Low code is proving its value, not just as a trendy concept but as a practical solution. According to statistics, 60% of businesses using low-code platforms report increased revenues and the replacement of outdated systems. In a world where agility is crucial, low code allows companies to innovate quickly and cost-effectively.

Understanding low code and its role in development

Low code simplifies app development. Instead of deep coding knowledge, it uses visual tools and ready-made components, making it simpler for all users to develop effective software. This approach reduces the intricacies of coding, letting organizations concentrate on strategic solutions. Low code also lowers the entry barrier for innovation, allowing businesses to turn ideas into applications without waiting for extensive IT involvement. By focusing on functionality over technical hurdles, it empowers teams to solve problems faster and with fewer bottlenecks.

But what is low code exactly? It’s a feature that makes software development more inclusive. By enabling a broader range of people to build apps, low code speeds up processes and enhances productivity, helping businesses keep up with market evolution. It acts as a bridge between creativity and execution, turning visions into workable tools in record time. Companies can evolve their operations without needing an army of developers.

Accelerating development timelines

Traditional software development is a drawn-out, resource-heavy procedure. Low code changes this by drastically cutting down the time from idea to launch. With intuitive interfaces and modular components, developers can skip slower coding processes. Teams can prototype, test, and deploy applications faster, which is crucial in industries where delays mean lost opportunities. By removing the typical development bottlenecks, low code ensures that businesses stay ahead of competitors.

Speeding up development with low code doesn’t sacrifice quality. Teams can build solid, scalable applications that meet specific business needs quickly, allowing businesses to adapt to market shifts and solve problems faster. This approach not only supports short-term goals but also positions organizations for long-term adaptability. In a market where quick responses are crucial, this is a key benefit. Agile development means businesses can pivot when necessary without excessive downtime or expense.

Bridging the IT and business gap

Historically, IT and business teams have worked separately, with IT managing tech aspects and business handling strategy. Low-code platforms remove this barrier by letting business users help in application development. This shared responsibility fosters stronger alignment between technical capabilities and business priorities, ensuring that solutions are both practical and impactful.

Low code allows even those without tech skills to build or prototype applications, lightening the load on IT and accelerating development. This teamwork ensures products meet business needs, as those familiar with business challenges are involved in crafting solutions. By breaking down silos, low code creates a collaborative environment where ideas and execution meet seamlessly. This collaboration reduces miscommunication and improves the overall efficiency of projects.

Also read:

• • Top 10 in-demand coding job roles for 2024 and beyond
  • 4 great ways to introduce your child to the world of coding
  • Create an app for your business with zero coding experience

Driving cost efficiency

Traditionally, creating custom applications is costly, requires skilled developers, and takes time. Low-code platforms cut these expenses by making the development process easier and reducing the need for specialized staff. This allows organizations to save on big-budget tech projects. Smaller businesses, in particular, can benefit by gaining access to development capabilities previously limited to larger enterprises.

With low code, maintaining software is also easier and cheaper. Updates and fixes can be done swiftly without deep coding, allowing businesses to use their resources for innovation and expansion instead of routine tech maintenance. These savings extend to long-term operations, as low-code solutions often require fewer resources to scale and adapt. This efficiency gives organizations the freedom to allocate budgets toward strategic growth.

Flexibility across industries

The advantage of low-code platforms is their flexibility. They cater to the specific demands of different industries, enhancing capabilities across sectors. For example, in healthcare, low code helps manage patient data and streamline appointments and telemedicine services. Banks use these platforms for secure customer onboarding and fraud monitoring, while logistics companies optimize supply chains and deliveries. Low-code platforms’ ability to address unique challenges makes them a valuable tool in industries with complex workflows.

These cases underline the adaptability of low-code solutions in various settings. They aid in upgrading customer service, streamlining internal processes, or meeting regulatory demands. Low code also enables businesses to experiment with new ideas without the risk of significant upfront investment. Any industry can utilize low code to tackle obstacles and boost efficiency. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about unlocking potential in ways that were previously out of reach.

Therefore, low-code platforms are revolutionizing industries by allowing businesses to quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively innovate. They remove obstacles that have historically impeded conventional software development, encouraging cooperation between technical and non-technical groups. As the need for digital transformation expands, the influence of low code will also rise.

Companies that adopt low-code solutions set themselves up for success in a world that is becoming more digital. By utilizing these tools, they remain competitive and secure their operations for the future, allowing them to be flexible and take advantage of opportunities. Low-code development has become a strategic necessity for organizations looking to succeed in today’s era, rather than just a choice.

The post How Low Code is Driving Digital Transformation Across Industries appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Web3 Game Development Company offers a wide range of services, including game design, prototyping and production, marketing, and analytics. They also have a strong team with expertise in all areas of game development. If you are looking to develop an online game without programming or coding skills, Web3 Game Development Company may be the company for you.

How to Create a Successful Web 3.0 Game Without Programming or Coding

Web 3.0 is the future of the internet, and it is a game-changer. It has brought about a new era of gaming and apps that are not limited by coding or programming. Web 3.0 games and apps can be built with different tools, such as Unity, GameMaker Studio 2, Unreal Engine 4, etc.

The most important factor to consider when creating a game or app without coding is choosing the right tool for your project. There are many tools available in the marketplace that will help you create your own web3 game or app without having to code anything at all!

What is Web3 Game Development Company

Web3 Game Development Company is a game development company that offers services to create games for web, mobile, and VR. In the past, game developers had to rely on their own creativity and skills to make games for different platforms. However, with the help of AI writing assistants, they can now focus on what they are best at – making engaging games. Web3 Game Development Company is a game development company that provides innovative solutions for the gaming industry. They are known for their unique approach to game design that leverages blockchain technology.

Web3 Game Development Company is a blockchain-based game development company that provides innovative solutions for the gaming industry. They are known for their unique approach to game design that leverages blockchain technology.

How to Find and Choose the Right Web3 Game Development Company

Web3 game development companies are the best resources to help you in the development of your game. They provide various services like design, programming, 3D modeling, and more. It is important to find the right company for your project because they will be able to provide you with the type of service that you need. So, before hiring them, it is important to assess their expertise and experience in order to get the best services.

When looking for a Web3 game development company, it is essential to look at their portfolio and their previous works. You should also look for a company that has been recognized by different industry events like DICE Summit or Game Developers Conference (GDC).

Best Web3 Game Development Company

This is a list of some of the best Web3 game development companies in the world. In this list, we have gathered the top ten companies that are currently leading in their respective fields:

1. Whimsy Games (read more about Whimsy Games).
2. Juego Studios.
3. Gamesdapp.
4. Unicsoft.
5. SoluLab.

We have also provided some information about them such as their website and contact information. Web3 game development company is a term used to describe the companies that create games for blockchain. There are many such companies that are working on different types of games. The most popular ones are Ethereum, EOS, and NEO. These games have been created with the help of AI and Machine Learning.

The best Web3 game development company will be able to provide you with the best quality product in terms of graphics and gameplay as well as provide you with a long-term support service.

ALSO READ: AMD’S GROWING SUCCESS IN THE GAMING MARKET

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With such a huge demand for mobile apps, there’s no surprise that many businesses are now looking to develop their own app. But creating a successful mobile app is not easy. It takes careful planning, design, development, and marketing – not to mention a bit of luck.

If you’re thinking about developing a mobile app for your business, then read on for some useful tips that will help you create a successful one.

1. Define Your Goal

Creating a successful mobile app takes planning and careful execution. One of the most important steps in this process is defining your goal. What are you trying to achieve with your app? Without a clear goal, it will be difficult to measure success or set realistic expectations.

Here are some things to consider when defining your goal for a mobile app:

• Audience: Who is your target audience? Knowing who you are creating the app for will help you determine what features and functionality to include.
• Purpose: What is the primary purpose of the app? Is it meant to be used for entertainment, education, or something else? Keep the overall purpose in mind when making decisions about the app.
• Goals: What goals do you hope to achieve with the app? These could be business-related goals, such as generating revenue or increasing customer loyalty. Or they could be more personal goals, such as helping people stay organized or connecting with friends and family. Be specific when setting goals for your app.
• Budget: How much money are you willing to invest in the app? This will affect things like the type of development platform you choose and whether you outsource any of the work.
• Timeline: When do you want to launch the app? This will help determine how much time and effort you need to put into development and testing.

Defining your goal is an important first step in creating a successful mobile app. This will guide you in searching for mobile app solutions and collaborating with mobile app developers. By taking the time to consider your audience, purpose, and goals, you can set yourself up for success.

2. Research Your Target Market

Who is your target market? This is an important question to answer before starting any type of business, and it’s especially important when launching a mobile app.

The first step to research your target market is defining who they are. This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s important to be as specific as possible. That way, you can zero in on the right information when conducting your research. For example, if you’re creating a messaging app, your target market may be young adults aged 18-24. Knowing who your target market is will help you determine what type of app to create and how to market it.

Once you know who your target market is, you can start to determine their needs and wants. This information is critical in shaping the features and functionality of your app. It will also help you determine the best marketing strategies to reach your target audience. There are a few different ways to gather this information, including:

• Customer surveys: Customer surveys are a great way to get first-hand information about what your target market wants and needs from your app. You can send out surveys via email, social media, or even in-app. Just be sure to keep them short and sweet so that people are more likely to take the time to fill them out.
• Competitor research: Take a look at what your competitors are doing. This can give you some insight into what’s working well and what might need improvement.
• Online forums: Online forums are another great way to get information about your target market’s needs and wants. Search for relevant forums, such as Reddit, and see what people are saying about similar apps.

3. Choose the Right Platform

Whether you’re starting from scratch or porting an existing app, choosing the right platform is essential to ensuring a successful outcome. The two dominant mobile platforms today are Android and iOS, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Depending on your specific needs, one may be a better fit than the other.  If you’re not sure which platform to choose, consider hiring a developer who can advise you on the best option.

4. Design a User-Friendly Interface

A user-friendly interface is a key to a successful mobile app. It is important to design an interface that is easy to use and navigate. This will make it more likely that users will return to your app.

One way to do this is to include features that are unique and useful. Think about what would make your app stand out from the rest. Consider what users would find most helpful and include those features.

Also, make your interface visually appealing. Users are more likely to use an app that is visually appealing. Take time to create a polished look for your app.

Lastly, be sure to update your app regularly. Regular updates are important to keep users engaged. If you add new features or make improvements, be sure to let users know. This will keep them coming back to your app.

RELATED: 7 MAJOR UX DESIGN PRINCIPLES TO KEEP IN MIND

5. Develop a Marketing Plan

Creating a marketing plan is a critical step in developing a successful mobile app. Launching a successful app requires more than just designing and developing it – you also need to market it effectively. Determine how you’re going to get the word out about your app and start promoting it well in advance of its launch date. By understanding your target market and outlining your app’s key features and benefits, you can develop an effective marketing strategy that will help you reach your desired audience and achieve your business goals.

6. Test Your App Thoroughly

One of the most important steps in creating a successful mobile app is testing. Before releasing your app to the public, it’s important to test it thoroughly. This may seem like an obvious statement, but many developers overlook this crucial step. Testing allows you to identify and fix any bugs or glitches in your code before users have a chance to encounter them. It also gives you an opportunity to see how your app functions in real-world conditions and make sure that all the features work as intended. The last thing you want is for users to download your app and then have it crash on them.

RELATED: BENEFITS OF MOBILE APP SECURITY TESTING FOR BUSINESS

7. Monitor Your Progress

Once your app is launched, it’s important to monitor its progress and user engagement. This means tracking your download numbers, user engagement, and anything else that can give you insights into how your app is performing. Regularly check your app’s analytics to see how people are using it and make changes or updates as necessary.

So if you’re looking to create a successful mobile app, be sure to keep an eye on your progress and use that information to make necessary changes. It could be the difference between success and failure.

These seven steps are essential for creating a successful mobile app. By taking the time to define your goal, research your target market, choose the right platform, design a user-friendly interface, develop a marketing plan, and test your app thoroughly before launch, you’ll give yourself the best chance for success. And don’t forget to monitor your progress after launching – regular check-ups will help you identify any areas that need improvement.

ALSO READ: 4 GREAT WAYS TO INTRODUCE YOUR CHILD TO THE WORLD OF CODING

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The company reports that in a period of four years, it has assessed more than one hundred thousand applicants, hired one thousand software developers, and integrated them into hundreds of companies, such as Safaricom, Percolate, and InVision.

With this Series D funding, Andela will accelerate the development of its technology platform to identify, develop and match talent at scale. By doing so, Andela will provide its customers with the data they need to understand developer performance and better manage distributed teams. The company will also expand its presence across Africa to meet the global demand for high-quality engineering talent.

“It’s increasingly clear that the future of work will be distributed, in part due to the severe shortage of engineering talent,” says Jeremy Johnson, co-founder, and CEO of Andela. “Given our access to incredible talent across Africa, as well as what we’ve learned from scaling hundreds of engineering teams around the world, Andela is able to provide the talent and the technology to power high-performing teams and help companies adopt the distributed model faster.”

“The growth and innovation that Uganda’s technology scene has demonstrated in the last five years is remarkable,” says Jackie Ochola, Country Director at Andela Uganda. “In 2018, over half of the hundreds of established tech hubs listed in Sub-Saharan Africa were located across Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda. In just over one year of operation in Uganda, Andela has grown into a team that includes more than 200 software engineers on the path to shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This new round of funding positions Andela to continue developing excellent talent and technology products for the local ecosystem and beyond.”

“Generation’s investment in Andela resulted from our deep research into the future of work. We believe Andela is a transformational model to develop software engineers and deploy them at scale into the future enterprise,” says Lilly Wollman, Co-Head of Growth Equity at Generation Investment Management. “The global demand for software engineers far exceeds supply, and that gap is projected to widen. Andela’s leading technology enables firms to effectively build and manage distributed engineering teams. We are great admirers of the outstanding team, mission and culture Andela has built across two continents and five countries.”

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With tech campuses in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, Andela has been recognized as “The Best Place to Work in Africa.” In 2018, The Wall Street Journal named Andela as one of the twenty-five technology company to watch, and the year prior, Fast Company ranked Andela as the most innovative company in Africa. In 2019, Andela is projected to double in size, hiring another one thousand software developers and investing heavily in data, engineering, and product development.

Distributed by Andela

The post Andela Announces $100M Series D Funding led by Al Gore’s Investment Firm to Build Distributed Engineering Teams appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The “skills gap” between what schools and universities teach and what employers need is a known problem for employers in the ICT-sector. The partners will offer a comprehensive nine-month program that will give university graduates the skillsets required to lift Uganda towards becoming a global player in the technology ecosystem.

The program will seek to recruit students who have demonstrable passion and basic software development knowledge. Whereas the focus will be on fresh graduates from IT related disciplines, students from other disciplines will have an equal opportunity of being admitted. The program believes in creating a co-creation environment where technology is an enabler rather than an end in itself. It is envisaged that over 500 persons will directly participate in the program with another 2,000 benefiting from the outreach programs. The 1st cohort will commence in March 2019.

Dr. Rose Clarke Nanyonga, the Vice-Chancellor at Clarke International University during the announcement welcomed the partnership; “We are thrilled to collaborate with key players in the industry–Laboremus Uganda and Fontes Foundation in delivering a focused IT accelerated learning course that addresses the mind and toolset and will suitably equip trainees to become software craftsmen/women able to contribute to the ICT sector industry growth.”

“The Academy, that is to be hosted at CIU’s School of Business and Applied Technology represents the aspiration of the program to lift the nation towards becoming a global player in the technology ecosystem. We are pleased to receive the NORAD support to allow us to undertake this worthy project for the next four years,” she concluded.

Bram van den Bosch, Managing Director, Laboremus Uganda commended CIU on their program and recommitted to working closely with the School of Business and Applied Technology to deliver effective business managers with a sound understanding of technology. “CIU have an outstanding teaching philosophy oriented to what really works. They know what is required to be job-ready, they are practice-oriented and offer the right mix of both fundamental and new technologies.”

Program Structure

• Students will be admitted into the Accelerated Learning Course (ALC), a focused three-month program that includes training in leadership, critical thinking, IT project management, as well as introductions to different technologies.
• The most accomplished go on to a six-month immersive boot camp, where a key component is practical learning through projects with industry partners.
• The academy will be followed by the Last Mile Training (LMT), a program that gives the most capable-graduates the opportunity to work at an elite ICT company for 6-12 months. The graduates will work on live client projects with close guidance from senior software developers.

Interested individuals are encouraged to register here https://goo.gl/Ekf3Fz to receive information about the application process.

The post NORAD awards $2M grant to CIU, Laboremus & Fontes Foundation to bring high-quality technology and entrepreneurial education appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Over 100 prominent technology stakeholders and Andela staff congregated at Andela’s Bukoto Street office to mark the event. Five Andelans, comprised of Community Manager Maria Kyamulabye, and Software Developers Caroline Nalubega, John Seremba, and Nigerian-based Tolulope Komolafe, shared their journeys as tech leaders in a panel moderated by award-winning senior investigative journalist Raymond Mujuni. Also in attendance was Albert Mucunguzi, Board Chair of the Uganda ICT Association who delivered the Keynote address. Commenting on the official launch, he said, “We are happy to see Andela’s presence in Uganda and the expansion of our tech industry. If we have 100,000 developers with the support of Andela solving one problem each, then we have 100,000 problems in Africa solved.”

New Country Director

To coincide with the launch, Andela is announcing Jackie Ochola as Andela Uganda’s new Country Director. Jackie previously held the role of Managing Director at Nokia Uganda and brings nearly 20 years of experience in managing and scaling engineering and tech teams across Africa. As Andela’s Country Director, she will be responsible for building the team and developing Andela’s growth in Kampala by providing strategic leadership and direction in Uganda.

On the launch of Andela Uganda’s new home, Ochela commented: “It is an honor to host every one of our guests for such an auspicious occasion. Their support means a lot, not only to Andela, but to our young developers looking to gain a foothold in the tech ecosystem, as they begin their careers.

“Andela has a deserved reputation for building elite tech teams, by providing the tools that aspiring young technologists need to be globally competitive software developers. With this launch, we are in a strong position to leverage on the growth opportunities that Uganda has to offer and I look forward to welcoming some of the brilliant minds to Andela Uganda. I am very excited about being part of a movement to create opportunities for young Ugandans, to build out our country’s tech ecosystem and to ensure that Andela is at the forefront of developing the leaders of the future in Uganda.”

Since launching in Uganda in 2017, Andela has grown to over 100 hundred team members, a portion of whom are working as full-time engineers at high-growth technology companies. The Andela office has been organized to maximize flexible, distributed working and provide a creative environment for Andela’s Developers.

Also present at the event was Kwame Rugunda, Chair of the Blockchain Association of Uganda, who said, “This is a dream come true to see how we can change the world one line of code at a time. Congratulations to Andela.”

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With citizens under 25 years of age constituting 70% of the country’s entire population in the world, Uganda is home to several tech hubs and incubators. Andela’s office launch and appointment of Jackie is an opportunity to further equip the next generation of young Ugandan technologists and innovators in Kampala, with the expertise they need to accelerate the advancement of their communities through technology. Earlier this year, Andela extended its Andela Learning Community [ALC], a program that provides aspiring technologists with the tools to become globally competitive software developers, to Uganda. Implemented in partnership with Google and Udacity, the program has supported 528 aspiring technologists in Uganda.

Andela Uganda Developer Conference

On Saturday 28 July 2018, Andela will hold its inaugural Andela Uganda Developer Conference at its premises. Themed ‘Powering Today’s Teams‘, the conference will bring together 150 of Uganda’s top tech influencers for a one day event, comprising of talks, panel sessions and hands-on workshops; all with a goal of igniting and refuelling the passion of techies to continue building solutions that solve for both local and global challenges. To RSVP for the Andela Uganda Developer Conference, please click here.

Yesterday, we were excited about the #AndelaLaunchUG!

Today, we’re even more excited about the first ever #AndelaDevConUg we will be having on Saturday, 28th July!

Passionate about tech?

Sign up TODAY!: https://t.co/bFHArr17Cp#AndelaEvents pic.twitter.com/a0C2WGPx30

— Andela Uganda (@Andela_UG) July 19, 2018

Applications to join Andela are currently open and can be found at uganda.andela.com

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Launched in 2017 across Kenya and Nigeria, the ALC program combines Andela’s learning science and community building with Udacity and Google’s online curriculum, to tackle the technical skills gap in Africa. To date, Andela has supported over 6,000 aspiring technologists who have built over 8,000 apps, certified over 70 Android developers and connected over 90 graduates with career opportunities.

In addition to building a community of learners, the ALC program empowers other players, including a dedicated network of over 100 volunteers known as Learning Community Ambassadors (LCAs). The LCAs consist of regional program assistants, meetup facilitators, and community mentors who provide in-person and online support to all learners.

Throughout the previous phases of the ALC program [ALC 1.0 and 2.0], Andela has driven course completion from an industry average of 5-10% of a learner completing a course to a completion rate of more than 50%.

Evan Green-Lowe, VP of Talent Development of Andela says: “The most valuable part about the Andela Learning Community is how inclusive it is. We truly believe in people — and believe that when people belong to a community, they can learn anything. Andela is incredibly excited to be extending the ALC into Uganda. Today we’re supporting 10,000 learners across the continent through our partnership with Google and Udacity. The next milestone is 100,000 and we’re not stopping there.

“We’ve seen incredible success through the ALC programme; our course completion rate is 5 times higher than the industry standard and since inception, we’ve received testimonials from graduates who are now employed as full-time developers, own their own businesses or are working at Andela. We remain committed to supporting learners develop the skills they need to become leading technologists.”

Google recently announced the Google Africa Developer Scholarship Program, a partnership with Andela and Udacity to provide 15,000 “single-course” scholarships and 500 nanodegree scholarships to aspiring developers in Africa covering Android and Web development tracks.

To be a part of this as a learner, apply on www.andela.com/alcwithgoogle

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The response was indignant from most of the entrepreneurs assembled yesterday for a session on technology in education at the Skoll World Forum in Oxford, United Kingdom. You’re suggesting that, for the poorest kids who can’t even read, we should be prioritising teaching them how to code? was the sentiment of many.

I, for one, couldn’t believe Harel, who runs an education firm called Globaloria, would equate coding with writing. But when I asked her about it later on, she told me she had meant what she said. And after a chat over coffee later, she had me just about convinced she was right — although I might disagree over a few semantic points.

“People assume that you have to have the 3Rs [reading, writing and arithmetic] before you get to what I call the 3Xs: exploration, exchange and expression,” Harel said. “But that’s not the case.”

Harel said she knew this through her experience with Globaloria, which she founded. The firm gets children to play computer games before showing them how to begin modifying the game — for example changing the colours on their character — using computer code. Often the kids can’t read well, if at all, Harel explained, but they get engrossed in tinkering with the game world and, in the process, they begin to pick up more traditional literacy, too.

It sounded incredible to me that kids could do this without being able to read, but Harel has a bundle of evaluations that she claims prove the approach works.

Globaloria operates in poor communities in the United States where many kids are illiterate. Several of the entrepreneurs at the Skoll World Forum pointed out the difference between this setting and much of the developing world, where laptops and internet connections are absent. Harel later admitted she did not think her approach could be used in the poorest countries, but insisted there are many nations where it could and should be applied.

Felipe Spath, a Colombian entrepreneur who attended the session, agreed. Spath co-founded Th1nk, an organisation that provides educational technology in rural areas of his country. He explained that many poor children have access to laptops and quickly learn how to use them without much traditional education.

A delegate from Tanzania said she had shown a number of girls in her locality how to open and start up a laptop. Within five days, these children were able to comment on news articles online, she told the forum.

This, Harel told me, is the point. When children gain basic computer literacy they can read and comment on articles and understand that someone might actually reply to them. And it’s not such a grand leap from this to starting up a blog or building an online campaign that enables them to make their opinions heard. Without these skills developing world kids are confined to an adulthood shut out of online discussions, Harel said.

It sounds compelling, but it was at this point that I started wondering how far Harel’s vision tallies with her “coding is the new writing” marshalling call.

If you want to be able to write, you need to understand a whole language. But if you just want to be able to make your voice heard online, you arguably only need to understand a few principles and tricks of coding — say how to embed media content in your personal blog or switch its fonts.

When I put this to Harel she agreed. It’s not about being a coding expert but rather understanding enough so that you can participate, she told me.

So was it perhaps semantic differences that prompted the hostile reception she received from the entrepreneurs? If so that’s a shame. The insight that the ‘3Rs’ don’t necessarily have to come before the ‘3Xs’ is a fascinating one — and probably something the development community should start thinking about.

Written by Joshua Howgego for and first published by Scidev.net

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Anyone can learn to code — even world leaders, who are not often thought of as the most tech-savvy bunch. The president of the US? Yep. The prime minister of the UK. Check.

To promote the idea that anyone can do it, President Obama sat down Monday with middle-school students at a White House-hosted event and learned to write a few lines of JavaScript.

The event was part of the second annual Hour of Code campaign, spearheaded by nonprofit Code.org, whose mission is to make computer science accessible to kids everywhere.

More than 77,000 Hour of Code events worldwide are scheduled for this week — dubbed Computer Science Education Week — at schools, public libraries and coding clubs, among others. Earlier today in London, students taught UK Prime Minister David Cameron a few things about programming.

President @BarackObama is learning an #HourOfCode! (He’s writing a few lines of JavaScript right now) pic.twitter.com/vGTDb70i6s

— Code.org (@codeorg) December 8, 2014

In a video to champion Hour of Code events this week, Obama has a message for young people: “Don’t just consume things, create things. Take an hour to learn more about the technology that touches every part of our lives.”

Also this week, Code.org has lined up tech luminaries and celebrities — from Bill Gates to Jessica Alba to Usher — to participate in video chats on its YouTube channel with 100 classrooms across the US.

Apple is holding hour-long workshops — think of them as a sort of Intro to Computer Science class — Thursday at all 446 of Apple’s retail locations. Other companies hosting Hour of Code events include Disney Interactive, Microsoft and Best Buy. Google, Target, Salesforce.com and about three dozen other companies are also encouraging staff to participate in Hour of Code employee programs.

Credit: Cnet.com

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