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This article explains what coding is and why children should begin learning how to code.

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This post may contain affiliate links.

With an increased focus on technology in our world, coding has become an important subject for everyone to understand. Worldwide, schools are introducing coding in their classrooms, and students are being taught the basic concepts of coding from an early age. There are so many reasons that coding is important to learn, and the benefits extend beyond the computer.

The workforce is shifting and individuals with skills in computer science and computer programming are highly valued and sought after. The earlier children learn to code, the better their chance at success.

Coding Definition

So what exactly is coding? Coding is essentially the process of giving computers instructions in a language that they understand. Unlike humans, computers are not naturally smart. They need to be given very specific instructions in a language designed for them understand. In fact, at their most basic level, computers interpret instructions using binary code, where the only options are only 1 or 0. As you can imagine, it takes a whole lot of 1s and 0s to store even something as simple as an image on your computer screen.

How is coding used?

Almost all of the technology we use today has been created with computer programming. Our apps, computer programs, video games and even the technologies in our cars relies upon coding.

Where is programming used?

Programming is used in a variety of different industries and areas, from entertainment to space exploration.

Some examples of where programming is used can be found below:

in movies, games, and other entertainment content - for example AI agents that make decisions on what to do next in games

by machine learning algorithms that are used to detect fraud, identify patterns in data and more

by software developers - programmers who design the code for applications and programs

by aerospace engineers who develop software for spacecrafts

by programmers who design autonomous cars

How does coding work?

Coding is the process of writing instructions for a computer to follow. It's kind of like a recipe, but for a computer. The instructions tell the computer what to do and in what order to do it. Coding languages are very precise, logical, and often require great attention to detail.

Computers need instructions that are very detailed and that also account for all kinds of possible scenarios. Imagine going to the store to pick up some milk. When we go to pick up milk we are making lots of small decisions we likely aren't even aware of. We may take a different route due to construction, we may buy a certain brand because it's cheaper, or we may buy two gallons because they are on sale. And wait! What if the store is closed? We likely know a list of nearby stores to try next.

Computers aren't able to make these decisions unless we specifically tell them what to do. This is why coding is so complicated. There are a lot of scenarios to consider when building even a simple algorithm.

What are the benefits of learning coding?

The benefits of learning to code are immense. Jobs in web development, web design and software engineering are skyrocketing in the tech sector. Not only are skills in computer programming highly sought after in the workplace, but coding teaches many skills beyond the computer.

Benefits of coding include:

Computer programming helps students build logical thinking

Coding enhances creativity

Computer programming teaches persistence

Learning to code promotes problem solving

Coding enhances communication

Coding teaches math skills

3 Reasons to Learn to Code Now

Reason 1: The demand for coders is high

Reason 2: It teaches you to think logically

Reason 3: Provides a skill that will be relevant for many years to come.

What are the basic concepts of coding?

Children as young as 5 can understand the basic concepts of coding! These concepts include:

Decomposition

Decomposition is the process of breaking large tasks into smaller and more manageable chunks. It can really help to make coding easier for developers - and it also makes it more organized!

Algorithm

An algorithm is a list of instructions on how to solve a problem. In coding, these solutions are written by programmers and execute automatically to perform tasks.

Sequence

A sequence is an ordered list of commands that tell a computer what to do. You can use sequences for looping and storing data in coding.

Loop

Programming loops are a sequence of instructions that are carried out repeatedly until a certain condition is reached. Loops are used to make programs more efficient and effective.

Branching

Branching is a technique that the programmer can use to create choices in code. They're used for making code adaptable & responsive to input from the user.

Decomposition

Decompose is a process of breaking a large task into smaller, manageable tasks to make coding easier and more organised. This will help developers save time and effort.

Debugging

Debugging is an important part of the programming process that allows programmers to fix any errors or mistakes they may have made.

Visit our article on the basic concepts of coding to learn more about these important coding concepts.

Example of Computer Code

So what does computer code look like in real life?

Here is an example of a simple stretch of code in Python. Can you figure out what it means?

for x in range(5,0,-1):
  print (x, 'little monkeys jumping on the bed, 1 fell off and bumped his head, momma called the doctor and the doctor said, no more monkeys jumping on the bed')

Hint! You will see the following when you run this code.

5 little monkeys jumping on the bed, 1 fell off and bumped his head, momma called the doctor and the doctor said, no more monkeys jumping on the bed
4 little monkeys jumping on the bed, 1 fell off and bumped his head, momma called the doctor and the doctor said, no more monkeys jumping on the bed
3 little monkeys jumping on the bed, 1 fell off and bumped his head, momma called the doctor and the doctor said, no more monkeys jumping on the bed
2 little monkeys jumping on the bed, 1 fell off and bumped his head, momma called the doctor and the doctor said, no more monkeys jumping on the bed
1 little monkeys jumping on the bed, 1 fell off and bumped his head, momma called the doctor and the doctor said, no more monkeys jumping on the bed

Python is a language with a cleaner and more accessible design than other programming languages. It's syntax can be easier to learn for people who are new to coding.

To learn how to create this yourself check out our Python Tutorial for Kids.

How to get started learning to code

Learning to code is not as hard as it seems. There are many resources available to help you get started.

You can find a lot of free tutorials online that will teach you how to code. You can check out our basic Python tutorial here. You can also find some YouTube channels that provide long-form video tutorials on the topic. Additionally, there are quite a few online coding courses that can offer you the necessary skillset in a short amount of time.

Additionally, there are plenty of books on programming for beginners in your local bookstore or library.

What are programming languages and which one should I learn?

Computer programming languages are what coders use to give very specific instructions to a computer. Programming languages deliver the instructions in a language the computer understands. Each coding language has a syntax, which is the set of rules, like spelling or grammar, for that particular program. The more fluently a programmer speaks a code language the more likely their projects will run smoothly and accomplish the goal they're seeking.

For beginners, block-based coding languages are the simplest to grasp. Children between the ages of 5 to 8 can master block-based coding with practice. One of the most well known and respected block based coding language is Scratch. Scratch is a free block based computer programming language that engages kids who are beginner coders. Read our guide to getting started with Scratch Jr here.

Text-based coding languages are what is used to program the majority of the apps, games and software we use daily. Text-based progamming languages typically have a lot of rules, and take a lot of practice to become proficient. Just like a string of christmas lights, if there is one mistake, or broken bulb, the whole program may not function!

Examples of text-based coding languages include:

Python is one of the easier computer coding languages to learn for beginners. Check out our beginners guide to Python here.

Free apps and websites to get started coding

The good news is that it is easy to get started with learning to code for free at home. There are a variety of free apps and websites to help students of all ages learn to code.

You can read our full article on the top coding apps for kids.

Some of our favourites are:

There are also a variety of free websites where you can learn to code:

Coding activities for kids

When teaching kids to code, it's best to start out unplugged. We have created several fun and engaging unplugged coding activities to teach the basics of coding without a screen.

Examples of our activities include:

Hour of Code

One way to get started with coding is by participating in the Hour of Code week. We have included a list of some of the best free Hour of Code activities here.

You can also check our our Hour of Code Worksheets for the classroom. Our worksheets include activities on decomposition, loops, sequence, branching, variables algorithms and debugging.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coding

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This post may contain affiliate links. With an increased focus on technology in our world, coding has become an important subject for everyone to understand. Worldwide, schools are introducing coding in their classrooms, and students are being taught the basic concepts of coding from an early age.

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Coding for Kids Explained | What is Coding | Why is Coding Important

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Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.

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We have many ways to do Hour of Code at Khan Academy.

Hour of Drawing with Code

Learn how to program drawings using JavaScript by designing your very own snowman. Start drawing with code ›

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Learn how to make webpages with HTML tags and CSS, finishing up by making your very own greeting card. Start creating webpages ›

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Like playing with data? Learn how to manipulate data in a database and make your own custom store. Start creating databases ›

"I have to admit that I was nervous about trying it, since I know nothing about coding...All of my students from grades 6-12 participated in the Hour of Code...Everyone loved it."

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Hour of code in your classroom

The Hour of Code is a global movement by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries through a one-hour introduction to computer science and computer programming. Learn about the simple steps you can take to prepare your class for an Hour of Code.

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Hour of Code on Khan Academy | Khan Academy

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Anyone can learn to code! Spend an hour on Khan Academy learning to code, with our tutorials in JS, HTML, or SQL.

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We teach computer programming to elementary and middle school children. We offer evening classes, after-school enrichment classes, and camps.

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What will you be able to do?

Here are just a few things you’ll be able to do with this Career Path.

UNDERSTAND PROGRAMMING

Get an overview of computer science, web development, and data science, as well as popular languages like JavaScript and Python.

WRITE BASIC CODE

Apply key programming concepts like variables and functions by writing your first lines of code.

FIND YOUR FUTURE CAREER

Determine your path after exploring different careers in tech and hearing from real-life web developers, data scientists, and more.

You really feel like there's nothing you can't learn, which in turn builds so much confidence in your skills and gives the momentum to keep learning.

How are Career Paths different?

Get in-depth knowledge.

Learning to code means more than just memorizing syntax. Instead, we help you think like a real programmer.

Get a helpful roadmap.

Like a career advisor, we guide you through each step. You’ll learn the right thing at the right time, all in one place.

Get job ready.

Gain practical experience as you go by creating portfolio-worthy projects that will help you land your next job.

To get Career Paths, sign up for Codecademy Pro. With Pro, you’ll have unlimited access to everything you need to take your learning to the next level.

Ready to kick-start your career?

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Learn Coding 101 - Kick-Start Your Career | Codecademy

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Get started with code. Everyone’s talking about coding, but where do you start? This path will give you an introduction to the world of code and basic concepts. By the end, you’ll know whether Data Science, Computer Science or Web Development is right for you.

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Use computer science to explore and learn about AI!

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With ScratchJr, young children (ages 5-7) can program their own interactive stories and games.