Computers can’t understand the human language, but we need them to perform specific complex functions, anyway – that is where coding comes in. Through a programming language, programmers can create apps and software. They do so by feeding ideas, possible solutions, and instructions in binary.
But who invented the first programming language? Who is the youngest programmer? Follow this article to find answers to these questions and more cool coding facts.
1. The Coding Language “Python” Wasn’t Named After a Snake Species
The similarities between the “python” coding language and the snake species end at that – the name. Guido van Rossum, a Dutch programmer, invented the popular programming language. When he started implementing it, he wanted a short, unique, and a little bit mysterious name for his work.
Coincidentally, Rossum was reading some published scripts from The Flying Circus by the Monty Python comedy troupe. That’s where the name originated.
2. Coding Helped Computer Scientists Decode An Ancient Language
Although not on their own, computer scientists used their coding knowledge to help decipher an ancient language known as “Linear B.” The geeks helped uncover critical historical insights.
3. Kautilya Katariya Is The World’s Youngest Programmer
For most adults, coding is something they’d rather not delve into. As such, when child prodigy Kautilya Katariya became the youngest computer programmer at age 6, it surprised many. However, the Kids Guinness World Records recognizes another Indian-born boy, Saion Gupta, as the youngest programmer.
Gupta is older than Katariya but still relatively younger than most professionals. He is now 13 and officially broke the previous record in November 2022.
4. More Than 700 Programming Languages Are Available
With more people learning and mastering coding basics, it’s hard to tell the exact number of programming languages available. New ones develop daily. However, sources estimate that there are more than 700 of them. The most popular ones include Python, C++, SQL, and JavaScript.
5. Ada Lovelace Discovered Coding
Experts commonly agree that Ada Lovelace, a renowned mathematician and writer, was the first to discover coding and computer programming. Most of her work involved writing about a computer, the analytical engine.
Even though she didn’t succeed much on that front, she figured the machine could follow specific instructions to perform complex calculations. This is what we refer to today as coding.
6. Google’s Programmer Won Facebook’s First Annual Hacker Cup Coding Challenge
The Hacker Cup is Meta’s (owns the Facebook platform) annual coding competition that invites programmers from around the world to participate. In 2011, Petr Mitrichev, a coder working for Google, won the competition’s inaugural event. Interestingly, he collected his prize from Facebook’s headquarters wearing his Google employee badge.
7. Coding Isn’t All About Technology
Most people associate coding with technology, and rightly so. However, learners can use and apply their programming knowledge in non-technological settings. For instance, design, film, nature studies, and geographical research can benefit from coding.
8. Several Top Billionaires Know How to Code
Looking at some of the world’s richest people, you realize that several know how to code and even made a significant chunk of their wealth through it. Take the example of, say, Bill Gates. He is famous for founding Microsoft, which is technically a product of coding and programming. Bill Gates is a software developer before anything else.
Another case in point is Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. Through his ground-breaking innovations, we now have the iPod, iPad, and iPhone. Other notable figures in the same category include Mark Zuckerberg and Linus Torvalds.
9. Computer Programming Was Considered A Promising Career Choice for Women
Coding and programming might be male-dominated, but it wasn’t always like that. In fact, there was a time when it was considered a promising career for women. They were perceived as “natural” at it.
In Dr. Grace Hopper’s (a famous computer scientist) words, coding is like hosting dinner; everything needs proper scheduling and planning to have it on time. Today, anyone can be a programmer, regardless of their gender.
10. There Aren’t Enough Coders, Yet
Coding contributes a lot towards the vast and rapid technological growth. As such, there is a constant need for programmers, not only in top firms but also in upcoming businesses. The prediction is the demand for IT specialists (including programmers) will rise by 13% before 2030.
11. Algorave Is An Event Where People Dance to Live Coded Music
Algoraves are social events where attendees witness and dance to computer-coded music in real time. The genres vary from techno, ambient, classical, and trance– basically any electronic music. People have the chance to witness the process of music creation.
12. Coders Must Use Specific Words When Coding with INTERCAL
Of the many programming languages, there is a unique one called INTERCAL. Anyone coding using it must use words like “please, ignore, and forget.” Otherwise, the compiler will reject their code.
