The ever-evolving field of programming and development is piquing the interest of people from all fields. Today, they rank among the most in-demand skills of the 21st century. At the same time, several myths, lies and misconceptions about this field need to be busted. They are exaggerations, false expectations, or perhaps figments of someone’s imagination, but they are popular nonetheless, and programmers are sorely bored with them.
Today, we have chosen to bring you a list of the most common myths about programming, presented by Analytics India.
7 Programming Myths You Shouldn’t Believe
AI can replace programmers
With the launch of ChatGPT and Copilot-like AI models that can write code, came the question whether the developers’ jobs are safe or not. While it is true that AI’s ability to write code is not questionable, it still falls short of the creativity that a developer holds. Moreover, the code can be prone to bugs, and since a human hasn’t written it, debugging it becomes an even harder task. Yes, Artificial Intelligence is a great addition that can boost the work of programmers, but human intelligence remains indispensable. At least for now.
Anybody can learn to code in a week
Though it is true that anybody can start learning to code, being proficient takes a lot of time, practice, and effort. Coding requires an understanding of various concepts and the ability to mold them for solving real world problems. The advent of auto-code platforms has made it easier for non-developers to build applications, but even these applications do not explain or overpower the nitty-gritty that experienced developers can circumvent or solve.
Programming languages are interchangeable
Different programming languages are designed for different purposes, and switching from one language to another can be a challenging process. While it is possible to learn multiple programming languages, each language has its own unique syntax and way of thinking, making it important to have a deep understanding of the language you are working with.
You have to be a maths genius to be a programmer
Mathematics is an important component of computer science and programming, but it is not the only factor that determines a programmer’s success. Though being a mathematical genius can definitely boost your skills to another level, many successful programmers have a strong background in logic, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are more important than mathematical prowess.
Becoming a programmer requires a degree
Many successful programmers have taught themselves and obtained their skills through online courses, workshops, bootcamps, or even on-job training. Most of the degrees in programming are most concerned about the theoretical aspects, or even maths. Some organizations may ask for credentials while hiring, but it all comes down to the skills and the problem-solving capabilities.
Programming can be done in isolation
Programming requires collaboration and team effort, while sharing a lot of ideas. It is one of the fastest-evolving fields, and keeping up with the developments and trends is as important as sitting and writing the code. Moreover, building relationships and learning from other programmers gives different perspectives, ultimately giving new ideas to solve problems.