Everything you need to know for a career in code

For many people outside of the tech industry, coding can seem like an intriguing mystery.

We all understand that everything from the operating system on our smartphones and favourite websites to our smart television is brought to life by a coded set of instructions. But it’s easy to think that daring to look under the hood at the computer code to learn how it collects data or manages and runs computer programs is only for the super smart.

However, all you need is a curious mind and a willingness to learn how things work. Software developers are the unsung heroes of tech that build programs that solve real-world problems. They are responsible for bringing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain to life. There is also a massive demand for frontend and backend developers to create and maintain websites and web applications.

Rather than being passive consumers of technology, developers want to be a part of building the new solutions that solve problems for businesses. With a well-documented shortage of developers worldwide, upskilling has become a global organisational imperative. There has never been a better time to work with your employer to retrain and help meet the rising need for tech talent or pursue a new career in tech. But where should you begin?

 

What code languages do businesses use?

Businesses are currently challenged with maintaining Web 2.0 applications designed at a time when data was an afterthought while also paving the way to a Web3 future where data is increasingly being considered the lifeblood of future innovations required to help their businesses stand out from the crowd. But both journeys require a very similar set of skills.

The two most popular code languages used in business are Python and Java. In late 2021, Python surpassed Java and JavaScript for the first time in 20 years to be crowned the most popular programming language, but the two switched places again in 2022. Current trends suggest that these two most popular programming languages are enjoying the most significant increases while others are dropping off.

One of the biggest challenges for businesses in every industry is securing the skilled resources required to expand their transformation strategy. As a result, the shortage of expertise in niche areas often influences decisions around which technology or programming languages they choose. 

With the skill shortage hitting the headlines, we expect leaders to continue to lean towards technologies with more mainstream adoption. In the same way that AWS and Azure dominate conversations around cloud transformation, Python and Java look destined to be the computer languages in most demand for the foreseeable future.

 

 

What code languages do I need to learn?

Which computer language is best suited for you will depend entirely on your interests and the direction you want to take your career? For example, Python is an excellent option for beginners who want to learn how to code quickly. But it’s also heavily used for machine learning (ML) and data analysis.

JavaScript is the language of choice for web development, and you will find it at the heart of most web applications, web pages, and web programs. Similarly, Java is also one of the most extensively used programming languages and can be found behind applications and IoT Projects on mobiles and desktop computers.

It’s also worth highlighting that employers are also looking for a robust set of soft skills to ensure candidates seamlessly slot into their project team. If you have worked in a corporate environment performing in a non-technical role, getting into coding could be the perfect opportunity to upgrade your career with your existing employer.

 

How long will it take me to learn?

Every student has a unique journey and other life commitments that dictate how many hours a week they can adequately focus on learning. For example, some want to learn entry-level skills in Python or Java. Others will embark on the Code+ collection to secure access to Europe’s only university credit-rated diploma in Full Stack Software Development. 

The good news is that regardless of the path you choose, you will have the ability to learn at your own pace. For example, suppose you have minimal web development experience and choose a course in Python for the simplicity of its coding language. How long it will take you to complete 55 hours of study time and four exams will be entirely around the time commitments in your life. 

Learning to code will allow you to create ideas that change the world. In addition, it can open a career door and salary range you never thought possible. However, whatever path or course you choose will include access to practice labs, expert mentors, and a global community of peers as and when you need them. Ultimately, it’s not about how long it takes you to complete a course or achieve a qualification, it’s investing in yourself and embarking on a journey that will transform your career.

 

How much do different coders make?

The top 5 programming languages in 2022 based on the number of open full-time positions are: 

 

• Java with 89,365 jobs 

• Python with 76,634 jobs

• These figures quickly drop off with SQL taking third place 66,981 

 

• JavaScript with 58,947 and C++ had 46,143 positions advertised at the time of the report. 

 

The average annual salary of someone entering the world of software development for the first time is around £49,500. But as developers gain experience, it doesn’t take long until they are heading towards a six-figure salary.

However, many people are falling out of love with the commitment of a lifetime of 9-5 sitting in an office. As a result, some of our students are motivated by greater freedom and flexibility through freelancing and consultancy work that allows them to take back control of their lives. Similarly, businesses continuously seek specialists to join an established project structure to help existing in-house development teams complete project tasks.

The relationship between employers and workers continues to evolve as the Gig Economy, or Flex Economy becomes the norm. This new flexible style enables people to work when and how they want and allows employers to embrace project-based employment with clear deliverables. Depending on your location, freelance coders can earn anything from £300 – £700 a day for their services.

 

 

Is coding here to stay?

Although low-code and no-code (LC/NC) tool makers try to convince businesses that they can make the process easier, the reality is that the majority of software development will continue to consist of professionals writing code for the foreseeable future. Both businesses and developers respect the complexity of maintaining applications and ensuring that code is as simple and easily understandable as possible.

Every business is challenged with adapting to its customers’ evolving needs and expectations through digital experiences. As a result, we can expect the demands for new IT projects to increase at breakneck speed. However, poorly written code also increases technical debt and becomes very expensive further down the line when teams want to deliver unique new solutions or services rather than fixing broken code. Therefore, these emerging LC/NC offerings aim to complement rather than replace software developers.

As we race towards a Web3 future, we can expect the demand for software developers to continually outstrip supply. All of which create a compelling case to begin a career-ready coding course that will offer a lucrative salary and the options to live life on your terms and a working schedule dictated by yourself rather than someone else. 

 

If you are thinking about learning to code but are still unsure about which direction to take, there is a free coding challenge that will help you determine if it’s right for you and your future career. It will help you discover if a job in software development is right for you. If the idea of becoming an in-demand professional software developer appeals to you, contact us now, and one of our career experts will get straight back to you.