National Coding Week runs each year in September, this year it’s from the 18th until 24th. It’s a time to celebrate those who work in the industry, to provide advice, share experiences and is a week which looks to tackle the current skills shortage, especially in the UK.
Here at Claritas we’re no strangers to the lines of code that are the DNA of successful websites and businesses online. We have a group of talented coders under our roof, so we’d like to take this opportunity to speak to some of them and share their thoughts with you. Today we spoke to David Wilson – Software Developer and Guarav Joshi – Senior Solutions Architect.
Here’s what we learned.
Some people learn coding from an early age whereas for others the passion comes later in life.
I started coding a long time ago, I have always coded. But my first keen interest with visible outputs was around 1994.
Gaurav
I had done some basic coding whilst I was at school – in classes and in my own time. However, it wasn’t until I was much older and working as a technology trainer that I became really interested.
David
Coders can come from different backgrounds and, as we found when speaking to David, this doesn’t always have to be I.T.
After earning a degree in genetics, I worked in banking and finance before moving into technology and business training and consultancy. The move to be a software developer was a big career change and I started out in a junior role.
David
Needless to say, both are passionate about their occupation and enjoy it for different reasons.
It can be challenging but it’s liberating and it’s amazing how I can translate what I say into a visible output through code. I can’t ever imagine myself not coding.
Gaurav
I like that software development requires a wide range of skills and allows me to become deeply involved in something. The work that I do involves a lot of problem solving, but also some more creative work (e.g. designing interfaces, interactivity).
David
Finally, some valuable advice for anyone who is looking to start out in coding.
Start exploring and learning now! It may seem daunting and it can be easy to get bogged-down in deciding which language to learn or trying to learn theory, but the best thing to do is just dive-in. While the syntax and flow of different languages vary greatly, the concepts and patterns are pretty much universal; so wherever you begin, you will be able to transfer your skills to other languages or types of development. Be that from javascript to C# or from programming a Raspberry Pi to turn your lights on to writing an application that interacts with Twitter!
David
If you have the flair for coding, it can be a great companion all your life. You will never be short of challenges.
Gaurav
We’re always keen to hear from budding coders so why not connect with us on social media? We’re posting about I.T. and tech news, coding, cybersecurity, best practice and a whole host of other topics.
