Learn to Code in Kansas City: Beginner's Guide to Programming Languages

Kansas City's tech world is straight-up poppin'! According to some serious stats, this place gained over 11,000 new tech jobs between 2012 and 2017 - that's some major growth right there! With companies like Google Fiber and Cerner setting up shop, coding skills are becoming more valuable than ever.

The average tech worker in KC makes almost double the overall median wage! We're talking a solid $89,500 per year.

Not too shabby, right? From web dev to cybersecurity, the opportunities in this city are endless. Plus, learning to code helps you level up your problem-solving and creativity game.

With jobs like software development expected to grow like crazy, now's the time to get your coding skills on point. Check out these bootcamps to get started on your journey - the future of tech in KC is looking bright!

If you're trying to get into coding and land a dope job in Kansas City, you need to know the lingo. The hottest programming languages in the area right now are SQL, Java, C#, and Oracle.

These bad boys are topping the charts for most requested skills, so you better study up!

According to the experts, JavaScript is still the king when it comes to web development.

You can't go wrong with learning this versatile language. Python is another major player, especially in the machine learning and data science game. And Java? That's a must-know for building enterprise-level apps and mobile games.

If you're looking to level up your skills for 2024, these languages should be on your radar:

• TypeScript: Catching errors early makes it invaluable.
• Rust: Focus on speed and safety for improved performance.
• GoLang: Known for efficiency in programming.
• PHP, Ruby, and Scala: Remain strong in the web dev world.

At the end of the day, learning to code is like having a superpower.

Master these languages, and you'll be unstoppable in Kansas City's booming tech scene. Companies like Cerner, PayIt, and Garmin are always on the hunt for talented programmers, so get studying!

Picking the right programming language is key when starting your coding journey in Kansas City.

It should match your goals, dreams, and what's available locally. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, the demand for software devs in Missouri is expected to grow by 24.6% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the national average.

That's a clear sign you need to level up your coding skills for this job market.

When choosing a language to learn in KC, consider:

• Career Goals: Shape your career by picking languages like JavaScript, Python, and Ruby for web dev. For mobile apps, Swift (iOS) and Java/Kotlin (Android) are widely used. Those interested in data science or machine learning should focus on Python and R.
• Industry Trends: The 2022 Stack Overflow Developer Survey shows the most popular programming languages in Kansas City are JavaScript, Python, Java, and C#. Aligning your choice with local industry trends can boost your job prospects.
• Learning Resources: Missouri offers a plethora of resources. Explore bootcamps like Nucamp and LaunchCode, online platforms like Codecademy and FreeCodeCamp, and join local meetups/study groups such as Kansas City Developer Conference and Women Who Code.

Here's a snapshot of popular languages and their application areas in KC:

Language	Application Areas
JavaScript	Web dev, front-end, backend (with Node.js)
Python	Data science, machine learning, web dev, scripting
Java	Enterprise apps, mobile apps (Android), big data
C#	.NET apps, game dev, enterprise software

As Matthew Garcia, a renowned software engineer, said,

"The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you."

Leverage Missouri's abundant resources and align your language choice with your goals – you'll be ready to crush it in Kansas City's thriving tech scene.

If you're ready to dive into the coding game, this city's got your back with a ton of dope resources. Check out this roundup of the best coding bootcamps in the area, like Centriq Training and Nucamp, where you can level up your skills and make those career moves.

The University of Kansas also hosts workshops to get you started.

Online, you can link up with the success stories of coding bootcamp grads who made it big, or join communities like FreeCodeCamp Kansas City and Coding & Cocktails KC for some virtual learning and networking.

Groups like Kansas City Women in Tech and KC Black Programmers are all about that inclusive coding vibe too.

Public libraries are stepping up their game with free coding classes for all ages, from Python and JavaScript at the Kansas City Public Library to game dev with Scratch at the St. Louis Public Library.

During school breaks, hit up the Bluford Branch or Kansas City STEM Alliance for their affordable coding camps. And major tech events like Code.af and Big Kansas City in 2024 – prime spots for connecting with the scene and staying ahead of the curve.

Like Brendan Eich, the JavaScript OG, said:

"Always bet on JavaScript."

Kansas City's got options galore for aspiring coders, so get out there and make your mark!

Kansas City is straight-up poppin' when it comes to the tech scene, and networking is key to snayin' those juicy coding gigs. The KC Tech Council says 92% of local tech pros credit their success to networking, so you know it's legit.

Here's the scoop on getting plugged into this thriving community:

Attend Local Tech Events: KC has meetups and events for techies like us:

• Engage with the KC Tech Meetup: With over 7,000 members, it's the biggest in town and covers all things tech.
• Empower with Kansas City Women in Tech: Kansas City Women in Tech: A community lifting up women in STEM fields.
• Collaborate with KC Web Devs: Where front-end and back-end coders gather to swap knowledge and learn from the pros.

Build a Killer Portfolio: Employers in Missouri want to see you've got skills, and a fire portfolio is clutch.

According to Nucamp, 56% of hiring managers consider it essential when evaluating candidates. Make sure your portfolio has:

1. Create a standout "About Me" section: Highlighting your coding passion and background.
2. Showcase your best projects: Display with code samples and live demos.
3. Include certs or achievements: Prove your expertise.

By networking your face off in KC's tech scene and flexing your skills with a dope portfolio, you'll be ready to snag those prime coding jobs with Missouri's top companies.

Don't sleep on those scholarship opps from Nucamp either – they'll help make your coding education even more affordable.