I was just eleven when I got my hands on my first computer, a Commodore 16. Like many of the home computers of the day it booted straight into the BASIC programming language, and this opened a world of possibilities to the naturally curious pre-teen that was me. With just 12k of RAM it was underpowered even among its peers, but for me it was a perfect launchpad into the world of computing.
Many an evening was spent slowly and painstakingly typing in programs from magazines. Even more time was spent try to find all my mistakes before the program would run. I quickly learned how a program works and I never forgot the lessons learned from all that bedroom coding. As a grownup I never became a professional developer. But for a long time, I have considered my ability to code to be a “superpower” that sets me apart from many of my non-technical peers.
In today’s digital age, the ability to code is no longer the sole preserve of those in technical professions. Learning to code can offer a multitude of benefits that enhance productivity, critical thinking skills, and overall efficiency in the workplace. And with websites such as Codecademy and W3 Schools it’s never been easier to learn.
Let us delve into why it is helpful for non-programmers to acquire coding skills:
Problem Solving and Logical Thinking
Understanding the fundamentals of coding can give a rigorous introduction to logical thinking and problem-solving techniques. The 11-year-old me found it to be great “brain training”! You can apply these skills to various aspects of your job, from analyzing data to devising strategies for process optimization.
Automation of Mundane Tasks
With basic programming knowledge, repetitive tasks can be easily automated, saving time and reducing human error. Not to mentioning wowing your co-workers with your coding skills! For example, using scripts to batch process files or automate email responses can streamline workflow and boost productivity. I have found opportunities to automate tasks in every job I have held.
Improved Communication with Technical Teams
Being familiar with coding concepts enables better communication and collaboration with technical colleagues. Us non-programmers can articulate our requirements more effectively to IT and better understand the feasibility of proposed solutions. This can yield massive dividends on project work and help foster a more cohesive team environment.
Enhanced Data Analysis
Coding skills empower us to work with data more efficiently. That’s incredibly important in today’s data-driven world. Simple scripts can be written quickly to analyze datasets, visualize trends, and extract valuable insights, aiding in decision-making processes across various departments.
Personal Projects and Professional Development
From personal experience, learning to code opens opportunities for personal projects and professional development. Whether it is creating a personal website, developing a mobile app prototype, or automating a task specific to your job, coding skills can empower us to pursue our ideas and ambitions.
Best Programming Languages for Non-Programmers
There is no “best programming language”. There is a best programming language for your needs. Don’t be afraid to try out a few and settle on those that seem to be the best fit for you.
What follows is an overview of the languages I have found the most useful at various times in my career.
Python:
- Advantages: Easy to learn, versatile for various applications (web development, data analysis, automation), extensive libraries and resources. Python is widely used in industries such as finance, because of libraries such as NumPy and Pandas that are designed specifically for data analysis on substantial amounts of data and are easy to use.
- Disadvantages: Slower execution speed compared to low-level languages such as C++, limited in performance-critical applications.
JavaScript:
- Advantages: Widely used for web development, beginner-friendly syntax, strong community support, essential for frontend and backend development.
- Disadvantages: The asynchronous nature of the language, which is the ability to allow tasks to run independently, can be challenging for beginners. Varying browser compatibility is another potential issue. Debugging can be tough as issues only become apparent when you run the code.
SQL (Structured Query Language):
- Advantages: Essential for database management and data analysis, standardized language for querying relational databases. SQL is very easy to learn (in my experience).
- Disadvantages: Limited to database operations, may require additional languages for full-stack development. While easy to learn, it is hard to master. Considerable experience is required to exploit the language to the fullest.
VBA (Visual Basic for Applications):
- Advantages: Specifically designed for automating tasks within Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Access), easy integration with existing workflows, extensive documentation, and online resources.
- Disadvantages: Limited to the Microsoft Office ecosystem, may not be as versatile for general-purpose programming tasks outside of Office automation, very niche compared to other languages. Python could replace it as a means of automating Excel spreadsheets.
The Impact of AI on Programming
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, its integration into software development processes – indeed our daily lives – is inevitable. While some may fear that AI will render traditional programming obsolete, it is more likely to augment rather than replace the need for human programmers. AI tools can help non-programmers in coding tasks by automating repetitive processes, suggesting code improvements, and even generating code snippets based on desired functionality.
How AI Can Assist Non-Programmers with Coding
Auto-Completion and Code Suggestions: AI-powered IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) can offer auto-completion suggestions and code recommendations based on context, making it easier for non-programmers to write code accurately and efficiently.
Automated Debugging: AI algorithms can analyze code for errors and suggest fixes, helping non-programmers troubleshoot issues more effectively and reducing the time spent on debugging.
Code Generation: Advanced AI models can generate code based on natural language descriptions or high-level specifications provided by non-programmers, enabling them to create basic applications or prototypes without extensive coding knowledge.
Low Code/No Code Alternatives
In addition to AI-powered tools, the rise of low code/no code platforms provides accessible alternatives for individuals with limited programming experience. These platforms offer visual interfaces and pre-built components, allowing users to create applications through simple drag-and-drop actions, reducing the need for manual coding.
Here are some examples of Low Code/No Code Platforms:
Microsoft Power Platform (PowerApps, Power Automate, Power BI):
With PowerApps, users can build custom business applications without writing code, using a variety of templates and connectors to integrate with other Microsoft services. Power Automate enables workflow automation, while Power BI offers robust data visualization capabilities.
Google App Maker:
This low code development platform allows users to create web applications using a visual interface and predefined templates, with seamless integration with other Google services such as G Suite.
Empowering People in Their Day-to-Day Work
Low code/no code platforms empower individuals across various industries to innovate and streamline their workflows without relying heavily on traditional programming skills. By democratizing app development, these tools enable non-programmers to:
- Quickly prototype and deploy solutions to address specific business needs.
- Automate repetitive tasks and workflows, saving time and increasing productivity.
- Gain insights from data analysis and visualization, driving informed decision-making.
While the rise of AI may alter the landscape of programming, it also presents opportunities for non-programmers to use AI-assisted coding tools and low code/no code platforms to enhance their capabilities and contribute to innovation in their respective fields.
In conclusion, learning to code is a valuable skill for non-programmers that offers numerous benefits in the workplace and beyond. By gaining proficiency in programming languages, individuals can unlock new opportunities, improve problem-solving abilities, and stay relevant in an increasingly digital world. For those without the time or inclination to learn this skill, Low code/No code platforms offer an excellent alternative.
Check out my LinkedIn profile.
Tom Cremins 