There’s a world of information about programming online, detailing mouth-watering salaries, high demand, valuable resources, and growth opportunities. But many still have reservations about this career path, while others abandon it after a few months.

Certainly, a major reason for this is the several misconceptions clouding the minds of programmers, especially newbies. The programming industry runs wild with scary opinions that spark fear in many beginners, but most are myths and fallacies. We’ll debunk some of these myths and let you in on the real truth.

1. Programming Requires a College Degree

Due to its technical nature, many wrongly assume you must have an IT-related college degree to be a developer. However, this isn’t the case, as several expert programmers have no programming educational background.

Irrespective of your chosen degree, you can have a career in any development field you love. With the right offline or online coding courses and adequate mentorship, you’re on your way to the top.

While it’s not a requirement, an education is still helpful to programmers. We’ll look at this in-depth later on, so keep reading.

2. All Programmers Must Be Mathematics Enthusiasts

It doesn’t matter if calculus or geometry makes you break into a sweat; that shouldn’t affect your programming skills. But why is this such a common programming myth?

While it’s true that you don’t exactly need math to be a developer, similar principles govern both. The same analytical process in problem solving and arriving at conclusions also applies when writing programs.

Although you won’t derive any equations or take measurements, it does help to have a logical mindset if you want to write excellent code.

3. Programming Is Complicated and Suitable for Geniuses Only

This is among the most frequently told programming myths. Lately, several newcomers in tech take one look at lengthy, complex code written by top developers and conclude that programming is just too difficult.

Programming isn’t the easiest career path in tech, but it’s not rocket science. So as long as you’re solid in analytical and logical reasoning and ready to put in the work, you can become a programmer.

Don’t let terminology confuse you when you’re a beginner. Professional code can be intimidating, but you’ll learn to write equally impressive programs with time. Start with the basics and slowly build your way to the top.

4. AI Will Replace Developers Shortly

The recent effects of AI in the tech industry and the world at large are undeniable. Now, we hear of models that can write simple code, improving in leaps and bounds. But will AI advancement mean the end of programming and massively affect developers?

Certainly not. Development skills are indispensable for AI to function appropriately. For example, developers work closely with data scientists to create, test, and deploy these AI models and assist with maintaining them.

Of course, you must continually upgrade your development skills to remain relevant. Tech is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to grow with it.

5. One Programming Language Is Superior to Others

As a beginner programmer, picking a language to learn is a battle. A simple Google search returns various opinions, each touting the benefits and downsides of many different languages. Naturally, you’re likely to conclude that a language with fewer downsides is superior, but you’d be wrong.

Programming languages differ in use and suitability. Hence, your language of choice will depend on your type of programming, but this doesn’t reduce the value of other languages.

For example, web developers are better off with JavaScript, while Android developers learn Kotlin. Besides use and functionality, you’ll need to consider many other factors before choosing a language. Regardless, they all have equal importance.

Note that there are programming languages that could leave you jobless due to their lack of practicality. So, whatever language you choose, ensure it’s still relevant today.

6. You Must Learn for Months Before You Can Practice Efficiently

The general belief that you must study and learn for months before you can practice is another huge programming myth. On the contrary, write your first line of code immediately after your first lesson.

Waiting until you’re done learning before writing code and building projects is detrimental to your learning process. There’s much to learn in your programming journey, and cramming semantics without knowing their practical applications will do you no good. Instead, apply the little you understand as you go, and you’ll become a master before you realize it.

7. Programming Is Boring and Requires Long, Tedious Hours

Unless you have misgivings about the standard 9-5 work hours, programming jobs won’t be too big a hassle. Firstly, tech roles are famous for their flexibility. This means you can negotiate your work hours in most companies as long as you fulfill your responsibilities.

But is programming boring? Well, that’ll depend on your likes, dislikes, and preferences. No single opinion should define your beliefs; rather, explore the space before deciding if it’s the right fit for you.

8. Coding Is Programming

This one may surprise you, but coding and programming have individual meanings. Still, despite their differences, both are frequently interchanged in use due to their close relationship.

Programming is the entire process of instructing a computer system using specific programming languages. It includes the algorithm, logic, code, general maintenance of the system software, and much more.

On the other hand, the concept of coding and how it works involves writing the computer’s specific instructions. It is more task-specific and defines what computers do, down to the littlest of tasks. Although coding is a major part, programming encompasses a larger scope.

9. Programming Is About Learning a Programming Language Only

You must grasp programming fundamentals, not just the language, to build superb projects and develop large-scale systems.

Learning multiple programming languages without understanding the basics of coding and programming concepts is like driving without a destination. It’s only a matter of time before you’ll run out of gas, wasting the resources you had.

Rather, it’s the quality of your code that will demonstrate your expertise in programming, not the number of languages you’ve learned.

10. College Degrees Are Not Helpful to Programmers

Earlier, we emphasized that degrees aren’t a strict necessity in programming. While this remains true, if you already have a degree or are in the process of acquiring one, don’t consider it a waste.

A computer science degree will boost your prospects and speed you along on programming fundamentals. Additionally, any IT-related, math, or engineering courses train you in analytical and logical reasoning, which is always required for professional programming.

Of course, a degree also boosts your resume and gives you an edge over applicants without one. As such, the perks of having a college degree as a programmer defiles this myth.

Reorient Your Programming Beliefs

Programming has its ups and downs, with rewards and challenges like every other career path. However, you mustn’t let the downs dissuade you from going after it.

Unlearn any programming myths you know, grasp solid programming principles, and you’re ready to begin your journey.