Coding is a hot skill to have these days. If you’re thinking about making a career switch to coding, or if you’re already in the field and want to brush up on your skills, here are nine essential skills you need to know, according to the tech gurus at Revature reviews.
The ability to learn new programming languages quickly.
This one is important because there are always new languages being developed, and as a coder, you need to be able to adapt and learn new languages as they come out. Don’t get too comfortable with just one language; always be looking to expand your skill set.
Problem-solving skills.
Coding is all about solving problems. You need to be able to break down a problem into smaller pieces and then figure out a way to solve it using code. This can be tricky at times, but it’s an essential skill for any coder.
Attention to detail.
Coding is also about being precise and paying attention to details. Even a small mistake can cause major problems down the line, so it’s important that you’re able to catch errors and fix them before they become bigger issues.
Creativity.
While coders often get pigeonholed as being logical and left-brained, the truth is that creativity is also an important skill for coders to have. After all, you need to be able to come up with innovative solutions to problems, and that requires some out-of-the-box thinking from time to time.
The ability to work independently.
A lot of coding is done solo, so it’s important that you’re able to work independently and focus on your work without distraction. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can never collaborate with others; it just means that you should be comfortable working by yourself when necessary.
Time management skills.
Because independent coders generally work on a freelance basis, time management skills are crucial in order not only in getting the work done but also getting it done on time and within budget constraints. This can be difficult at times, but it’s an important skill for any freelancer—coder or not—to master.
Debugging.
Being able to debug your own code is an important skill, as it’s often the only way to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it. Whether you’re working on a small project or something much larger, being able to identify and solve problems on your own will make you a better coder in the long run.
Understanding of the fundamentals.
While it’s important to stay up-to-date, you should also understand the basics of coding, such as understanding data structures and algorithms, writing efficient code, and debugging your own code. This is often overlooked in favor of learning new languages and frameworks, but it’s an essential skill for any coder.
Communication skills.
Even though a lot of coding is done independently, there are still times when you need to communicate with other coders or non-coders who don’t have the same technical background as you do. Being able to communicate your ideas in an easy-to-understand way is essential for any coder.
A final word on coding skills.
Coding is a complex skill and requires you to have multiple talents and abilities. From problem-solving skills to communication skills, having all of these in your toolbox will make you a much better coder in the long run. So go ahead, brush up on your coding skills, and start coding today.