Why should people from all branches code:

Coding: a medium of communication with a unique set of languages to interact with machines around us. Also coding: a hot topic of discussion due to its rising importance in our fast-paced world. The growing interest in this subject raises several important questions, one of which I will be addressing below. Is it necessary to learn coding, even if you are not from the CS/IT branch? What benefit do the other branches get for putting the effort?

Let me begin by acknowledging the fact that today, codes or coding isn’t something exclusive. In our day to day activities, some code is always running behind the scene, be it the algorithm of Instagram, or the automatic doors in malls. Yet, there is a fear associated with coding which leads to reluctance to learn. To leave this fear behind, I am here hoping to state some points which may encourage you to pick up and get interested in this domain.

1) Today, computers are used in almost 95 % of the engineering field. You can incorporate coding into almost every branch of engineering. Work can be done much faster by writing computer programs to automate tedious tasks that otherwise would have needed to be done by hand.
2) Beginning to learn coding while being in another stream can be a bit jarring. But there is no such necessity that it has to be started from the very first year. Whichever year you are currently in, learning to code, even one OOP language is very beneficial. It helps in developing the ability to understand the logic behind any given problem, thus opening up our brain and improve problem solving skills in real life (soft skills which are much needed!)

3) Contrary to belief, coding is not an alien concept in other streams. Let us take the example of electronics stream. The theoretical work is quite advanced and almost always requires some level of coding to help model things or solve nasty math. If you are interested in interfacing with reality and to understand possibilities, limits and the quirks of the hardware, you will be dealing with low level languages or assembly language. If signal processing, power management and such are the topics which grab your attention, python, c and Matlab will be an integrate part of it.

4) Coding becomes important in fields where control systems are extensively used. For e.g.: if you are planning to enter the field of computational mechanics, knowing how to code is an added advantage. Languages like Python are used in other areas of mechanical engineering like vibrations and dynamic motion, simulation and modeling engineering, etc. Mechanical and automobile industries use codes to automate tasks.
5) Looking from the employment point of view, knowing how to code gives you a major edge. You gain leverage to a position above the average engineer who fears computer programming. Companies favor you during your job interview and adds extra mark to you. Dare I say, learning to code is a must to up your game in job survival

To conclude, it is high time we stop restricting coding to just 2 branches. Soon, it won't just be engineering - Just as literacy moved from a luxury to basic need, so it will be with coding. Human-to-machine interaction is gaining importance by the day, and power is to those who are fluent in code.

Gouri H
Content Writer
SIESGSTarena-Codechef Campus Chapter