5 Interesting Coding Facts You May Not Know

When you're learning a novel programming language for the first time, you'll probably start by reading up on the syntax and the various language principles. What you don't do, most likely, is discover intriguing information about coding and its past, present, and future. But coding is considerably more complex than it first appears.

Here are some great facts about coding to give you a flavor of this fascinating industry.

1. There are more than 700 coding dialects

You've probably heard of JavaScript, C++, Python, HTML, and CSS, but are you acquainted with Chef? Chef is a programming language in which the source code is formatted to resemble a cookbook, replete with ingredients and instructions. What about the compiler language CLWNPA (Compiler Language With No Pronounceable Acronym), which requires you to add the word "Please" to your code, or the compiler will interpret it as being impolite? What about Velato, a programming language for those with a musical bent whose source code is essentially a MIDI file?

There are currently more than 700 languages in programming available, which is more than double the languages spoken across the United States alone. These are only a few examples.

2. The first "computer bug" actually existed.

A group of engineers and computer scientists at Harvard discovered a problem with their computers in 1947. When they went to examine the computer's components, they found a moth stuck within.

The first English-language information compiler was created by computer scientist Grace Hopper, who also noted the "first genuine incidence of a defect being detected" in the computer's logbook.

Today, "bugs" are faults or weaknesses in programs or computer systems, and a large part of becoming a computer programmer involves debugging programs. But the earliest known problem was a poor moth that got caught in a computer.

3. The initial computer viruses posed no threat

Code that can replicate itself and spread to other computers is the most basic definition of a computer virus, and it has been around since the 1940s. However, Creeper, the very first computer virus, wasn't created until 1971. The Creeper virus's sole purpose in existence was to show the phrase "I'M THE CREEPER. SEE IF YOU CAN CATCH ME.

The first invisible virus, Brain, was created by two Pakistani brothers fifteen years later and concealed in software floppy discs. Because they were fed up with individuals stealing their medical software, the brothers invented the virus.

Today, when we consider computer viruses, we consider their detrimental impacts, such as wiping out data or ruining a whole computer network. However, all of the original viruses had one factor in common: they weren't made to steal or alter data.

4. Coding isn't limited to the tech sector

Programmers are in great demand in Austin, Seattle, Silicon Valley, and San Francisco, as well as other tech centers, but coding employment is available in all the states in the U.S. (even remote locations) and every sector. The tech sector only accounts for about 70% of advertising coding jobs. Therefore, while working as a coder in the computer sector is a great career decision, you can increase your prospects by simply looking for jobs elsewhere.

5. Businesses struggle to find enough coders

The irony is that, even though the fact that every major business needs programmers, there aren't enough of them to go around. The demand for programmers has grown significantly over the past few years compared to the number of qualified candidates. This isn't simply a phase, either. Between 2020 and 2030, computer and information technology (IT) occupations are expected to expand by 13%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is almost twice as fast as the average projected growth rate for all other occupations.

More specifically, positions for web developers and digital designers are predicted to grow by 13%, roles for database administrators and architects could increase by 8%, and roles for software engineers and quality assurance analysts are predicted to grow by 22%.

This is fantastic news if you're considering pursuing a career in coding or are already on the path to becoming a developer because it means businesses worldwide are searching for someone with your set of talents. Additionally, it means you'll have the chance to look at jobs in other industries and locations around the nation.