this country should learn how to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think. - Steve Jobs, founder of Apple

Whether you want to uncover the secrets of the universe, or you just want to pursue a career in the 21st century, basic computer programming is an essential skill to learn. - Stephen Hawking, Theoretical physicist

Online Coding Course at NotchUp

At NotchUp, we truly believe in the power of computer programming and how it can help unleash the true potential within your child. Every job in the next decade will require computer literacy and starting early will help build a foundation to last a life time. We provide