Something that Interests me

One question that I constantly ask myself is, "Why do so few high schools teach computer programming?". This question plagues my mind for many reasons, first of all as The Huffington Post states, in the field of math and sciences 60% of the jobs offered are those in the computer programming field, while only 2% of math and science students actually study computer programming.  It is no wonder that these jobs are notoriously higher in pay, it is basic economics. However, statistics aside, I also find myself pondering over this topic because programming is just so utterly useful in every single field of work (don't believe me? click here.). No matter how you spend your time there is a piece of technology that has been created to simplify a task that you perform. The possibilities are literally limitless in what you can do. I have personally found programming relevant in the audio field, fine art field and business field, all in completely different aspects. It is a puzzle that has no end or distinct shape so no matter how it is put together there is a new and innovative result. For this reason I find myself flabbergasted that this side of technology is not supported and engaged in more frequently. It is so often encouraged to be rapidly brushed aside and labeled as a tiny niche assigned to "nerds" while it is really superpower of a skill. For this reason, I encourage anyone who shows the slightest bit of interest in this field to explore it.

The way that I was introduced to computer programming is through Arduino. The Arduino is, "...an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software". It is intended to, "make the application of interactive objects or environments more accessible" allowing a short cut for artist, hobbyist or just generally creative people to prototype the ideas that it is now possible to bring to reality. The chip itself is only around $30 which is pretty amazing considering how many doors it opens up. The "easy-to-use" aspect comes from the fact that it is designed around an open-source hardware, which allows anyone who uses Arduino to be cushioned with general free-to-use licenses published on the official homepage.

Entire websites exist devoted to teaching those who are interested how to create using Arduino by a community of people who are simply passionate, allowing an amazing amount of freedom and reward to rapidly present itself from the beginning. The Arduino integrated development environment (IDE) is a window that is installed on an outside computer and provides a space for the code to be written in. It is a cross-platform (meaning it may run on Macs, PC, or Linux) application, and is specially orchestrated to introduce programming to rookies who are unfamiliar with software development. Much like Python, a language often used to ease newcomers into programming, the Arduino application includes a code editor with features such as syntax highlighting, brace matching (which highlights the information within a set of brackets so as to make sure that each bracket has its corresponding partner in the correct location), and automatic indentation. The application is also capable of compiling and uploading programs to the board easily via USB.

I will continue to be boggled by those who do not see the potential of this field, as well as those who do not spread the knowledge of its existence enthusiastically. It allows exponential possibility for creativity and efficiency in everyday accessible life at an affordable price. You do the math.