Unleash your potential: Go beyond clichés to embrace the world of programming

Programming is an exciting and constantly evolving field that offers many opportunities. However, many clichés persist and discourage some people from learning to code. In this article, we will review the most common clichés to deconstruct them and show you that programming is accessible to everyone, regardless of your skill level or gender. It's time to unlock your potential and break down the barriers that prevent you from thriving in this exciting field!

1. Programming is complex and inaccessible

One of the most common clichés is that programming is a complex field and reserved for the initiated. Nothing could be further from reality! There are many online resources, interactive tutorials, and learning communities that make learning programming accessible to everyone. You can start with simple programming tools such as Scratch, which is designed specifically for beginners, then gradually move towards more advanced but still very accessible languages ​​like Python or Java which will show you how to code.

2. Women are not good at programming and programming is for men

These gender clichés are deeply rooted and unfortunately all too present because less than 20% of developer positions are occupied by women, but they are completely unfounded. Women have literally played a vital role in the development of programming since its beginnings, since the first computer program was created in 1843 by Countess Ada Lovelace, and they continue to make important contributions to the field. Promoting diversity and inclusion in programming is essential because it allows for varied perspectives and encourages innovation. No matter your gender, you have the ability to become a great developer!

3. You have to be a math genius to program

A great classic which consists of thinking that programming = mathematics. Although mathematics can be useful in some aspects of programming, it is not essential to get started. Programming focuses more on logic and problem solving, and allows you to learn to code without a complete grasp of math. On the contrary, programming will give you the opportunity to solve mathematical problems. This is particularly the case for Python and Matlab which are very frequently used in research to facilitate work on complex calculations and simulations.

4. Programmers are introverted nerds and programming promotes isolation

Do you also have in mind this image of the guy who codes in a black sweatshirt, hood on his head and completely immersed in darkness with the only light being the glow of the lines of codes scrolling across his Mr. Robot-style screen? Not only is the developer not necessarily a guy (we saw this just above) but your wardrobe or your personality are not an obstacle to your learning of programming. In reality, programming often requires close collaboration with other people, such as designers, engineers or other developers, so we are far from the cliché of the solitary developer. Additionally, programming can be used to solve real-world problems and create interactive projects, which promotes interaction with the real world. Programming skills can help you develop user-friendly user interfaces and attractive web applications with languages ​​like CSS.

5. Programming is boring and monotonous

Programming offers endless creative possibilities! You can develop captivating video games with Scratch or Python, create innovative mobile applications with AppInventor or Java or even design interactive and aesthetic websites using HTML and CSS. All these languages ​​allow you to explore your creativity by developing animations, visual effects and interactive features. Additionally, using frameworks and libraries (we're talking about them right here) allows you to add style and interactivity to your projects, making programming exciting and dynamic.

6. Programmers have to spend years learning before they can code

It's true that the programming world is constantly evolving and therefore requires continuous learning, but that doesn't mean you have to spend years studying before you can start coding. On the contrary, you can start learning the basics of programming today by following online courses, consulting tutorials and practicing regularly. With constant practice, you will be able to develop strong skills and complete your own projects in a relatively short time.

7. Only natural talents can become good programmers

Programming is a skill that can be learned with practice and persistence. It's true that some people may have a natural affinity for logic or code, but that doesn't mean others can't become good programmers. With a positive attitude, determination, and a methodical approach to learning, anyone can develop their programming skills and succeed. To simplify learning you can tackle simple projects, like these for example.

8. Programming is reserved for young people

There is no age to learn to program. Whether you are a child, teenager, parent or even grandparent, you can learn programming at any time in your life. Of course, like many disciplines it is often easier to learn to code for younger people, but the experience and logic of older people will be a significant asset in learning. Additionally, age diversity in programming can bring unique perspectives and foster intergenerational collaboration. Even the youngest children can enjoy the benefits of coding, which brings us to our final shot.

9. You have to spend hours on screens to program

It is true that computer programming often requires the use of a computer or electronic device. However, a program (computer or not) is just a list of instructions for a machine or a human to carry out a task, a bit like a cooking recipe. It is therefore possible to imagine disconnected forms of programming such as the human robot game where a blindfolded person (the “robot”) will execute the instructions given by a second person (the programmer) to make it navigate in the room while avoiding obstacles. There are also games like https://codeenbois.fr/ which allow you to discover the benefits of programming without screens, while spending time sharing with others.

Programming offers a gateway to a world of endless possibilities. It is not reserved for an elite, but accessible to all those who have the desire to learn and develop their skills. By challenging these clichés, we open the door to new perspectives and unlimited opportunities. Parents can play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging their children in this process, providing them with the resources and opportunities needed to learn and grow.
There are many clichés around programming, together let's take the time to deconstruct some of them.

Do you see a photo that we forgot? Tell us in the comments which cliché you may have already encountered