So much around us today exists because of code. From stoplights guiding us home to washing machines cleaning our clothes. We are surrounded by the work of talented developers who have contributed to making life safer, easier, and smarter. Even if the high-level job duties of a programmer are typically understood without explanation, the world of coding is so vast that the developers behind the code are usually just the start. Whether you’re on the hunt for a cool fact about code you haven’t heard before or needing some extra ammunition for your next company trivia, here’s six cool coding facts you may find interesting!
6 Interesting Facts About Code
There Are More Than 700 Programming Languages
Programming languages like Python and JavaScript may be easy to think of right away when attempting to recall as many coding languages as you can. But it’s likely going to be a bit tougher for you to name the additional 700 programming languages that have been created around the world. It’s hard to believe such a massive number of languages are used in code. But just like the top names you could probably rattle off at ease, they each serve a specific purpose. Even though it may be a while before you work on a project created using a language like SNOBOL4 or HAL/S.
The First Software Engineer Got Us to The Moon
In the late 1960’s, the Space Race was the biggest topic of conversation as America attempted to successfully take humans to the moon’s surface for the first time ever. But as that goal played out in real-time, NASA Software Engineer Margaret Hamilton was the one who was able to change the course of history during crucial moments of uncertainty when American astronaut Buzz Aldrin flipped the incorrect switch that would prevent him from getting back to Earth safely. Hamilton had the knowledge and reaction to figure out the problem that was presented to NASA and quickly solved the issue with her Apollo Guidance Computer. Not only saving Buzz Aldrin’s life, but landing America on the moon successfully. Hamilton is remembered for her achievements throughout her career and celebrated for her contribution to modern-day history. She is still alive today.
Read the full story of how coding landed us on the moon here!
Smartphones Have More Code Than NASA Computers in 1969
While Margaret Hamilton was working on NASA’s exciting new piece of technology, the Apollo Guidance Computer, countless others were dealing with other areas of preparation for the Apollo 11 mission.
Today, we have the luxury of fitting small powerful handheld computers in our pockets in the form of smart phones. In 1969 when NASA sent the Apollo 11 mission into the sky, it was running on less code than we have an arm’s length away at most times. The power inside of the technology we use today may be deceiving since it is constantly around us and we use it daily. But let’s not forget how far we’ve come in just a handful of decades.
The Programming Language Name Java was Selected While Drinking Hot Coffee
In June 1991, a team of engineers made up of James Gosling, Patrick Naughton and Mike Seridan (also known as “The Green Team”,) created early versions of what we know today as the programming language Java. After switching between names, and even briefly officially landing on one, it was back to the drawing board. As James Gosling sat pondering during one of his typical workdays, the smell of his hot coffee crept up his nose giving him the “AH-HA!” moment. The name was officially changed and is still one of the most used programming languages in technology today.
Read the full story of Java here!
Google Runs On 2 Billion Lines of Code
Google is the most used search engine on the internet today with a reported 70,000 searches made every second by its users. The amount of backend infrastructure needed to keep up with the massive sized demand is hard to visualize. Especially since the website has the groundwork of 2 billion lines of code. Not only has it all been carefully written and implemented over the years, it also has to be maintained and updated regularly. It’s starting to become clearer why Google ended 2021 with over 156,000 full-time employees.
You Don’t Need a College Degree to Launch a Career in Tech
With high average salaries, consistent growth rates, and a long list of exciting new software and applications you could have the opportunity to work on – it may be easy to assume you would need a 4-year college degree to launch your career in code.
At devCodeCamp, we take adults from all walks of life and give them the skills they need to kickstart their careers in data and coding in only a handful of weeks. Our graduates can be found inside top tech companies such as Facebook, IBM, HubSpot, Amazon, Deloitte, and much more. You no longer need to go the traditional college route in order to have a successful career in tech. Regardless of your current experience, age, or background!
Reach out today to see how our online coding and data analytics bootcamp is designed for your success starting day one!