Chapter 1: The Coding Craze

Recently, I caught up with a few programmer friends over drinks. It's been quite some time since we last met, as everyone has been swamped with work and we live in different areas. To keep things in moderation, we brought our kids along.

All of them are thriving in their programming careers. I posed a question to them: if they were to teach their kids how to code, what would they say to motivate them? With technology infiltrating our daily lives and workplaces—think smartphones, apps, smart homes, autonomous cars, wearables, and automated parking—having coding skills can provide an edge in the job market. Moreover, being adept at new technologies, which can often be complex, can offer a significant advantage.

Programming fosters essential problem-solving abilities. These skills are invaluable, whether or not one continues to code professionally. As our lives become increasingly tech-oriented, understanding how technology functions can lead to better decision-making. The digital landscape is expanding rapidly, presenting numerous opportunities that are only expected to grow.

The enjoyment factor also plays a role. In the early 1980s, while the first gaming consoles had limited capabilities, the excitement they generated was palpable. However, those devices were costly and difficult to maintain, making them less accessible for kids.

This eagerness to teach children skills early on parallels the push to introduce foreign languages at a young age. I can appreciate the rationale behind this; children tend to acquire languages more effortlessly than adults. Delaying language learning can make it tougher to speak without an accent later on.

The goal is to provide children with the best possible foundation for their future. Mastery in areas like music, languages, programming, and even chess requires substantial practice. Many successful individuals, including celebrities and scientists, benefited from such early advantages.

Chapter 2: The Value of Coding Skills

In the video titled "Why 95% of Self-Taught Programmers Fail (Honest Advice)," the speaker delves into the common pitfalls that many self-taught programmers encounter. The insights shared can help aspiring coders navigate their learning journey more effectively.

Another thought-provoking video, "Why Is Everyone in Such a Rush to Learn Programming?" discusses the urgency many feel to acquire coding skills today. It offers valuable perspectives on the motivations behind this trend and the implications for future job markets.