While learning to code, you’ve probably realized how complex and intricate coding can be. Coding takes patience and a lot of brain power to successfully write code. With all the work your brain is doing while coding, have you ever wondered how coding is benefiting your brain? A technical skill like coding is bound to improve your cognitive abilities. Here are some ways coding can make you smarter.

Improve your memory – When you first begin learning to code, it’ll seem like a lot of information coming at you all at once. This is normal, and with practice you’ll begin to remember each step of the coding process. Memorizing these steps will give your brain a great workout, and like with any workout, the brain will grow stronger. It’s widely known that as we age our ability to remember things declines, but luckily engaging in cognitive intensive skills such as coding can help fight back against memory loss.

Coding encourages creative thinking – Coding doesn’t just require a proficiency in math and logic, it also takes a creative mindset. Some of the most brilliant minds in technology innovation were very creative. Steve Jobs believed that creativity played a large role in developing some of the most innovative technology the world has ever seen. Jobs understood the importance of coding and programming, once stating “Everyone should know how to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think.” Intelligence isn’t defined simply as being able to retain information. Creativity is a trait of highly intelligent people, and the ability to think outside of the box when it comes to problem solving is a much-needed skill when it comes to coding. Fortunately, the more you code the more your imagination and creativity will grow.

Learn to manage multiple tasks and improve your organizational skills – Intelligent people are usually great maintaining organization. If you’ve ever looked at computer coding, you can understand how confusing and jumbled all the symbols tend to look. It’s no secret that coding can look very intimidating at first glance, and you’ll have to get comfortable interpreting what all those symbols mean. Just like a computer performs multiple tasks at once, you’ll be doing the same while coding. Making sure all the code is organized correctly while inputting new code takes great multitasking and organizational skills, and you’ll eventually become a pro at managing multiple tasks. Outside of coding, being more organized will help you think more clearly and feel less overwhelmed by the many responsibilities in your life.

At first glance coding can be difficult to comprehend. Fortunately, along with being fun to learn, coding can do a lot of good for your brain function and development. Why not learn a new skill that will not only help your career advancement, but that will benefit your brain?!