The evolution of computer programming languages @Rackspace, 2011

Girls Who Code

What is coding, anyway?  Computers only understand binary code, which is a combination of on and off commands, or 1’s and 0’s, combined into groups of 8 digits, called bytes. Each digit represents a transistor, which are the on/off switches. Using just those two digits to program a computer is a long and drawn out process.

Programming languages, called coding, simplifies the process of programming a computer to execute commands. There are many different types of programming languages, used for different purposes, including software development, scientific and mathematical problems, and web development. (How Coding Works, 2015)

As you can see from the graphic on the left, each language is slightly different, with different symbols and orders of entry with the symbols. Some of the oldest- Fortan and Cobol, are still being used by the National Weather Service and USPS.(Bartels,2011)

Girls Who Code, a non-profit organization started by Saujani in 2012, teaches girls from all over the country how to use the programming languages, as well as how to pitch their ideas, communicate effectively, and be confident with themselves. The 7 week summer immersion program is offered in several states, including New York, California, Massachusetts, Washington State, New Jersey, Illinois, Florida, and Washington D.C. (Girls Who Code, 2015)

A shining example of success in the program can be seen in the example of one camper’s writing of an algorithm to detect false positives in breast cancer screening. (Reshma Saujani)

By teaching girls to code, Girls Who Code is working on closing the gender gap in technology one girl at a time. Through programs like this, the female work force will be able to fulfill the employment opportunities that will arise over the next few years, closing not only the gender gap, but paving a way for younger girls to be able to aspire to their goals of being in the technology industry.