Programming has many applications and programmers can be involved in things like software development, web development, mobile app development, database management, AI and machine learning, game development, and cybersecurity.
Many people are interested in learning to code and fortunately for them, there are many places in Christchurch and online where you can learn to code.
Before we get to the best courses and places to study programming in Christchurch, though, let's look at the pros and cons of learning programming and becoming a programmer.
Why You Should Study Programming
There are plenty of reasons to study programming in New Zealand, which is why so many people do. For us, these are the most important reasons but it's up to you to decide what your priorities are and whether or not programming is right for you.
Just don't forget to read about the downsides, too, so you can make an informed decision.
Coding Can Be Creative
Programming is often seen as a really dry and uncreative subject, but programmers regularly need to be creative and come up with outside-the-box solutions to problems.
After all, programming is about creating solutions in code and before you can start writing any lines of code, you need to know what you're trying to develop.
If you like being creative and solving problems, programming could be a fulfilling career choice.
Excellent Opportunities to Develop a Range of Skills
Programming isn't just about writing code, though. Every programmer needs a broad range of skills and qualities including the aforementioned creativity.
In addition to creativity, programmers need to be excellent problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and even sociable, contrary to popular belief.
Many programming problems require lots of critical thinking and collaboration between multiple people so becoming a programmer is also an opportunity to work on these skills.
As technology keeps advancing, programmers also need to keep up with the industry and will be regularly encouraged to continue learning. Even after you complete a course and become a programmer, you'll have to keep studying just to stay relevant in an ever-advancing industry.
Programmers Can Work from Home
If you enjoy working from the comfort of your own home or even remotely, programming is a job that can be done almost anywhere.
For lots of coding, you just need a computer and an internet connection. As long as you have both of these things, there's no reason you can't work from home.
Naturally, there may be certain projects and kinds of coding that require you to be in an office, but most programming jobs can be done from anywhere or as part of a hybrid job with some days spent in the office and others working from home.
There Are Lots of Good Careers in Programming
For many aspiring coders, this is probably the reason that's likely to tip the scales. There are lots of opportunities out there for programmers across a range of interesting industries.
It doesn't matter if you study programming in Auckland or Christchurch as programmers from all over New Zealand are generally well-paid and tend to earn more than many other jobs that require the same level of education.
It's not very likely that programmers will struggle to find good jobs and that's one of the main reasons so many people choose to study it.
You Can Work on Your Own Projects
Programming is something you can do at home as part of your job or during your free time. If there's something you'd like to create with code, you can flex your creative muscle and work on it.
The programming skills you have to learn to become a programmer also allow you to work on a variety of projects, including any areas of interest that you'd like to pursue.
The Downsides to Programming
Programming definitely can offer good careers, but it isn't without flaws. Here are a few things you should be aware of before you enrol on a programming course to work as a programmer or software developer.
Debugging can be Frustrating
When code doesn't work or there are issues, fixing these problems can be some of the most tedious and repetitive work.
Minor code changes can cause things to go wrong very quickly and trying to find a solution to problems in software is arguably some of the most infuriating work you could ever do.
It Can Get Lonely
While there are lots of opportunities to collaborate with others and work together on bigger projects, the actual activity of writing code is time-consuming and quite lonely.
Even if you work in an office, you'll likely have your head down for hours writing code. If you work from home, this can become an even bigger issue as you're forced to spend long periods alone with just your computer.
Programmers Often Work Long Hours
Programming is sometimes a slow and laborious process and some employers will have unrealistic expectations of programmers and force them to work long hours on tedious and repetitive tasks.
Programming is Difficult to Learn
There are lots of great programming courses out there, but learning how to code isn't always easy. It can take a long time to become proficient at coding and there are some very complex and abstract concepts that you need to wrap your head around before you can start creating amazing software solutions.
While it might look fun making software, learning how to do all this cool stuff is very difficult.
Working As a Programmer is Bad for Your Health
Long hours, repetitive tasks, and long periods of isolation. Being a programmer is far from being the best job for your physical and mental health. Programmers must recognise the harmful effects that this kind of work can have on their well-being.
Programming isn't the only line of work with these problems, but outside of work, you should try to live the healthiest life you can to counteract the negative effects being a programmer can have.
Where to Study Programming in Christchurch
Even though the downsides can sound quite scary, we still believe the pros outweigh the cons and programming is worth studying.
If you agree with us and live in Christchurch or would like to move there to study, here are some of the best places you can learn to code.
University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury is the second-oldest in the country and comes highly recommended for engineering and science programmes.
To learn more about programming, the best options are computer science courses. There are undergraduate and postgraduate options as well as certificates and diplomas.
You could also study one of the best programming courses in Wellington.
Ara Institute of Canterbury
The Ara Institute of Canterbury (or Ara for short) is the largest vocational training institute in the South Island and since 2020 is part of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (Te Pūkenga).
Multiple programmes at the Ara Institute of Canterbury offer students the chance to learn how to code such as the Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies.
Southern Institute of Technology
The Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is one of New Zealand's biggest institutes of technology and its Zero Fees Scheme allows many students to learn at no cost.
SIT is also part of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate options in information technology, software development, and computing.
If none of these courses is of interest, you might want to consider some of the best programming courses in Hamilton.
Learn Programming Online
Programming is a skill that you can learn online and many people choose to study programming languages and concepts through online educational platforms like Codeacademy, edX, Udemy, and Coursera.
Codeacademy, for example, offers free classes and courses on different programming languages and is a great way to find out whether programming is right for you.
Coursera and edX are massive open online course (MOOC) providers and you can find a range of free courses offered by some of the world's most prestigious universities and massive tech companies like Google, AWS, and IBM.
For most MOOCs, the courses are free but you can always pay if you'd like to receive an official certificate or qualification as proof of your work.
Learn How to Code with a Private Tutor
Whether you need help with your course or would like to study a specific programming language like Python, Java, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, C++, Swift, or SQL, a private tutor is arguably one of the most cost-effective solutions.
There are private programming tutors in Christchurch, across New Zealand, and all over the world and no matter what your budget or level is, you should be able to find someone who can help you.
Choosing the right private tutor is a big decision so make sure you compare several potential candidates before picking somebody. Fortunately, a lot of tutors offer the first lesson for free so you can try them out before making your decision.
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