The Wide World of Coding: The People and Careers behind the Programs

by Jennifer Connor-Smith

Overview

The best part about coding is that anyone with a computer can learn how to do it.

From education to healthcare to entertainment, software touches almost every aspect of twenty-first century life. Take a high-level perspective on the types of people who create that software—including many jobs that do not involve writing code at all. Learn about the software development cycle and the huge variety of skills developers draw on, including psychology, mathematics, and art, to create amazing apps and programs.

Explore why diversity is needed to prevent bias in design. Learn about the different coding languages and what they are used for, how developers choose a language, and tools that simplify coding. Jennifer Connor-Smith breaks down stereotypes about coding as a career that is open only to technology-obsessed gamers, revealing ways people use software to improve medical care, nurture dementia patients, promote social justice, and more. Hands-on activities show you how easy it is to learn to think like a coder.

The next generation of coders will require diverse teams, creativity, and ethical codes of conduct to create the best and most successful software. Will you be one of them?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781541595873
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/07/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	144
File size:	11 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Jennifer Connor-Smith is a freelance science writer and clinical psychologist based in Portland, Oregon.

Table of Contents

Introduction 4

Chapter 1 Diving into Development 7

Chapter 2 Bringing Programs to Life 19

Chapter 3 Programming Languages 37

Chapter 4 Managing and Manipulating Data 54

Chapter 5 The Psychology of Software 68

Chapter 6 Software Development Ethics 82

Chapter 7 Diversity in Computer Science 97

Chapter 8 What Lies Ahead? 112

Timeline 126

Glossary 128

Source Notes 130

Selected Bibliography 135

Further Information 137

Index 141

Editorial Reviews

"[A] succinct introduction to the field of computer programming. . . . A recommended purchase for libraries serving middle and high school students, especially ones with a focus on computer science, engineering, and technology."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

04/01/2020

Gr 7 Up—In the first few chapters, the author provides a succinct introduction to the field of computer programming. Readers learn about famous software developers, the types of jobs within the field, training and education required, and salaries. The text then describes specific types of programming languages and explains the process of computer programming using specific information and real-world examples. Balanced coverage is provided with the inclusion of topics such as the ethics associated with software development and the need for representation of women and people of color in the field. Graphs, charts, and images aid readers' comprehension. The activities throughout the text correspond with the spotlighted topic and provide a practical understanding of how people use the logic and skills behind coding in everyday life. An answer key is provided. The addition of a time line of major events in coding, a glossary, source notes, a bibliography, recommendations for further reading, and an index make this book useful for research. VERDICT A recommended purchase for libraries serving middle and high school students, especially ones with a focus on computer science, engineering, and technology.—Erica Thorsen, Albemarle High School, VA

School Library Journal

2020-01-12
A human-centered look at programming.

Focusing more on the conceptual side of programming—how to think like a programmer as opposed to explaining how to write in specific codes—science writer Connor-Smith (Living With Panic Disorder, 2018, etc.) illustrates her points with punchy, efficient anecdotes about the real-world applications and occurrences of the various ideas she presents instead of getting bogged down in theory. Early chapters cover the various steps that creating a program requires (with emphases on the amount of design that can be done on paper and on troubleshooting) followed by an overview of programming language (from a development and function viewpoint) and thorough-yet-succinct algorithm coverage. But it's in the second half of the book where Connor-Smith's psychology background shines, in chapters covering good versus bad design (and the manipulative psychology behind addictive programming and why companies use it), a wonderfully timely chapter on ethics in the digital realm, and a chapter detailing both why computer science as a field lacks diversity and how—through specific examples—increasing diversity improves outcomes for users and programs alike. The final chapter highlights tech areas with exciting and sometimes scary developments happening now—the text doesn't shy away from the dark sides of technology but avoids fearmongering—encouraging readers to jump into the world of coding.

This attractive, engaging volume is a must-have for every school library. (answer key, timeline, glossary, source notes, selected bibliography, further reading, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-adult)

Kirkus Reviews