You have must have heard people talking about coding and how fancy it is. What then is coding? Coding is the process of using computer language to feed your computer commands and direct how it behaves.

Coding involves taking instructions and translating them into a language that your computer understands. Just like humans, computers also have their language called binary which uses 0’s and 1’s.

To understand what coding is, you first need to know what code is. Code or machine code is a computer language which directs computer on how to behave.

It is a combination of unique numbers and letters, each having the ability to direct the computer to change something in its memory. Codes, therefore, exist in lines that are capable of telling the computer what to do.

A document full of lines is called a script. Now, each script usually has a specific job. What coders do during programming, therefore, is to write instructions using a programming language, which translates personal code into computer code.

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What is coding used for?

Coding is used to communicate with computers. Coders, therefore, use code to feed instructions to computers, directing them on what to do. Coding also plays a vital role in programming. It is consequently used to program websites, apps, and different types of technologies.

Don’t learn to code, Code to learn!

different types of coding?

There are three types of coding. These are;

1. Source coding.

Source code is package that contented project files and classes that contented lines of code.

Note: Windows 10 operating system is reported to have about 50 million lines of code.

Source coding, also known as data compression, is used to eliminate redundancy on data from a data source for efficient transmission. This type of coding, therefore, compresses information into more sizeable bits for different reasons.

Source coding thus results in two types of compressions, either lossy or lossless. Lossless deals with statistical redundancy, meaning that no information is usually lost in the process. Lossy compression, on the other hand, removes unnecessary information from a source.

2. Error control.

This second type of coding deals with error detection and control for the reliable delivery of digital data over unreliable channels. It, therefore, eliminates obstacles to quality delivery, such as channel noise.

With error detection, a coder will detect different errors and reconstruct them using error control. The different types of error correction include Automatic repeat request, forward error correction, and hybrid ARQ.

3. Line coding.

Line coding is one of the most popular types of coding. A line code is a defined pattern of voltage, current, or photons, which is used to represent digital data on transmission along a transmission line.

Line coding, therefore, deals with signals that are usually prone to error when being transmitted over a communication channel. S0ome of the most popular types of line coding are unipolar, Manchester code, and bipolar.

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Is coding hard to learn?

No, coding is not hard to learn. While learning to code might require you to tap into areas with which you don’t have prior experience, those who have the time, persistence, and dedication can learn to code just as easily as they can learn to do something else.

Meaning, plenty of people know how to code, leading many of those who are proficient in coding to launch the things we all enjoy using on a daily basis—from our apps, games, websites, robots, social media, and much more.

Coding languages.

There are several types of coding languages today. Coding, just like technology, is a skill that keeps on growing. Let us take a look at some of the most popular coding languages.

Coding languages

JavaScript.

One of the most prominent coding languages is JavaScript. It is mainly used in web browsers and has been in existence from the early nineties. JavaScript is, therefore, mostly used by web developers to increase the interactivity and functionality of web pages, making it a necessity in our everyday life.

Of late, this coding language has risen to become one of the most popular coding languages on web servers through Node.js. It is also the most used language worldwide, having received recognition from several coders.

Python.

Python is one of the high-ranking coding languages in terms of interpretation. It served a range of platforms and was designed close to two decades ago.

Python was therefore created to debunk code readability thanks to its clear syntax. It is, therefore, one of the most common languages for beginners.

It is mainly used to write scientific and numerical software, which lessens its use on the web. However, it remains a multipurpose coding language.

SQL.

Standard Query Language, popularly known as SQL, has been around for quite some time. The reason why it is referred to as Standard Query Language is that its codes are usually written as standalone lines. It traces its root to as early as 1974 and has cemented its place in several databases.

Each independent line, or Query, can either create, read, update, or erase data in a database. It is, therefore, most common in writing websites that require regular modification of information due to changing times.

Ruby.

Ruby is a coder-friendly language that was designed in 1995. It is, therefore, quite popular since it has the coder’s interest in mind and not the computer. If you are a coder, you have probably heard of Ruby on Rails framework, which powers several websites and applications such as Twitter.

C programming language.

One of the most popular languages among modern coders is C. one thing about this fantastic language is that it is not easy to learn, and therefore mastering it might take some time. Having been in existence for almost four decades, it is still a low-level language when compared to the likes of JavaScript.

Nearly every operating system uses C. it is therefore accessible in platforms such as Microsoft windows since it is an all-rounder coding language.

C++.

C++ is an improved version of C that was created in 1979. Just like C, it, too, is a compiled language that is used on several platforms, including most computer games. This computer language is also used in Microsoft Windows and its software alongside C.

PHP.

PHP was created in 1995 and is used to create dynamic web pages. It can, therefore, send SQL queries and, at the same time, output HTML. This coding language acts as a link between the database of a site and its HTML.

PHP is therefore used in web servers. Don’t get confused, though; it is a little different from JavaScript. JavaScripts are usually executed by the browser viewing a website, whereas PHP script execution is done by the server hosting a website.

JavaScript mainly touches on the effects and interactions of a site, whereas PHP deals with sending SQL, getting data from the database, and outputting it as HTML. PHP has its roots in sites such as Facebook, WordPress, and Wikipedia.

C sharp.

Just like C++, C sharp is also closely related to C. it was developed by Microsoft in 2000 to be used in its net framework. This language is restricted as a result and runs on Windows only, which is owned by Microsoft.

Visual Basic.

Just like C sharp, Visual Basic is a Microsoft language which was developed in 1991. It is a compiled language used in Windows as an event-driven language. Visual Basic, therefore, only responds to users’ actions, such as key presses. It is also restricted and is used by Windows to develop its graphical user interface programs.

Java.

Java is different from JavaScript. Its mainly used in various platforms to ensure cross-platform compatibility. It is, therefore, a compiled language that runs in all operating systems. It, thus, cuts across desktops and web pages.

One of the most popular uses of Java in the modern-day world is creating android apps. It is also one of the primary taught languages in several computer science courses, and therefore several coders are usually well equipped with Java.

Objective C.

Objective C is a derivative of the C language. It was developed by Apple to be used in its Cocoa framework. Objective C is a compiled language that is restricted. It only works on Apple operating systems. Objective C is, therefore, Apple’s primary language. It is thus used in creating iPhone, iPad, and Mac OS X software.

Perl.

Perl is one of the most powerful web languages. It was designed for text processing and is considered one of the coding languages that hold the internet together. It is, therefore, one of the most used languages on the web. Perl has been replaced by other technologies that keep on coming overtime. It, however, maintains its place in text processing.

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Coding for beginners: Best tips.

Coding is a highly interactive and fun-filled field where many people try their luck. However, there are certain things that beginners need to look out for. In as much as coding is enjoyable, the process of mastering code is not usually easy. As a beginner, here are some of the things that you should do:

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Choosing the right coding language.

Just like we have seen, there are several coding languages. You cannot learn them all unless you are a super genius. Coding is also a wide field. Different types of programming, therefore, have their skillset.

As a beginner, you must, therefore, choose a language that aligns with your interest. If you want to venture into mobile app development, languages such as Java are important for android apps and Swift for iOS.

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Choosing the right coding language

Some of the best languages for beginners are JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Java, and Blockly.

Resources.

To learn and master code, you need to invest in the right resources. Coding is one of the few fields that do not necessarily require you to attend a computer programming class. You can still learn on your own and emerge a pro.

One of the best ways of learning code is through online coding courses. With the right commitment, you will learn and master some of the essential syntaxes of your language of choice and its uses.

These courses are also lively and interactive. The good news is, most of these courses are free or come at a fair price

Now, everybody knows that YouTube is one of the most resourceful sites in terms of information. YouTube videos would, therefore, play an essential part in learning how to code.

You will get to learn how to demystify complicated concepts and supplement your online course.

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Downloading a code editor.

As a beginner, you need to familiarize yourself with the real world. In as much as most online courses allow students to write code in a code editor directly, the real world has no room for that. Get yourself a code editor early enough so that you are not caught off-guard.

Several programming languages have easily accessible code editors to help you write error-free and clear codes.

Practice.

Nobody becomes a pro once. It usually takes years of practice. As a beginner, you should, therefore, practice writing code. Practicing helps with mastery, which is essential in coding.

Ensure, therefore, that you start writing your programs as early as possible. In case you find it too advanced, beginning with the drag and drop website builders can also serve you just right.

Joining an online community.

You need others to be a good coder. As a beginner, perfecting on coding might be hard if you rely on yourself.

Ensure, therefore, that you get all the support you can need. Spot, therefore, and join an online community to help you with the obstacles you will meet as you learn how to code.

Unpack someone’s code.

You are never going to know whether your learning is paying off until you try one serious project. Once you are well equipped with your programming language, it is time to unpack someone’s code.

Find a code, therefore, and work through it, making sure that you get all the basics and intricacies.

It would also be useful to get feedback from others. After modifying the code, you can upload it so that others comment. You will get to learn your weaknesses and learn from them. Also, one of the biggest sites for open source projects that code by professionals coders https://github.com/ It’s a huge website you will find over there millions of open source projects for Android, iPhone, web, AI, the PC programs. Everything you need to know.

Computer coding definition.

As a recap, computer coding is feeding your computer instructions through a language it understands.

Coding, therefore, rotates around computer language, which is used to develop apps, websites, and different software. Computer coding thus tells your computer what to through manipulating on and off switches.

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Final word about what is coding.

Final word about what is coding

Coding is present in all aspects of our lives. It is a highly enjoyable filed with plenty of returns. It is the only way o communicate with computers and tell them what to do.

Coding, therefore, relies on different languages, which we have looked at. Coding keeps on evolving, and therefore, if you are a coder, keep practicing.