Top 10 Common Misconceptions About Computer Programming
Since computing is a broad subject, it is easy to jump to conclusions based on hacker-themed movies you may have watched. You don't need to be a geeky genius to master programming.
If programming happens to be your hobby, you might consider yourself lucky to have stumbled upon this list. It will debunk common myths and misconceptions about programming in general.
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Most programmers know how to hack
"I'm in" intensifies
This is a generalizing statement among people who tend to be unfamiliar with the tech field. Technically, it takes a bit of coding in order to hack something, but most coders are not hackers. There is a difference between the two.
A hacker usually has a strong grasp of networking and social engineering, and is someone who exploits vulnerabilities and penetrates systems. Most coders, in general, do not have those skills and have no interest in exploiting programs or penetrating security holes. So the answer? Some of them, but "most"? Definitely not.
Only the most elite programmers know how to do this.
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If you program, then you are smart
You don't have to be a genius in order to code. Anyone can get into programming, although learning a coding language requires consistency. No matter how fluent you are, you still have to maintain that steady momentum.
All in all, it depends on your motivation and patience to learn the subject. Keep in mind that it is impossible to learn everything about programming, as technology is continuously shifting, older programming languages fade out, and new ones emerge.
Most of the code they ask you to write in college can be found online. You can simply copy and paste it, then modify it to fit your specific goals.
I've recently gotten into coding, and although I consider myself a smart person, I know that this is a misconception.
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Programmers can code in any language
This is something that not many people know, which is probably why some people tend to hold abnormally high expectations of programmers. Just like the languages we speak in the world, programming has its own diverse set of languages.
Although some programming languages like C# or C++ seem similar to each other, they are different, even if they can be learned more quickly depending on the motivation of the programmer. It's not like a programmer can master Java or CSS within a day, though learning one programming language can make it slightly easier to get immersed in another.
Most programming languages are similar, but they each have their own differences. Once you've learned C++, for example, you won't be able to code immediately in C#.
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Programmers can fix all kinds of computer problems
Although programmers usually tend to have basic knowledge of solving other computer-related problems and general troubleshooting aside from code, people who lack exposure to the technology field often hold high expectations of programmers.
This leads to questions such as, "Oh hey, can you fix the dead pixels on my laptop screen?" or other unrelated issues. Some programmers are not familiar with troubleshooting hardware problems compared to software problems. Not many people realize that computing is a very broad topic.
If it's a hardware issue, then programmers generally can't help. Information technology specialists might be able to address it, but even for them, it can be a hassle.
Just because someone is a programmer doesn't mean they can fix all of your computer problems. They search on Google like everyone else.
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A programmer must be young to code
It can be helpful to start young and immerse yourself early in a long-term interest such as programming, since this may lead to more opportunities later in the future. However, age does not determine whether you can enter the field or not.
Your mind may feel more sluggish compared to others, but the most important thing is that you are never too young or too old to start programming.
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You must be good at math to program
Generally, it doesn't take advanced calculus to solve errors in code. Although math and coding share similarities, such as problem-solving skills, they are not the same thing.
All you need is a good grasp of basic algebra and general math knowledge, and you are usually set. Note that this depends on the language you are programming and the type of project you plan to make.
They make you go through advanced calculus just to even get into the introductory classes, which is absurd because the only really new concept they introduce in math is the modulo operation. Or binary, but that's not really important.
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Programming is about fast typing
This mentality seems to be common among people who are exposed to programming-focused movies. The simple answer is no, because programming involves a significant amount of thinking rather than aimlessly typing code and hoping it magically works.
The opposite is actually true. The only important thing is knowing how to type properly on a keyboard.
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You need a computing degree or must attend university to be a programmer
Today, programming is easily accessible if you have a laptop or other devices. There are many websites, books, and online resources to get immersed in the programming world, and even young kids can learn programming at any time.
Nowadays, it is possible to get employed even without a degree. You don't need a piece of paper to get a job, but determination is a major factor in securing one, although some may disagree.
Degrees are increasingly meaningless nowadays, unless you're looking for status or something similar. There are too many online tutorials that teach you how to code for free, and questions on Stack Overflow are almost guaranteed to get answered.
While there are plenty of tutorials available for learning coding on your own, attending college is often necessary if you're aiming for a job in the field.
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Women cannot program or women programmers do not exist
Most people tend to jump to this conclusion since many male programmers are more visible in the field. Mind-blowing fact: the first programmer in history was actually a woman named Ada Lovelace, a mathematician who wrote a coding algorithm on paper before a computer was built.
You may not believe it, but male and female programmers have both made significant contributions to the field.
Women do exist in this field. However, it's true that most people interested in computer science are men. In my college program, there were around four women in the entire course.
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Programmers wear glasses
Ever wondered why many programmers wear glasses? Because they can't C#.
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Programmers are nerds
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Programmers are virgins
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Programmers are bad at socializing or are anti-social
This is not only a misconception but also a common stereotype. The short answer? Extroverted programmers exist, even if they are often overshadowed by quieter ones.
Collaborating with other coders is mandatory when it comes to many projects.
Most people I've seen in my class had no issues with chatting, asking questions, or anything like that. However, I'd say most are calm by nature.