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Should anyone not learn to code?

by a_c 7y ago

ashleyn 7y ago
When I was growing up the general assumption was that you'd have to program the computer in order to use it. Learning BASIC was touted as a new household skill like setting the time on the VCR. That never really happened because of advancements in usability and design. Tl;dr no
ghaff 7y ago
It's probably a useful skill even at a relatively superficial level for a lot of people. But there are an awful lot of useful skills out there and people have differing interests, aptitudes, and needs. So I don't buy the idea that everyone should learn to code.
- s_y_n_t_a_x 7y ago
  You learn a lot of mental skills from coding. I believe we should teach it really young, at least a simple scripting language. Sometime around Junior High, it can even be an elective, like band. I thought I didn't have any creative skills because I couldn't draw or play music, but I have the most creative skill of all, being able to build useful tools out of thin air. It affects how you structure your thoughts, think through scenarios, gives you perspectives. There's so many perks, and kids would able to pick it up easily. You just need basic math and English skills to start. I taught myself in the 6th grade or so. I believe it made a large impact early on in my life, and it makes programming very natural to me. I know the 10x developer term is controversial, but I believe that's one way to become one.
- a_c 7y ago
  I think one would benefit from coding regardless what one perceive "coding" is. On one end of the spectrum, it can be treated as a vehicle for abstract thinking. On the other end as getting things done quickly. Well.. just like math
jcranmer 7y ago
If you had an infinite amount of time to learn, then there is pretty much no reason not to. But the time we can devote to learning something is finite, and you have to consider if learning coding is going to detract you from being better in your core competencies. The value-add of knowing how to program is quite high, but a lot of that (IMHO) comes from the fact that we as developers have failed to make basic automation (such as what you get with shell "one-liners") more accessible to less technical users.
scelerat 7y ago
Given the ubiquity of programmable machines in engineering, commerce and art, I think algorithms and basic (not BASIC) programming should be taught at all levels of public education. We teach math. We teach wood/metalshop and arts and crafts. Programming is right in there.
deleted 7y ago
[deleted]
hombre_fatal 7y ago
Probably not, if we were immortal. But since we aren't, I don't understand the tunnel-vision glorification of programming. What about any other interest or skill one can develop, from a daily reading habit to philosophy to handy work around the house to electronics to being able to repair your own clothes with needle and thread or learning another language or...? I get that we programmers like to see programming as an essential skill -- easy for us to say. #learntocode really has gone off the masturbatory deep end. Great time to sell a coding bootcamp (pickaxes), though. I'd like to see more calls to action for us developers to learn other crafts instead of patting ourselves on the back for already learning the one and only craft.

Should anyone not learn to code?

by a_c 7y ago

Should anyone not learn to code?

When I was growing up the general assumption was that you'd have to program the computer in order to use it. Learning BASIC was touted as a new household skill like setting the time on the VCR. That never really happened because of advancements in usability and design. Tl;dr no

ghaff 7y ago

It's probably a useful skill even at a relatively superficial level for a lot of people. But there are an awful lot of useful skills out there and people have differing interests, aptitudes, and needs. So I don't buy the idea that everyone should learn to code.

s_y_n_t_a_x 7y ago
You learn a lot of mental skills from coding. I believe we should teach it really young, at least a simple scripting language. Sometime around Junior High, it can even be an elective, like band. I thought I didn't have any creative skills because I couldn't draw or play music, but I have the most creative skill of all, being able to build useful tools out of thin air. It affects how you structure your thoughts, think through scenarios, gives you perspectives. There's so many perks, and kids would able to pick it up easily. You just need basic math and English skills to start. I taught myself in the 6th grade or so. I believe it made a large impact early on in my life, and it makes programming very natural to me. I know the 10x developer term is controversial, but I believe that's one way to become one.
a_c 7y ago
I think one would benefit from coding regardless what one perceive "coding" is. On one end of the spectrum, it can be treated as a vehicle for abstract thinking. On the other end as getting things done quickly. Well.. just like math

jcranmer 7y ago

If you had an infinite amount of time to learn, then there is pretty much no reason not to. But the time we can devote to learning something is finite, and you have to consider if learning coding is going to detract you from being better in your core competencies. The value-add of knowing how to program is quite high, but a lot of that (IMHO) comes from the fact that we as developers have failed to make basic automation (such as what you get with shell "one-liners") more accessible to less technical users.

scelerat 7y ago

Given the ubiquity of programmable machines in engineering, commerce and art, I think algorithms and basic (not BASIC) programming should be taught at all levels of public education. We teach math. We teach wood/metalshop and arts and crafts. Programming is right in there.

deleted 7y ago

[deleted]

hombre_fatal 7y ago

Probably not, if we were immortal. But since we aren't, I don't understand the tunnel-vision glorification of programming. What about any other interest or skill one can develop, from a daily reading habit to philosophy to handy work around the house to electronics to being able to repair your own clothes with needle and thread or learning another language or...? I get that we programmers like to see programming as an essential skill -- easy for us to say. #learntocode really has gone off the masturbatory deep end. Great time to sell a coding bootcamp (pickaxes), though. I'd like to see more calls to action for us developers to learn other crafts instead of patting ourselves on the back for already learning the one and only craft.