Why Learn Programming?

Should you learn programming? It's likely a good idea. While it may take some time before you can publish full-fledged software applications (and you may drop it before then), there are smaller-scale benefits of knowing how to code:

• By learning a little programming, you will become familiar with the process of developing software, which can help you work more effectively with software developers. You'll also be able to decide if you want to continue learning programming.
• Once you have a basic knowledge of programming, you will be able to create small scripts to automate certain tasks. You will be able to use other code within projects without having to write too much of your own code.
• Once you have more experience, you can then build your own projects, or get a programming job or internship. You can also use your programming skills in most other fields.

These are some things you can do with basic programming knowledge:

• Create a simple website and embed other scripts in it to do all sorts of things
• Work with Macros in Microsoft Office or AppsScripts in Google Docs.
• Manipulate large amounts of text automatically.
• Create simple scripts to calculate things in math, science or business.
  

However, programming does require logical thinking, an attention to detail, patience, and the ability to break down and solve problems. If you don't like any of those things, you won't like programming, but you can still learn the basics!

Currently, students spend a large amount of time in school learning math that they might never use, so it might make sense to learn a little practical programming which can be used to do math and much more!