Some people believe that coding will be obsolete in the next decade. They believe that with the development of AI technologies, the need for human developers will no longer exist. However, many everyday essentials require code, so it’s unlikely that coding (or the developers that write it) will ever go extinct!
But, it may not always be obvious how code is being used around you. We take a lot of these everyday things powered by code for granted. It’s especially important for kids to understand so they can interact safely with the world around them. When kids ask how code is used, point out these 10 things that don’t work without code. It’s a great time to emphasize how important coding is to the world around us!
10 Everyday Essentials that Depend on Code
- Internet
- Social media
- Smartphones
- Streaming
- Game consoles
- Tablets
- GPS & Navigation
- Video conferencing
- Smart assistants
1. Internet
The internet is an obvious one! We use the internet every day at home, at work, and on the go. In 2024, internet users globally spent an average of six hours and 36 minutes online daily (Statista). What are we using the internet for? Social networking, finding information, watching videos, shopping, and much more. The internet powers more than websites though, it’s also a larger network infrastructure that allows various services emails, games, file sharing, and more.
The internet is built on a foundation of code, so without code, there is no internet. Code underpins internet protocols like HTTP, TCP/IP, and DNS to enable communication between devices. Programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, which we teach in our coding classes, create websites and interactive user experiences. As coding languages improve, the internet has become faster, more accessible, and scalable.
2. Social media
Social media is a place for people to share information, connect, and communicate online. It has allowed us to access information in real-time and build relationships with people and brands in a more personal way. All social media platforms, like Instagram and Facebook, are entirely built on code.
Whether they’re websites or apps, social media doesn’t exist without code. Algorithms and artificial intelligence help personalize the experience on social media and show users content based on their preferences and interests. Code also ensures photos, videos, and posts are stored and delivered efficiently so we can browse and scroll without interruption.
3. Smartphones
Smartphones revolutionized communication starting in the early 90’s and have become ubiquitous in modern society. Even among children, smartphone usage is pervasive. For example, over half of children in the U.S. have their own smartphone by the age of 11. A smartphone differs from a cellphone in that it has more advanced features, including web browsing, software applications, and a mobile OS. The modern smartphone can accomplish tasks like video conferencing, biometric scanning, augmented reality, and more.
These “smart features” are all written by developers in various coding languages. Smartphones combine the functions of several traditional devices such as a computer, a camera, and a telephone, into one compact device. These connections are powered by code.
4. Email
Our lives have been improved significantly by having the fast and convenient communication of email. We can stay in touch with family and friends as well as keep up with business in a cost-effective manner. Email saves time and money on printing, postage, and delivery and has revolutionized how we communicate and keep records.
Email platforms are all internet-based and therefore use code. Certain code protocols are specific to emails like SMTP, POP, and IMAP for sending and receiving messages. There are also security protocols to ensure your secure and private communications.
5. Streaming
A streaming service is an online platform that allows users to watch or listen to content over the internet, without having to download it. What’s great about streaming is the speed and the flexibility of being able to consume media. Services like Netflix and Spotify have transformed how we consume content and entertainment from binge-watching to on-demand.
Streaming services are built on code and every aspect of the platform will use code. Developers use programming languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript to handle tasks on the platform that provide a seamless experience for users. This includes video encoding, data analysis, user interface design, content delivery, and complex algorithms. Code is used to deliver the content and personalize recommendations on the platform.
6. Game consoles
A game console is a device that allows users to play video games on a screen. The console can usually be connected to a television or some are handheld with a built-in screen. Popular consoles today include the Playstation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox. Game consoles are similar to computers and are designed specifically to deliver a great gaming experience.
Even the original game consoles like Nintendo relied heavily on using code. The difference being that those consoles used very low-level code that had limited processing power and memory. Since then the technology in gaming consoles has developed to more high-level languages. Today’s consoles use powerful game engines and are supported on multiple platforms due to the evolution of coding. Code is used to render realistic graphics and animations.
7. Tablets
Tablets are portable touchscreen devices that fall somewhere in between a smartphone and a computer. Tablets were originally created as smaller, mobile laptops. The iPad created a new category of devices and revolutionized the way people could interact with digital content. For kids, tablets have made play and education so convenient and easy on-the-go.
The hardware design was a large part of the popularity of the tablet, but the operating system and applications found on your tablet are written using code. Code is also the foundation of the tablets’ accessibility. They have a variety of features that can be customized to meet the needs of people with different abilities. For example, screen readers can help the visually impaired by reading out the text, menus, and icons on the screen, allowing users to interact with the device without seeing it.
8. GPS & Navigation
GPS (Global Positioning System) and navigation provide us with real-time directions using satellites. A system of 30+ navigation satellites circling Earth regularly emit signals that are picked up by our phones. When you use Google Maps or Uber, your phone (or other GPS receiver) calculates the distance to the satellite to determine your location.
While GPS is independent of the internet, it is still code-based. The most commonly used language is Python, particularly in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) where it’s used for tasks like spatial analysis, data manipulation, and visualization. There are also algorithms that calculate the best, fastest routes based on real-time traffic data.
9. Video Calls
Video calls have become ubiquitous after the global pandemic. They use the internet to facilitate live communication through audio and video. We now make video calls on our computers, phones, and tablets. Video calls are used personally and professionally, for everything from entertainment to education. It’s a way for people to connect globally, face to face.
In apps like Zoom and Microsoft teams, code ensures smooth video and audio transmission between callers. Privacy is also an important part of video calling, so there is encryption code to protect user data during calls. Tools like screen sharing and virtual whiteboards have made collaboration and creation a unique part of video calls.
10. Smart assistants
Smart assistants, like Siri and Alexa, are developed using artificial intelligence to respond to voice commands and perform tasks. They make life easier by helping us with things like grocery shopping, finding new information, and making daily routines more efficient.
Code is used to implement the AI, respond to queries, and perform actions in smart assistants. Algorithms enable the AI to adapt to user preferences over time. Code is also what connects the smart assistant to other devices and apps.
The Impact of Code on Our Lives
Could we live without code?
Of course, there was a time when we did. But in the 21st century, technologies based on computer science have had a profound impact on our lives and it’s hard to imagine life without it.
Communication has been transformed.
Connecting with friends and family through email, instant messaging, and video calls wouldn’t be possible without code. We have more access to information than ever on the internet and through social media. We’ve been able to connect globally in an instant.
Improved existing industries.
Industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing have made improvements in leaps and bounds using new technologies. In healthcare, code powers diagnostic tools, medical devices, and health monitoring apps. Through these technologies, they are able to personalize medical care and improve outcomes.
Enhanced education and learning.
E-learning platforms, educational apps, and virtual classrooms have made education more fun, accessible, and individualized. Kids can now learn at their own pace with lessons tailored to their individual needs.
Explore Coding for Kids
As you can see, code is all around us and powers many of the technologies we use every day. Even for kids who don’t want to make coding a career, it’s a useful and beneficial skill to have.
Learning live with expert instructors is one of the best ways for kids to develop this essential skill. Our online coding classes introduce kids to coding in a fun and engaging way. Kids, ages 8-18, can learn programming languages like Scratch and Python through a project-based curriculum that keeps them motivated.
Join our top-rated coding classes for kids.
