In an increasingly competitive job market, few skill sets are as useful as a working knowledge of computer coding and programming. Unlike similar knowledge skill-sets such as the practice of law or medicine, occupations in programming don’t always require a college degree, and many professionals in the field even prize experience and individual study over an academic background. For example, several high-profile figures in the computer industry such as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of college to pursue their ventures (though–to state it plainly–these figures tend to be the exception and not the rule).
For individuals with a knowledge of computers, this market demand for career programmers means that opportunities are great for advancement and job security. For parents, the fostering of an interest in computer programming can help a child find their dream career.
Use Video Games To Help Them Learn
Believe it or not, one of the best ways to introduce your kiddos to the wonders of computer programming may be through encouraging a love of video games. In fact, countless programmers owe their interest in computer science to an early love of gaming.
But why are video games such a great introduction to computer programming? While many people enjoy video games, it is easy to overlook the level of skill and craftsmanship that goes into their making. Parents can often help foster a love of computer programming just by asking simple questions about the gaming experience, such as how they imagine their favorite games were made and what it might be like to create a game on their own. Based on their simple design, games like Minecraft are great ways to open the discussion about how a programming language is directly creating an on-screen world.
But Which Computing Languages Should They Learn First?
Programming languages such as Java and Python are not only extremely useful in the world of computer programming, but are built on well-established foundations that are relied on heavily by the computer industry. Many universities start students on the track to programming by teaching Python, for example, because the language is relatively easy to learn and is useful not only for the development of new code but also because its concepts translate easily to the learning of other programs such as Java or C++.
JavaScript-based languages such as AngularJS are also increasingly popular due to the ease with which learners can solve some of the biggest issues facing computer scientists today. Their applicability to building programs for use on the Internet–often referred to as Web Apps–make them a popular choice along with CSS, HTML and other web-based languages.
For these reasons, introducing your child to the world of computer programming just may be the first step towards an independent and fulfilling life as a computer scientist.
