CPD - Best Coding Courses

Valued across a diverse range of industries, coding can be a huge asset to improving a skillset and increasingly help to future-proof a career. Even if your current role is not directly in the field, it can be beneficial to have at least some basic knowledge of coding languages no matter your expertise. In this article, we will discuss the types of coding, including the best skills to have and benefits of taking a CPD course to learn how to code.

What is Coding?

Coding, also known as programming, is the process of developing instructions for a computer to execute. This involves creating a set of directives in a programming language to accomplish specific tasks and solve particular problems. The instructions, or code, can range from simple operations to complex algorithms, depending on what you want to achieve. Programmers, or coders, use different programs to write, test, and debug code, which help in the development of websites, software applications, and other computational solutions. Coding is a fundamental component within the field of computer science.

What are the benefits of take a Coding CPD course?

Whether you are thinking of changing careers or upskilling an existing skillset, undertaking a Coding CPD course can be a great option. While self-study offers its own advantages, taking a formal course in coding can provide a more disciplined learning structure and access to industry experts for support to answer to any questions you may have.

Here are some reasons why a career in Coding could be for you

• High Demand Tech Skills: With technology advancing at a rapid pace and being universal in our daily lives, there is a growing demand for people with coding skills. Machine learning, data analysis and website development are a few of the areas where a proficiency in coding can improve employability. This can lead to further prospects and possibly a higher paid role.

• Versatility: Coding is a highly transferable skill and is used across a variety of industries. Whether it’s finance, healthcare, education, developing the ability to code effectively can open doors in diverse fields and can give you an advantage over competitors.

• Enhance your Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills: Learning to code is not only about being able to write lines of code, you will have to know how to debug and fix code. Being resourceful and able to apply forward thinking solutions if something goes wrong is important. Therefore, developing coding skills can improve your ability to think critically and analytically when these situations arise.

• The Ability to Work Remotely: Technology and coding has helped drive the ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world and a recognised gig economy. With strong coding skills, you can easily tap into the global marketplace of freelance and other job-related opportunities.

• Entrepreneurial Endeavours: Most of us have dreams and ideas, whether pursuing a personal project or building a business, having the ability and autonomy to do this yourself can provide significant value, helping you to implement these goals and turn them into reality.

What Skills do you need to be a Coder?

The skills needed to be a coder encompass a broad mix of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and soft skills. While the following list is not exhaustive, here are some of the fundamentals when looking to develop on coding skills:

1. Programming Languages: You will need to be proficient in at least one programming language.
2. Problem-Solving: Coding often involves breaking down problems into more manageable parts, then making these parts work together. Having strong problem-solving skills will help you to have an effective approach to challenges you may face.
3. Debugging and Testing: Knowing how to fix your code is essential. Familiarity with debugging tools as well as being able to test your code will ensure that the code you write is reliable.
4. Critical Thinking: Coding often requires a creative approach to problem solving as well as the ability to think logically and critically. Being able to think critically and devise innovative solutions is a valuable skill. 
5. Algorithm and Data Structures: Understanding algorithms and data structures is intrinsic to writing effective, efficient code. This includes sorting algorithms, search algorithms and data storage structures.
6. Collaborative working: Being able to communicate and work collaboratively with others within your team is essential. When you are working in a technical sphere and perhaps remotely, clear communication with colleagues will benefit the whole team. 
7. Version Control: When you are working with other developers within a team, having knowledge of version control systems is essential. These track change and help manage your project history.
8. Continuous Learning: Engagement in regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and the pursuit of lifelong learning is essential to keep skills and knowledge up-to-date. Rapid technology changes and new software versions are always being released. A long-term willingness to adapt and learn new advancements is essential.

What are the different types and examples of Coding?

Coding or computer programming, can be categorised into different types based on certain criteria, such as purpose, domain and level of abstraction. Here are some of the main types of coding with examples of each.

Web development: Coding for websites and web applications, including languages such as HMTL, CSS, JavaScript as well as server-side scripting languages such as PHP, Ruby or Python. Server-side programming runs on the web server rather than on the client’s browser. It is responsible for generating the content sent to the client, processing data, handing requests and providing a personalised experience, amongst other functions.

Mobile App Development: Coding for mobile applications. On Android platforms examples include Java and Kotlin. For iOS platforms, Swift or Objective-C.

Desktop Applications: Coding for standalone applications that run on a desktop computer system, such as Mac, Windows or Linux. Java, Python or C# are common examples.

Data Science and Machine Learning: For this, coding is used to analyse and extract insights from data or machine building learning models. A building learning model is a file that can find patterns or make decisions from a previously unseen dataset. Examples include languages like Python using libraries such as NumPy, PyTorch, or TensorFlow. Libraries are a collection of pre-written code and function that extend Python’s capabilities.

Scripting: Scripting involves writing code that will automate repetitive tasks or perform specific functions. Python and PowerShell are examples that can be used.

Game Development: Coding for games, think of how you play and interact with your favourite game. Depending on the game and the platform, examples include C++ or C# or scripting languages, such as LISP, Java or LUA. 

Functional Programming: A computational paradigm where functions are used to ensure the that they are used to the best effect in order to keep clean software and ensure that is it easy to maintain. Examples include Scala or Haskell. 

Procedural Programming: Coding which is used to define procedures or step by step instructions: Examples include languages like Pascal, or C.

Object Oriented Programming (OOP): Writing code that represents real-world entities. For instance, you can create a 'Car' class with attributes like make, model, and colour. This approach allows programmers to model real-world objects in their code, making it easier to understand and manage complex systems.

High Level Programming: A more abstract level of coding which focuses on problem solving: Examples of high level languages are Python, Java or Ruby.

Low Level Programming: This type of coding works very closely with hardware. It can deal with issues such as memory management and hardware interaction.

Is Coding difficult and which language should I learn first?

If you try to progress too quickly, coding can be complicated and you may find yourself struggling. Learning how to code is like learning a new language. Take your time and build your confidence with each step. Having a structured timeline and guidance can help you master all the fundamentals you need before moving on to more complex coding. 

The coding language you learn first depends on your goals and interests as well as the specific area you want to pursue. Some languages, however, are easier to learn and more versatile as a beginner, so these make a good choice to start with on your coding journey.

Python:

A language widely used in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning and automation. It features English syntax and was designed to be easy to read, which makes it accessible for beginners. There is also a huge online Python community, with access to many resources. Python is popular in many industries and having this skill could lead to roles such as re Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Data Scientist, and Research Analyst. 

JavaScript:

Used in front end web development to add interactivity, animations and dynamic content to websites. Learning this language will give you a foothold on both a server-side programming and client side. The rise of JavaScript frameworks has meant it has become more versatile and powerful.

HMTL and CSS:

Foundational for web development, although not traditional coding languages, HTML is used to structure webpages; CSS adds the style and layout. These are relatively easy to learn and provide foundational knowledge on how websites are built. Learning HTML, CSS and JavaScript is commonplace for aspiring developers.

Java:

A versatile, platform independent language used in Android App development, large scale systems and large enterprise systems. Learning this language can provide a solid foundation in programming concepts thanks to its strict syntax and object-oriented principles.

Scratch:

If you would like to start with something more intuitive and visual Scratch is a good choice. It allows you to create interactive games, stories, and animations by snapping together blocks of code. This also makes a great choice when introducing children to coding.

What are the best CPD courses to learn coding?

As there are several important areas and skillsets within computer programming, you may find that a general CPD course on coding fulfils your learning needs and can help to set a foundation before deep diving into a more niche, specialist skill. For example, developing knowledge in specific languages like Python, or Java.

Attending a structured CPD course can help you with self-management and keep you on track with your personal or professional goals. It may seem obvious, but ensure you choose a course that fits your own availability and timescales. Online learning has increased in recent years due to the flexibility it provides. Make sure that any course you take has been accredited as this will provide an assurance that learning has been reviewed and approved to meet industry standards.

If you wish to continue your learning in the area of coding, there is an ever-growing amount of relevant courses, training and online options available within our CPD Courses Catalogue. These have all been formally CPD certified for any further learning requirements, whether you are a beginner or looking to increase existing coding skills. To find out more about a particular CPD Coding course, you can complete an enquiry form that will be sent directly to the relevant CPD provider.

How to become a CPD accredited training provider

We hope this article was helpful. Established in 1996, The CPD Certification Service is the world’s leading and largest CPD accreditation organisation working across all industry sectors. If you provide training courses or events that may be suitable for Continuing Professional Development, please visit the Become a CPD Provider page or contact our team to discuss in more detail. 

Alternatively, if you are looking for a free online CPD record tool to help manage, track and log your ongoing learning, as well as store your training records and attendance certificates in one simple place, go to the myCPD Portal page.