The real value of learning to program can only be understood if we look at learning to program as an exercise of the intellect, as a kind of modern-day Latin that we learn to sharpen our minds. -R. Schank (in “The Cognitive Computer”)
In CIS 110, you will learn to code in HTML and CSS, two key web technologies (JavaScript is the third, covered in CIS 111).
Although technically not considered programming languages, the latest versions of HTML and CSS include programming language features such as variables and functions.
If you’re not aiming for a web dev career, what are some of the other possible benefits?
The Top Ten Reasons Why Programming is the new Freshman Comp (as in Computation)
Programming is a skill for every job, and differentiates you from most people in the labor market.
Formerly, only tech companies needed developers but now every business– from fashion to finance– is a tech company and probably has a mobile app. Both front-end devs and back-end devs are needed, and web technologies are essential to both.
In the wake of the digital revolution, music and entertainment managers are now serving as agents for top-level developers.
In the startup world, the search for tech talent is one of the hardest parts of building a startup.
ThTherefore, prepare to acquire some essential 21c. skills (and sharpen your intellect!):
- Programming is a Super-Power.
- Knowing How To Code Is Good For Entrepreneurs. “So you have validated your business idea, now you need to build it.
When you code, you learn how long things take to implement. You know
what’s hard to do, what’s not, what can be done with the team you have,
what skills you lack and need to hire for. You have a much deeper understanding of how things work, and if your
livelihood depends on running a business on top of all this code, then
you should understand how the underlying technology works, and where the
risks are.” - Learn the Language of the Internet. “Jobs now require being able to customize a blog’s design or care for and feed an online database. Inasmuch as you need to know how to read English, you need to have some understanding of the code that builds the Web.”
- Help your Neighbor Fix their Tractor.
- Program or Be Programmed. Programming is the new literacy of the digital age.
- The SEC is considering using Python to specify contracts for asset-backed securities (contracts will be executable programs).
- Programmers are being snapped up by High-Frequency Trading (HFT) firms: 97 percent of NYSE trades are executed via electronic communication networks.
- You might be a Federal Judge someday.
- It’s a life-long skill.
- Satisfy University Gen-Ed Requirements.
Plus, have fun at the same time. No special aptitude required– just your wits and good academic skills. - Bonus: Boost your Analytic and Artistic Powers with Web Programming. See how Olivia got her start at the Code Avengers online code school. Read her Student Profile. See Also: Google’s Made with Code.