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How Does Programming Affect Your Brain?

By Writers from The Coder School


Photo by James Harrison on Unsplash

Government statistics and projections show that the software development and computer science field, in general, is among the fastest-growing sectors, expected to grow by 17% by 2024 [1]. This is higher than the average projected job growth rate of 7%. To prepare a sufficient workforce to meet this demand, learning institutions have intentionally introduced coding classes that suit kids and adults alike.

Interestingly, unlike other subjects/courses, learning to code has several unique benefits - such as improved problem-solving and logic skills [2], [3]. This shows that programming develops specific brain parts, particularly those involved in memory, language processing, logic, and attention. Even though non-programmers may believe that programming is basic math and logic, it certainly goes beyond this.


How Programming Boosts the Brain

Coding and software development require several vital core skills, such as:

  • Creativity – programmers should design software that meets user requirements from scratch.

  • Analysis – developers should analyze client requirements and find appropriate solutions.

  • People skills – programmers work in groups and collaborate on various systems with other professionals, such as visual designers.

  • Math and abstraction – software developers should comfortably use abstraction and computational models.

  • Detail-oriented – programmers should ensure that source codes are perfect. They should also predict what happens if a connection fails or an unexpected input occurs.

  • Logic – they should easily read and write complex programming logic.

  • Learning – programmers should be expert learners to match the rapidly changing technology. They should always be ready to adopt new frameworks and programming concepts.

That said, below are ways in which coding affects the brain:


1. It activates the learning centers

Learning to code shapes neural associations and activates specific brain parts associated with learning. While there is a lot of science involved in this, coding actuates the central brain districts associated with the preparation of dialect, working memory, and considerations. The parts include:

  • Middle temporal gyrus – which deals with semantics

  • Middle frontal gyrus – associated with memory, language, and attention

  • Inferior frontal gyrus – language and memory

  • Inferior parietal lobule – memory

  • The left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex – logic

Typically, working on source codes activates brain parts that deal with memory, language processing, and logic. Several brain observations have noted that software developers who code regularly have high movement in math and language processing parts of the brain. Since coding is multifaceted and complicated, it is also thought that programming reinforces associations between various distinctive parts, improving the brains’ learning capacity.


2. It builds and strengthens neural pathways

As mentioned above, coding activates and reinforces associations between various parts of the brain. These help build new associations and activate previously unused pathways. By frequently using these zones, the pre-existing associations are fortified and reinforced, just like monotonous muscle movements strengthen the muscle. This explains why most active software developers have dynamic brains with increased alertness and cognitive execution.


3. It improves memory and cognitive skills

Adults and children learning to code [4] also benefit from improved memory and cognitive skills. Advancing age often leads to a decline in memory and cognitive abilities. However, a study [5] found that regularly engaging in intellectually challenging activities can buffer and caution adults from cognitive decline.

The human brain is divided into two hemispheres, the left and right hemispheres. The left is primarily responsible for logical and analytical thinking, while the right is responsible for imagination and intuitive thinking. Programming tasks generally improve the functioning of both brain hemispheres, which ultimately develops the entire brain.


4. It strengthens the brains’ health

Scientists such as late computing science pioneer, Edsger Dijkstra, consider the brain a muscle that should be exercised to stay sharp and strong. In fact, the following is a quote from Djkstra: “The tools we use have a profound (and devious) influence on our thinking habits, and, therefore, on our thinking abilities.” Unfortunately, most people are skeptical about this theory and uncertain if programming is enough mental exercise that affects brain health. There’s a lot of past and recent research that analyzed programming effects on cognitive outcomes and concluded that participants with coding experience performed better on cognitive ability tests than those without [6], [7].


As mentioned above, the study found that intellectual activities buffer individuals from cognitive decline. More laboratory work [8] also noted that those who frequently engage in activities that stimulate the brain, such as coding, writing, playing board games, or playing music, delay or reduce the risks of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Another participant trial [9] found that only specific mental engagements can lead to sharp brains. Such engagements include high-demand cognitive tasks with some learning and intellectual difficulties. While more research should be done to conclude these brief studies outlined in this report, it is hard to think of demanding and learner-centric cognitive tasks like programming.


5. Improves problem-solving skills

Programming also improves humans’ ability to identify and settle arising problems. Problem-solving is the ability to characterize problems and find the best possible course of action or solution. Programmers often find themselves stuck with lines of codes that can’t execute commands as expected. However, learning to code activates their cognitive skills, enabling them to find and fix bugs.


The Bottom Line

Programming provides a perfect workout for the brain. Interestingly, once you have mastered a coding language, it is possible to code from the brain. While it seems surreal, experienced programmers can code while hiking, jogging, or riding a bike. Once you are familiar with a coding language, you don’t need to refer to programming manuals or online guides anymore. Such offline coding is very beneficial to the brain.


Sources

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