8 Reasons Why Everyone Should Do Code Year

If you're like me and you want to get into the gaming industry, yet you don't already know how to code, you're probably trying to learn.  I have friend that brought up this awesome sight called www.codecademy.com, which just started its Code Year initiative.  Below are eight reasons why everyone should sign up:

1. It's simple to sign up:  The page takes a Google approach to its simplicity. There's a nice big box where you put your email address and every Monday you'll receive an email with your lessons.

2. It's Free:  Lots of people pay a lot of money to take courses in school or online to learn how to code.  While there are no football games or keggers to go to at Codecadmey, you can't beat the price tag.

3. Preset Goals:  One of the difficulties that I've had in teaching myself code (I was learning C++ from THIS sight), was that I had nothing to keep me on track but myself.  Whenever I got busy, my own lesson plans got smaller and smaller.  With Code Year, the emails they send you have a set of lessons that you know you have to finish by next week.  And the lesson plans are more than manageable by my account.

4. It's Interactive:  When you click on a lesson link you're taken to an interactive page.  The left side has instructions while the right side has a lite Integrated Development Environment (IDE) where you can write and run your code.  The IDE is the interactive portion of the lesson.  Lead you through your lesson by telling you what you've done right and if you're doing it wrong.

5. Lots of Positive Feedback:  Some people get crazy with collectibles. Like badges on 4square or achievements on XBL.  Code Academy has recognized this and added a point and achievement system into Code Year.  It tracks your progress and awards your efforts.  Positive reinforcement and collectibles are great ways to motivate people.

6. Sense of Community:  Codecademy is also set up with Facebook and Twitter.  This way you can tweet your progress and see what you're friends (or total strangers) are up to as well.  I enjoy this aspect because knowing you're not alone in your efforts can really help you keep it up.

7. Make Yourself A Better Candidate:  I wouldn't recommend doing one lesson then putting "Fluent in JavaScript" on your resume.  However, it doesn't hurt to inform people that you're learning.  It shows initiative and a willingness to learn.  Just make sure that you are upfront about your abilities and limitations if anyone expresses interest.

8. It's not too late!  Yes, it is already over halfway through January, but Code Year is only in it's second week.  You may have to put in a little more effort, but being behind two weeks shouldn't be a reason to give up on the whole year.

There you have it. Eight simple reasons why everyone should be learning code.  And if you're still not convinced, just remember that you don't have anything to lose, but a lot to gain.  So let's get out there and code!