To code or not to code—that is the question.

If you asked a bunch of millennials where they first dabbled in coding, many would probably say “Myspace”. At least, that’s how it went at my school. I mean, how else was I going to create a flashy, repeating background or make sure my Myspace visitors could listen to Kelly Clarkson’s “Behind These Hazel Eyes” on a loop? I was only 11 years old, fumbling with HTML and CSS—not even realizing I was technically coding. Fast forward 20 (or so) years and coding has evolved in ways that would’ve blown my 11-year-old mind. Now, a lot of us are asking a new question: Should I learn to code?

Whether you’re nearing the end of college or looking to switch careers later in life, the question makes sense, especially in today’s tech-forward job market. Coding is a skill that’s in demand, but learning to code requires a solid investment of your time, energy, and money. So…is it worth it?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering the same thing. So keep reading. Let’s explore whether learning to code makes sense for you in 2025.

Table of Contents

• How to Decide If Learning to Code is Right For You
• Benefits and Challenges of Learning to Code
• What You Need to Know Before Learning to Code
• Myths About Learning to Code
• Careers and Industries That Coding Can Lead To
• So, Is Learning to Code Worth It?
• Learn to Code Today

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How to Decide If Learning to Code is Right For You

Like I said, learning to code takes time, energy, and money, and you’re not alone in wondering if it’s worth it. After all, a lot of people don’t get into coding because they see it as a “fun hobby,” — which, don’t get me wrong, it can be — but instead, they see the potential for what coding could turn into. Whether or not you learn to code depends on you and your goals, but here are a few reasons why coding could be worth it—or why it might not be the right fit for you.

Reasons for Learning to Code

You want to be a web or software developer.

If learning to code is on your mind, there’s a solid chance you’ve thought about becoming a web developer. And honestly, that’s a pretty great reason to learn if you ask me. Developers are the people behind the websites, apps, and software we use every day—whether it’s streaming your favorite show or ordering takeout at 2 AM. Not only do they make apps work, but they also have a hand in making sure they look good and run smoothly while they’re at it.

Some people love the problem-solving side of code. Back-end developers, for example, build the systems that power websites and apps. Have you ever booked a flight online? The way search results pop up, prices update, and your payment goes through—that’s all thanks to back-end code. Other developers are more into design and user experience. If you’ve ever landed on a website that just feels right—with a clean layout, smooth animations, and easy navigation—that’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript at work on the front end (the highly evolved version of changing the typography on your Myspace page!).

And if both logic and creativity pull you in, full-stack development might be your thing. The best part about development is that you don’t need a four-year degree to start building websites. Even with basic HTML and CSS, you can start creating something—a personal blog (like my old Myspace page), a small business website, or even a portfolio that shows off your work. Whether you’re looking to change your career or just curious, coding gives you the power to build things. And in 2025, that’s a skill worth having.

You like problem-solving.

We mentioned this briefly, but it’s worth repeating—if you love problem-solving, coding might be exactly what you need. From debugging a website that refuses to load to optimizing an algorithm for better performance, coding is all about finding solutions.

Take debugging, for example. Let’s say a sign-up form on a website keeps rejecting valid emails. As the developer, it’s up to you to sift through the code, test different fixes, and find the problem—which might be as simple as a single misplaced character in a validation script. That mix of logic, trial and error, and troubleshooting is exactly what makes coding so appealing to problem-solvers.

And if problem-solving really is your bread and butter, some areas of coding push this even further. Data science, cybersecurity, and machine learning are heavy on problem-solving skills and breaking complex problems into smaller, manageable solutions. So, if you love figuring things out, coding gives you endless opportunities to do just that.

You’re interested in working with computers.

Coding is all about working closely with computers. Sure, there’s no shortage of teamwork in tech—tons of roles focus on collaborating with people, but as a developer, your main focus is the screen in front of you. From writing code to troubleshooting bugs, most of the job is screen time. But, if you don’t mind getting lost in a problem or project, or if you like diving into what makes computers tick, spending long hours at your desk won’t feel like such a chore.

Reasons Why You Might Not Need to Learn Code

You’re already happy with your career.

If you’re already happy with your career and its future, there’s no pressure to drop everything and learn to code. But since you’re here—reading this article—maybe you’re curious about coding, even if you’re not looking to make a career change. And that’s totally fine! Coding can still be useful, even if you’re not hoping to work as a developer.

Learning a bit of HTML and CSS can help you build a personal website or maybe even automate some repetitive tasks at work. So, if you’re happy with your job but want to dip your toes into coding, it’s definitely worth learning and exploring as a hobby. If you like cybersecurity, for example, you can learn enough to pursue bug bounties without being a full-time professional.

You don’t want to build apps, websites, or other tech projects.

If building apps, websites, or tech projects doesn’t pique your interest, coding might not be for you. There are tons of cool ways to apply coding skills, but if you don’t care about creating or managing tech, learning to code could feel boring. Coding often requires deep dives into product development while also dealing with bugs and new updates. If that doesn’t sound like something you’re interested in, it’s completely fine to focus on something else. Development can be incredibly rewarding for some, but it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay!

Benefits and Challenges of Learning to Code

Still not sure if you should learn to code? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of learning how to code, as well as some of the challenges that come along with the experience.

The Benefits of Learning to Code

Job Opportunities

The high demand for software developers isn’t slowing down. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17% growth in software development jobs from 2023 to 2033, far above the average for all occupations. This isn’t just about Silicon Valley. Every industry—from healthcare to finance to entertainment—relies on technology. Whether you want to build memorable mobile apps or use cybersecurity to build a network of defense for companies, coding gives you career options.

Increased Earning Potential

Let’s be real—earning potential matters. The average software developer in the U.S. makes around $105,175 a year, a single salary that’s much higher than the national median household income of $80,610. As you gain experience—and if you specialize in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), data science, or cloud computing—your salary has the potential to climb even higher. Companies are willing to pay for top talent, and coding skills put you in a great position to get hired and negotiate better pay and benefits.

Real-World Application

Every website, mobile app, and streaming service you’ve ever used was built with code. The AI-powered recommendations on Netflix? Code. The automated systems that handle everything from online banking to supply chain logistics? You guessed it—code. Writing a few lines of Python could save you hours of repetitive work. And knowing how to code doesn’t just make you more appealing to potential employers. It gives you the power to build things yourself.

Transferable Skills

Even if you don’t become a full-time programmer, coding strengthens (hard and soft) skills that are valuable in any field. Debugging teaches patience and problem-solving. Writing efficient code forces you to think logically. Even the trial-and-error processes of coding can help you become more resilient. These skills can make you a better analyst, marketer, or entrepreneur—regardless of what career you choose. Plus, knowing a little bit of HTML or CSS can help you talk to your website vendor more effectively, for example.

Flexibility in Location

Coding tends to come with flexibility, even with the recent return-to-office mandates. Many developers work remotely, which means you’re not tied to a specific city or office. If you want to work from home, travel while working, or transition into freelancing, a coding career can make it possible. Coding mostly just requires a laptop, so the ability to work from anywhere can give you something most employees are after—a better work-life balance and more control over your schedule.

Low Barrier for Entry

You don’t need a computer science degree to learn how to code. And while many paid resources exist, there are also tons of free resources, coding boot camps, and online courses make it accessible to anyone willing to put in the time. For example, in Skillcrush’s free coding bootcamp, students can learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as visual design and user experience. Whether you start with HTML and CSS for web development or learn Python for artificial intelligence and automation, the barrier to entry is lower than ever.

Is Tech Right For you? Take Our 3-Minute Quiz!

You Will Learn:

☑️ If a career in tech is right for you

☑️ What tech careers fit your strengths

☑️ What skills you need to reach your goals

The Challenges of Learning to Code

We’ve covered some of the many reasons to learn to code, but what are some of the downsides?

Expenses

Learning to code isn’t always free (even when it says it is). Sure, you can start coding without technically spending a dime, but if you want structured learning, feedback, and job support, you’ll likely need to invest in a paid course or bootcamp. And, it will still cost your time. A good coding bootcamp can cost thousands of dollars, but remember—a computer science degree may cost thousands of dollars per semester. Even if you go the self-taught route, you might end up paying for certifications and advanced courses, but these can still be cheaper than a four-year degree.

Time

You don’t just pick up coding—you grind at it for months before you’re really a “developer.” Writing your first “Hello, World” is fun, but building real projects and debugging errors? That’s where the real work happens. And then there’s the job hunt. It’s common to apply to dozens of jobs (or more!) before landing one. Entry-level roles usually ask for some experience, but don’t worry—you can still get your first tech job without experience. You’ll just have to create your own coding projects or take on internships to gain some.

Diversity (or Lack Thereof)

The industry isn’t as diverse as it should be, and biases—both explicit and implicit—are real. If you’re a woman, Black, or from another underrepresented group in tech, there can be an added layer of difficulty. Although there have been improvements, diversity reports haven’t changed that much over the last few years. As of 2020, 25% of tech positions in the U.S. were held by women while women of color (Black, Latin, Asian, or Pacific Islander) held less than half of these roles. And with DEI initiatives rolling back, progress doesn’t seem to be moving forward.

Like in other industries, discrimination is an issue in tech that causes challenges when it comes to finding employment and promotions. Because of the lack of diversity, you may have trouble finding mentors who identify in the same ways as you and understand your experiences. However, there are ways to help and ask for help, and, hopefully, encouraging groups of people with diverse experiences to get into tech will eventually make the tech field a more equitable place.

What You Need to Know Before Learning to Code

Learning to code is a smart move if you know what you’re getting into. If you want to set yourself up for success, you need to consider a few other things—job accessibility, deciding which programming language to learn, and the idea of continuous learning.

Accessibility of Specific Jobs

Not all programming jobs demand years of experience or a computer science degree. Some are beginner-friendly, while others take serious time and effort to master. If you can handle HTML, CSS, and a little JavaScript, you can start building basic websites fairly quickly. Small businesses, startups, and freelance clients are always looking for front-end developers to create landing pages, and this role doesn’t require deep technical expertise. On the other hand, if you want to build entire web apps, you’ll need to master both front-end and back-end technologies, like JavaScript frameworks and databases. This takes more time, but it can lead to higher-paying jobs.

Picking the Right Coding Language

Forget the endless debates about which programming language is “best.” Choose based on what you actually want to do. Bear in mind that some software companies use Python exclusively, while others might rely on C#.

If you’re interested in:

• Developing websites: Learn HTML and CSS
• Building interactive websites and web apps: Learn JavaScript
• Working with WordPress: Learn PHP
• Building Android apps: Learn Java and Kotlin
• Building Mac or iPhone apps: Learn Swift
• Building Windows apps: Learn C#
• Creating games or audio/video apps: Learn C++
• Working in artificial intelligence and data science: Learn Python

Related: How to Decide Which Programming Language to Learn

Learning Never Ends

Your first coding language likely won’t be your last. The tech world moves fast, and what’s in demand today might be outdated in five years. Staying relevant means following industry trends, experimenting with new tools, and adapting fast.

Think of it this way—a developer who learned jQuery a decade ago had to learn the newer JavaScript framework React to stay competitive. That’s because the best coders don’t just know how to code. They know how to learn. Companies value adaptability over memorizing syntax. As you grow and develop (pun intended) more projects, you’ll continue to immerse yourself in coding communities, and stay on your toes. The more you evolve with tech, the more doors will stay open.

Myths About Learning to Code

Some myths about coding might make it seem harder than it is and might make you second-guess your ability to pick up coding skills. So, let’s set the record straight and debunk a few of them.

• You have to be a “math person.”
  No, you don’t need to be a “math person.” Sure, coding involves logic, but complex calculus? Not so much. You’ll mostly work with patterns and problem-solving—not solving equations. Front-end developers, for example, spend more time styling web pages with CSS than crunching numbers. Basic math helps, but you won’t need to dust off your algebra textbook.
• You have to be young to learn to code.
  Forget the idea that coding is only for “young people.” Life experience is an asset. Plenty of developers got their start well into adulthood. Some companies might even prefer career changers because they bring experience from other fields. Plus, many online courses and coding bootcamps cater to adult learners, making it easier than ever to get started.
• Coding will become boring after you learn it.
  Coding is constantly evolving, with new technologies and languages popping up to keep things interesting. A developer who starts with basic web pages might get into new niches like AI or game development later in their career.
• You need a computer science degree to get a coding job.
  Many companies care more about skills than diplomas. Bootcamp grads and self-taught coders land jobs by building solid portfolios and proving their abilities in technical interviews. If you can code well, employers take notice—degree or not.

Is Tech Right For you? Take Our 3-Minute Quiz!

You Will Learn:

☑️ If a career in tech is right for you

☑️ What tech careers fit your strengths

☑️ What skills you need to reach your goals

Careers and Industries That Coding Can Lead To

Coding isn’t just for Silicon Valley programmers. Think about healthcare, where coding helps power everything from medical devices to electronic health records. In finance, coding helps with trading and data analysis. Even industries like manufacturing and marketing use coding to automate processes and increase efficiency. Coding can take you places, and in 2025, those places might look like this:

So, Is Learning to Code Worth It?

It’s 2025, and if you haven’t noticed, technology is everywhere—and it’s only getting bigger. Companies are racing to adopt and create new digital solutions, pushing the demand for skilled coders to even greater heights. The truth is, as more industries embrace the digital world, the need for people who can write code is growing, not slowing down.

As we’ve said, learning to code doesn’t just open doors to tech companies. Whether you’re in healthcare, education, or finance, every industry is looking for ways to innovate with technology. To stay ahead, they’ll need coders on their teams. And if you know how to code, you’re a valuable asset no matter what field you’re in.

So, whether you’re exploring a career change or enhancing your current skill set, learning to code is an investment that can pay off in the end.

Is Tech Right For you? Take Our 3-Minute Quiz!

You Will Learn:

☑️ If a career in tech is right for you

☑️ What tech careers fit your strengths

☑️ What skills you need to reach your goals

Learn to Code Today

Whether you’re starting with the basics like HTML and CSS or tackling advanced topics like creating data visualizations in Python, the Skillcrush Break Into Tech course is a great place to start. Not only will you come out of it with some of the most desired tech skills, but it’ll give you guidance, support, and know-how to confidently land your dream job.