Coding, in the form of machine-readable instructions, has been used for nearly 200 years, with the first computer program written in the 1840s. But the coding which you might know or the 0s and 1s came into existence after 1940s and from then, programming has evolved drastically over the years.
What is Programming?
There has been a long history of the evolution of programming languages, starting with 0s and 1s to the first compilers to assembly, to C, C++ and so on. These languages had a huge role in spreading of the stereotype of the difficulty of programming. These languages were low level languages or in easier terms needed you to have a good understanding of the computer hardware. As these languages have precise control over the hardware which made it limited to people with good hardware knowledge.
The Rise of High Level Languages (Easier Synatxes)
These high-level languages (HLLs) have significantly easier syntax than low-level languages because they use syntax closer to human language (like print("hello") in Python vs. binary) and abstract hardware details, making them more readable, faster to write, and easier to learn for beginners. This simplicity focuses on logic rather than machine instructions, improving productivity and maintainability.
Key aspects of easier syntax in HLLs:
- Human-Readable Commands: Use English-like keywords (IF, ELSE, FOR) instead of binary or machine codes.
- Abstraction: Hide complex hardware details, letting developers focus on tasks, not memory management or processor instructions.
- Simpler Structure: Often require fewer symbols (like semicolons or curly braces) and fewer lines of code to perform complex actions.
- Built-in Functions: Provide pre-written libraries and functions, simplifying common tasks like input/output.
Examples:
- Low-Level (Conceptual Binary): 01101000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101111 (to print “hello”).
- High-Level (Python): print("hello").
In essence, HLLs prioritize developer ease, making them ideal for beginners and rapid application development.
Final Take on Is Coding Really Hard
This answer lies on your way of asking questions while learning to code. If you try to memorize and gulp function names, even though you will remember it but you will not know when to use it.
Here’s a pro tip; while learning to code don’t memorize line by line rather know deeply how that function works, what it does and how it does and practice it, create your own mini logic to practice by using those functions and you will see that you are able to write code without needing to memorize.
" Everything is Hard, Until you Try it. "
Conclusion
So is coding hard? Yes, depends on what language you are learning but you can make it harder by learning it in a wrong process and making it boring for you. If you learn that’s going to help you but if you memorize, get ready to face the consequences later.