For employers across the country, the need for IT professionals is at an all-time high. And according to Burning Glass Technologies (an analytics software company that provides real-time data on job growth, skills in demand, and labor market trends), the roles of software developer and computer programmer are among two of the hardest to fill positions for employers.
In order to land a job in one of these disciplines, however, one must have a strong background in programming. Though most software developers, aka software engineers, usually do not write code, they do need a strong background in programming skills in order to communicate properly with computer programmers (code writers).
For those looking to learn those skills, or even brush up on existing ones, there’s a rather enjoyable way to do so – through gaming.
Below, we’ve broken down a list of coding games and websites where “gamers” can learn, hone, and practice their programming skills within a gamified environment.
Learn How to Code with These Coding Games and Websites
Codemoji
Aimed at beginners and school aged children, Codemoji is an easy-to-use platform that offers a series of tasks through which you can learn the necessary skills to become a full-stack web developer. You begin by learning the basics of HTML, CSS and Java then advance to using up to three languages to complete tasks. The site provides a lot of opportunity to explore, create, and save both animations and basic webpages.
Other great sites where you can learn software programming concepts, languages (i.e., JavaScript, Python, HTML, CoffeeScript, and C++), and the basics of software development are Code.org and CodeCombat.
For even more emoji inspired coding games, a list can be found via this post on the website WizardPins (thanks for alerting us, Jalessa Bassett!).
CodinGame
CodinGame is a challenge-based training platform for programmers where you can improve your coding skills by playing turn-based exercises. After choosing the programming language you’d like to play with, of which there are more than 25, you start adding missing pieces of code in order to achieve your goal.
Through its multiplayer programming contests, CodinGame also serves as a recruitment platform by allowing developers to get noticed by employers based on their performance.
Elevator Saga
The game Elevator Saga places a focus on JavaScript, one of the world’s most popular programming languages. The objective of this game is to program a series of elevators in order to handle an increasing number of passengers. With its first challenge, you’re tasked with transporting 15 people in 60 seconds or less. Once you succeed, you can move onto the next challenge.
Here’s a short demo:
SQL Murder Mystery
There’s been a murder in SQL City and it’s up to you to solve it through the use of SQL query skills! This game is designed as both a self-directed lesson to learn SQL concepts and commands as well as a fun game for experienced SQL users. This game will help you understand and apply database concepts such as: primary and foreign keys, aggregate functions, table joins, and wildcards.
For those interested in learning other IT skills, check out these online educational sites.
