Coding, once an abstract concept, is now today’s most practical skill.

Computer code acts as a translator between humans and machines. In our digital world, the need for workers who can write reliable, error-free code has never been greater.

Learning to code for kids, though, can be intimidating. That’s because so much of it looks like gibberish; an odd mix of words, numbers, symbols, and parentheses!

Yet, behind the weird syntax, exists a cool logic. Computers respond to conditional statements (“if this, then that”). The statements must be written using binary numbers (0,1). Using two digits to express the full range of text possibilities makes for long, bulky strings of code. Humans, even the smartest ones, find reading and writing in binary… exhausting.

That’s why higher-level programming languages were created; to make it easier for coders to work building and maintaining software programs and applications.

And that brings us to the purpose of coding. Coding is about solving problems—real world problems—using logic and syntax. Coding has expanded beyond the traditional IT department. Nowadays many organizations, especially those in STEM, expect their workers to be coding literate.

The good news is that anyone, even kids, can learn to code. If you can think, you can code. (The articles below include non-screen, “precoding” activities for young kids.)

These coding products and coding toys are designed to educate and entertain. Choose one for yourself or give one as a gift. Check back often because there's more coding creations on their way!