What Do Computer Coders Do? Explained for Kids

What is computer coding?

Many of us have heard of coders, or coding, before. Do you know exactly what it is? Coding is the process of writing instructions that tell a computer, or other electronic device, what to do. These instructions are called code! 

It might seem like when you turn on your computer, it automatically knows what to do. While it does do things automatically, it has actually been given specific instructions to do these things automatically. Code can tell a computer how to run a video game, answer a question, open an app, or help you with your homework. When you searched for or clicked on this article, a computer used directions (code) to open it up. That means every time you use a computer, you’re seeing code at work—even if you don’t see it happening!

You can think of computer coding like a recipe. If you want to make a new meal, like lasagna, you need a recipe. You start with the ingredients, and follow the directions in the recipe to make the meal. When a coder wants a computer to do something, it gives the computer instructions, like a recipe, to do what it needs to do. Instead of making a new meal, like lasagna, the code tells a computer to do something specific. 

Just like there are different recipes for different meals, there are different kinds of code for different jobs. Some code makes characters move in a video game, while other code helps rockets blast off into space! Coders use their imagination and problem-solving skills to figure out what they want the computer to do, then they write the code to make it happen. The cool part is, kids can learn to code too. You can start with fun games and puzzles that teach you how to give instructions just like a real coder. With practice, you can build your own games, apps, websites, and more—just like magic, but with your brain!

What is the difference between coding and programming?

You might hear people use the words “programming” or “programmers” when talking about coding. Coding is the actual process of writing instructions that tell a computer what to do. Programming involves putting these instructions together to create something, like a game or app. Programmers test the code, troubleshoot, and think about big things like who will use a program and how they will use it. Coding is a part of programming.  Most people who work on coding, also work on programming! That’s why coders are usually also called programmers. They don’t just write the code—they also help turn ideas into real, working things! Whether it’s building a game, an app, or a robot, programmers make sure everything works just right.

What do computer coders do?

Coders have a very important job. They write the code, or instructions, that tell a computer what to do. Coders can write code for all kinds of things… they can create a video game, update an app, build a website, or give directions to a robot. The opportunities are endless! Here are some of the amazing things coders can get to do.

They solve problems

Before they actually write code, most coders are involved in the process of problem-solving. They think “what problem do I need to solve?” and what can I build to solve it? 

They might solve a problem with a solution that involves a computer or other technological device. Here are some examples:

A smoothie shop needs a place for people who don’t live nearby to view their menu. A coder can solve this problem by building a website for the shop!

A zoologist wants to build an online database where people can look up what different animals eat. A coder can solve this problem by creating an app for mobile devices!

A teacher wants kids all over the world to be able to play each other in a math game that has a sloth as the main character. A coder can solve this problem by building a video game!

They also might come in to solve a problem with a technological program that already exists! Here are some examples:

A company that makes robot vacuums needs help because their vacuums keep knocking things in the house over. A coder can solve this problem by writing code that instructs the robot to go around furniture!

When parents try to log in to their child’s school website, they are taken to a different site. A coder can solve this problem by changing or rewriting the code so that the website links go to the right place!

The users of a video game are frustrated because the game works very slowly. A coder can solve this problem by fixing the code so that the game operates more quickly. 

They build things

Once coders know that problem that they need to solve, they write the code to build a solution. They give the computer step-by-step instructions and tell it exactly what to do. Coders have different methods of building things, but here is an example of what they might do:

They think of an idea to solve the problem: A coder might have a few ideas that solve the problem they are trying to solve. They can work on their own or with others to come up with the best idea to solve the problem. 

• Let’s say this coder is trying to solve the problem above, where the math teachers wants kids all over the world to play a math game that has a sloth as the main character. They think of creating a game called “Sloth Subtraction,” where a sloth moves through the jungle solving math problems! 

They make a plan: Just like you might make a plan for a trip before you leave, or write a rough draft of a story before writing a final draft, coders often make plans for the code they will write before they start writing. A good plan might involve drawing pictures, or specific kinds of sketches called wireframes.

• When creating Sloth Subtraction, the coder makes plans for every interaction the sloth has in the game. For example, when the player hits the space bar, the sloth moves 10 steps. Or, when the player gets an answer right, the sloth jumps in the air and does a twirl.

They write the code: After all of the brainstorming and planning, it’s finally time to write the code! They turn their plans into actual code, or directions, for the computer. Think of this like taking directions in human language, and writing the directions in a language that the computer can understand (code). 

• Now, the coder gives the computer specific directions for each part of Sloth Subtraction. They give step-by-step directions to the computer that tell it things like “when the player hits the space bar, move the sloth 10 steps.”

They use different languages

We just talked about coders taking the directions they have thought of in their human language, and writing them in the computer’s language. But what is that language? Well, different types of computers and devices speak and understand different languages. There are over 9,000 different types of coding languages! Don’t worry, though, you don’t need to learn them all. Most devices use a few popular coding languages. 

Some computer languages are more similar to human languages, and therefore, are easier to learn and use. Because these languages are simpler, they offer less control over the device and the directions given. Some examples of these languages are Python, Java, and JavaScript. 

Other computer languages are less similar to human languages, and closer to the device’s hardware. These offer coders more control over the the directions they give the device. These include programs like C and  C++.

Think of computer languages like different ways to talk to a robot. Some languages, like Python or JavaScript, are kind of like talking to a robot in plain English. They are easy to understand and great for beginners! Others, like C and C++, are more like secret robot codes. They take more practice to learn, but they let you control more things, like how fast the robot moves or how it uses its battery. Coders choose which language to use based on what they want their robot (or game, website, or app) to do. It’s like picking the right tool for a job. 

Check out some of the best coding languages for kids here! These can be a great place to start when learning to code. 

What kinds of jobs can computer coders have?

There are all sorts of jobs that coders can have! You might think all coders work at a technological company, but as technology becomes more popular and widely used, coders are needed in all kinds of areas. Here are some common jobs that coders might have:

Video Game Developer: Coders who are video game developers get to build games that people all over the world can play. The code that they write tells the game what to do: things like how scoring works, what a character should say,  and how the game is won. Coders might work together to make a game, each with a specific job: one coder might write code for the characters, one might design the levels of the game, and another might work on making graphics move. 

App Maker: Have you ever used an app before? An app is a program made for a specific purpose, that is often used on a tablet or smartphone. Millions of people use apps to talk to each other, learn, work, and play every day!  Some popular apps for kids are Youtube, Spotify, the Weather app, and Minecraft. There are thousands of smaller, less popular apps too! An app developer writes code that tells an app how it should work, like what should happen when a user swipes up or taps a button. 

Website Builder: A coder who builds websites writes directions that tell a website what to do: they can determine what a website looks like, where buttons go, how pictures show up, and what happens when you click on things. Different website builders can focus on different things: one builder might focus on making a website colorful, fun, and engaging, while another might focus on making sure everything about the website works perfectly behind the scenes. Both of these jobs require coding!

Animation & Effects Programmer: An animation and effects programmer is a coder who writes instructions that bring movies, cartoons and games to life with cool movements and special effects! They can create magical background effects like lightning, sparkles, or extreme weather. They can bring characters to life with unique movements like running, flying, or even doing a flip! Their code helps make stories more exciting and fun to watch. Without animation coders, our favorite characters might just stand still like statues!

Robot Programmer: A coder who works on programming robots writes code that tells a robot what to do. Think of it like being a robot’s teacher! Coders might teach a robot to sing, dance, or say certain things. They can also help robots with very important jobs like helping in hospitals. 

These are just a few of the jobs that coders can have. The opportunities are endless! No matter what you are interested in: games, art, music, animals, space, or sports, there is a way to use coding to help. Coders are problem solvers and creators, and their work can be found in many places. You could work to build a game about your favorite superhero, design a website to share your drawings, or make an app that teaches kids new things. 

What should I do to become a coder?

The most exciting part about being a coder is that if you are ready to start, you can start learning right now, even as a kid. All you need is curiosity, creativity, and a little practice. 
If you want to become a coder, being curious is the first step, and you have already taken it by reading this article! The next step is to explore coding that is fun for you. You can play coding games, try websites like Codemonkey, Scratch or Code.org, and even make your own little projects like stories, games, or websites. Don’t worry if it seems tricky at first—every great coder started by learning one step at a time. Ask questions, try new things, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes! You can also join coding clubs, watch videos, or build things with friends. If you keep practicing and using your imagination, you’ll be coding awesome stuff in no time. Part of your child’s learning and have time to sit alongside them, an online class could turn into a fun bonding activity. 

Hopefully, you now have some direction about how to select a coding class modality for your child. Remember, there is no wrong answer– both are immensely beneficial and fun, and give your child an opportunity to learn the valuable skill of coding.