Some of the best developers and coders in the industry are young and passionate. The most successful video games and software out there today were developed by people that got a start on programming while they were young. Much like how some of the most successful companies started out as garage companies, a lot of developers get their start when they’re just kids. That said, it’s no surprise that coding for kids is one of the hottest markets in tech!
Even schools and learning facilities today teach the very basics of computing. Almost everyone has to go through typing classes, and many schools offer basic HTML courses. With the access and availability of these programs, some schools even have computers that they give students for in-school use to carry around with them. When you’re interested in something, you have to start from the ground up.
Usually, you start by examining something you don’t understand, taking it apart and then putting it back together so that you can better understand how it works and why it does what it does. This is what’s called the trial and error process.
The Programmer Stereotype
With people getting into programming now at such a young age, there’s this certain stereotype that surrounds programmers. Thanks to Hollywood in part, everyone thinks programmers are nerds or geniuses with an IQ of 200 that sit in a dimly lit room all day. The stereotype that every programmer or young developer was just a loser who sat in their parent’s basement and had no friends may have flown in the 90s, but times have changed, and programming is far more accessible to people.
As the technology sector and related fields grow, there’s a large demand for these types of jobs out there and programming is a very highly lucrative career path. Many programmers start out making $50,000 a year, and that’s just as junior developer. Depending on the language, what skills you bring to the table and the company, there are many programmers that make $100,000 annually and higher.
You don’t even have to work for someone else these days. You can make even more money by becoming a freelancer or coding mercenary for the internet. The most lucrative option for programmers today is to write up your own code and strike gold. I sincerely doubt the developers behind Candy Crush thought they would turn their game into a million dollar a day empire or the people behind FarmVille thought it would be as successful as it is.
Where Can Kids Learn To Program?
Tynker.com
Tynker is an interactive learning website for beginner and intermediate programmers. This site uses interactive puzzles and engaging tutorials to help you build your first program or game. Tynker offers a wide variety of learning resources such as making web applications, game design, science projects, hardware interface and more. The site comes with a multitude of bundles and courses depending on what you’re interested in. Most of the courses are $50, but they don’t offer anything more than the paid courses.
Code.org
The model here is that everyone should have access to learning computer science. This is a site that offers courses for kids in K-5 and offers resources for professional developers as well. The site offers an interactive game for kids to build their very first program through a 20 step puzzle. Not interested in games? The site also has an interactive guide on learning JavaScript as well. If you’re located in the United States, Code.org has an option to help you find a local class or school offering courses.
Scratch.mit.edu
Scratch is a tutorial site for kids that was designed by MIT students. The age range is from 8 to 16, and the site focuses on interface guides rather than boring lines of code. This isn’t just a place for learning your very first program or game; it’s also a community of programmers where people can have discussions and talk programming.
Hackety.com
Hackety is a program that you can download to your computer that will teach you the very basics of programming from the ground up. Ruby is the main focus of Hackety and Ruby is used in millions of applications and games all over the internet. The courses are free, and there’s a support section where you can ask other users for help if you get stuck.
Coding is something you have to be passionate about, and you have to love because it’s not for everyone. It takes thousands upon thousands of lines to make some of the most simplistic games but once you’re finished, you get to showcase your work, and it’s yours to show off. Be proud of the work you finish and get started while you’re young to get a head start in the profession that will grow even more with time.
