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Why Programming Courses Have Become so Popular

Author: Mr. Paresh Soni (MANCOSA | Academic Director: Strategic Academic Projects & Research)

The world is growing more digital by the day.

Consumers and businesses rely on software and technology more than ever, which is why computer programming is essential.

MANCOSA skillME offers short programming courses, including Introduction to Robotics and Programming, that’ll help you gain critical programming skills.

In this article, we’ll look at what a computer program is and how it’s created, why programming has become so essential in the 21st century, how you can step into the programming world and the different computer programming courses that you can choose from.

What is a computer program, and how is it created?

A program is a set of one-at-a-time instructions (written in code) that a computer performs. Essentially, the computer gets one instruction, executes it, and then moves on to another. These programs are usually put into a storage area accessible to the computer.

There are mainly two types of programs:

System programs: This is a program used by the computer’s operating system to communicate with the hardware. This way, whenever a device is connected to the computer system, it can perform various tasks.

Application programs: This program (or app) is designed to provide users with a friendly interface to perform these tasks. For example, we use Microsoft Word to create documents and Adobe Illustrator to create graphic designs.

Programming refers to the process of writing these instructions for computer devices and systems. Thus, computer programmers are the people responsible for writing and testing the code to ensure software or applications work correctly.

Computer programmers often work closely with developers and engineers to build applications and systems that make people’s lives easier or better in some way. Whether that be a program that makes it possible to write books more seamlessly, like Scrivener, or an app that allows you to stream popular shows, like Netflix.

They use many different programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, C++, and more. The process of writing code will typically look something like this:

Define the issue the program is meant to address.
Create a plan for the problem’s solution — breaking it down into manageable tasks for the computer.
Write the program’s code in the programming language of your choice.
Test the program to make sure it works as planned and is accurate.
Fix any mistakes or problems discovered during testing.
Test and debug the software again until it’s fully functional and ready to use.

Why is computer programming important?

The software industry is rapidly growing and shows no signs of stopping. According to Statista, revenue in the software market worldwide is expected to reach over $650 billion in 2023.

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This means that more (and improved) software is being developed every day. In our digital world, individuals and businesses rely on software for better and more productive lives.

For example, individuals use apps such as WhatsApp to communicate with friends and family. They also play computer games to relax and unwind after a long day.

Businesses use software and apps for multiple reasons, including:

Research and development: To stay ahead, businesses need to perform research on their customers, industry trends, and competitors. Then, based on their findings, they use programs to develop better processes to help make more sales.

Cybersecurity: Businesses must protect their data and information from hackers and cyber thieves. They use applications to help them do this. Discover more about how to tackle business risks with a cybersecurity course from MANCOSA skillME.

Automation: With steep online competition and shorter consumer attention spans, companies must implement automation into their processes and communication to stay ahead. Software allows them to create automated processes to keep their internal operations running and their customers satisfied with fast responses.

Business operations: They use specific applications, such as project management systems, to run their businesses and processes more effectively.

Web development: Websites are one of the first things potential customers search for when they hear of a brand. Therefore, businesses need stellar websites that are easy to navigate and use if they want to stand out online. Software programmers can help them build attractive websites their users will love.

How to become a computer programmer?

As a computer programmer, your main tasks will include the following:

Writing and testing code
Updating existing programs
Identifying and troubleshooting errors or bugs
Rewriting programs for different systems
Securing programs against cyber threats

Educational requirements for a computer programmer are different from case to case. Generally, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or information technology is required.

However, you can get your foot in the door and start your career by taking short programming courses, such as Introduction to Robotics and Programming. This course covers programming for beginners and teaches you to design, build, and programme your own working robot.

Alternatively, you can consider taking the Cybersecurity short course to teach you how to protect digital systems and mitigate cyber threats.

While these courses aren’t as robust as a diploma or degree, they’ll help build key skills needed to start a career in programming or IT.

Not only will you learn these skills, but you’ll also gain a better understanding of the technology industry and see if it’s the right career path for you.

Study online programming courses with MANCOSA skillME

After hearing what programs are and what programming is all about, do you think it’s the right industry for you?

You can test the waters by taking short courses that’ll introduce you to the software industry and help you build the core skills needed to succeed in the world of IT.

Look at our various short online computer courses that’ll teach you these skills in less than a day. Have any questions? Contact us today, and one of our consultants will get back to you.