There are so many myths about programming out there that it’s hard to distinguish fact from fiction. Many people want to learn programming, but never end up starting. They might believe certain myths that make them doubt themselves.
Some people think they are too old to start coding. Others believe that just learning programming won’t open up doors to any great careers. Some students hear the term “data scientist” and immediately think it’s a field dedicated to nerds and math experts.
These ideas might be common, but they certainly aren’t true.
Programming today is more open than ever. With online learning, you can start learning without even leaving your home. We’ve met students of all ages and backgrounds. The biggest challenge, surprisingly, is never the learning itself, but overcoming the myths that students have believed.
In this blog, we will answer three big questions that are often connected to myths about programming:
- Is it too late to learn coding in your 30s or 40s?
- What kind of jobs can you get after completing a programming course?
- Can you become a data scientist without strong math knowledge?
Let’s dive into it!
Is it worth learning programming at the age of 30 or 40?
One of the most common myths about programming is that there is an age limit. What a silly myth! Yet so many people fall for it.
Many believe that coding is a “young person’s” career. They imagine young developers working at fast-paced tech startups, drinking energy drinks and wearing their favorite band merch. They think that it is too late for them to join, and they don’t fit the mold. But this idea is hugely false.
Learning programming in your 30s or 40s has real advantages. At 30, you already have life and work experience. You know how to stay focused, solve problems, and organize your time. These skills are critical for great programmers.
Adults are often (not always!) more disciplined than younger students, which helps them complete courses and projects professionally. It also puts less of a strain on them financially to pay for a course or take some time off work to focus on building a new skill.
Online learning also simplifies the process for adults. You don’t need to go back to university or leave your job behind. At Froggy Code, we have students who work full-time and still manage to learn Python or JavaScript in the evenings. Others balance their studies with taking care of children, running small businesses, or playing professional sports, and still succeed.
There are many success stories of people who started coding later in life. Some became web developers, others chose software testing or automation. Tech companies value skills and results, not the age displayed on your ID card. Employers look for highly skilled programmers, which anyone can become with a little dedication.
So let’s see age for what it really is…just a number! Don’t let it define you, scare you away from pursuing your goals, or make you feel less valuable than your peers. We’ll let you in on a little secret, not all of the founders behind Froggy Code are in their 20s either!
What kind of jobs can I get after finishing a programming course?
Another of the big myths about programming is that finishing a course will not “give you” a real career. Some people think that the market is so saturated that entry-level jobs are impossible to land. This is also false.
Firstly, careers are not “given”. They require skills, knowledge, great interview skills, and maybe even a friend on the HR team.
Secondly, the world is in desperate need of programmers.
Programmers are sought after everywhere, not just at IT companies. Healthcare, finance, logistics, startups, and education all need developers. And this trend won’t be going away anytime soon.
Programming skills open doors to many different roles. For example, if you enjoy design and user experience, you can become a front-end developer who works with JavaScript. If you prefer server logic and systems, you can pursue backend development, working with fun languages like Python or C#. Full-stack developers contribute to both sides. And then there are QA testers, DevOps supporters, automation specialists, and a whole bunch of others.
Almost all of our graduates have moved into full-time programming positions after completing our courses. The important thing to employers is that you show real projects that you’ve worked on and dynamic problem-solving skills. Lucky for you, learning programming online offers plenty of opportunities for both.
Can I become a data scientist without strong maths skills?
One of the most common myths about programming and data science is that you need to be a math genius. Many people believe that only statisticians (aka math nerds) can succeed. But again, that’s simply not the case.
Modern data science is built on tools and programming. Logical thinking, problem-solving, and coding are the most important skills to have. High knowledge of abstract math is cool, but definitely not a must. Plus, online libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn make it possible to analyze data and build models without deep theoretical math knowledge.
Now we don’t want to spread fake news. This does not mean that math has no role in programming. Knowledge of statistics, for example, is very helpful. But it should not be seen as a barrier. Many successful data scientists started with coding and learned the maths alongside it as they progressed. It might not be ideal, but it’s certainly doable. Especially with a little motivation…and some caffeine!
At Froggy Code, we encourage beginners not to be afraid of data science. You can start small, grow your skills step by step, and work alongside a team of experts who are ready to help you. Don’t compare your progress to anyone else’s, and don’t feel bad about asking questions. Every tiny step carries you forward, and one day you’ll be looking back and thanking yourself for never giving up.
Final thoughts on myths about programming
It is never too late to learn coding. There are many jobs available after finishing an online programming course. And a career in data science is possible without advanced maths knowledge.
Programming is a skill that anyone can learn with the right mindset and a little bit of practice. Do not let these silly myths about programming stop you from starting.
If you want to keep learning, we encourage you to explore more topics in tech. Every week, we discuss fresh new topics and hot industry trends, perfect for reading alongside a fresh morning coffee.
And if you are ready to take the next step, why not join one of our programming courses? We offer flexible online learning, small-group settings, plenty of hands-on projects, all at a great price-value. Start your career in programming with Froggy Code. We promise it’ll be the best decision ever!