Misconception #1 — you have to start learning when you’re young.

Not true. Many amazing coders began coding when they attended college (so around 18 years old). You don’t have to be coding since you are ten to be good at it.

A great example of a late bloomer would be Wayne Gould. He is the man responsible for popularizing the Sudoku puzzle. After retiring at age 52, Wayne started learning to code and spent six years to develop a program that can generate Sudoku puzzles in bulk. He went on to supply those puzzles to newspapers and magazines in Europe and America.

Misconception #2 — you have to be great at math

This is a common misconception and one that prevents a lot of people from taking the first step. Honestly, you just have to know basic maths. What is the result for 1+7? If x + 2 = 10, what’s the value of x?

If you understand those two equations, you will be okay at coding for web and app development because most web and mobile applications deal with qualitative things rather than quantitative things. Unless you are pursuing data science or advanced algorithms, further understanding of mathematical theories is not required.

Misconception #3—you have to quit your job

Do you have to quit your job to have kids? You certainly can, but you don’t have to. Likewise, you can learn coding while working full-time.

When you quit your job, you are also foregoing the monthly income that you could be earning. This is an opportunity cost and should be counted as part of your total cost.

Learning part-time is less risky and allows you to learn whenever you want. If you decide to study part time, spending a few hours a week of learning can already produce great learning outcomes.

The key here is you have to make those hours count. Plan out a time slot which you know you will not be interrupted by others.

Misconception #4—you have to study it at a university or a college

What exactly does a university course provide? A syllabus, an instructor and teaching assistants.

None of the above matters unless you actually put in the time to learn. If you have passion, devotion and perseverance, nothing can stop you from learning how to code.

So, do you have to learn coding at a university? Not really. There are plenty of free resources available online. Having a structured syllabus and a mentor to guide you can make your learning process much more effective and efficient.

In-person and online coding bootcamps (like Altcademy) can offer a comprehensive syllabus and mentorship support while being an order of magnitude more affordable than universities.

Misconception #5 — you have to be gifted

Coding is a skillset learnt and acquired over time. Yes, some people find it easier than others to learn how to code. But, coding isn’t a 100 metre dash. Coding is an ultra-marathon. Focus on your own progression and improvements, and don’t compare yourself with others. Make sure you are becoming better every day.

Once you have learnt the fundamental concepts and become comfortable with coding, it’s important to move forward and find a niche that you are passionate about. It could be front-end web development coupled with graphics design. It could be group chat systems or financial trading systems. It could be building tools for other fellow coders.

As long as you keep learning and keep pushing yourself, you will find a place where you can shine.

Find your reason to start

Instead of focusing on why you are not suitable to become a coder, look for reasons on why you should learn to code. Coding is more than just a skill; it is a different paradigm on how to think.

Many of the conveniences we enjoy today is the result of code and software. Facebook, Instagram, Uber, Google and AirBnb are all powered by software. Learning to code can be one of the best decisions you make in your life.