Why every entrepreneur should learn basic coding

This article is written by Laura Meyer, an Engineer at a leading consultancy, specializing in AI, data science, and DevOps, with extensive experience in GenAI innovation and delivering technical training.

In the contemporary business landscape, the ability to adapt and integrate technological advancements is paramount for entrepreneurial success. One such advancement is coding, a skill traditionally associated with tech professionals but increasingly valuable across various industries. This article delves into how coding benefits entrepreneurs, identifies essential coding skills for business owners, and offers guidance on learning coding without a technical background.

Benefits of coding for entrepreneurs

In today’s digital world, coding is no longer just for software developers, it’s a valuable skill for entrepreneurs in any industry. Even if you don’t plan to become a programmer, understanding the basics of coding can give you a strategic advantage, helping you make smarter decisions, streamline operations, and lead more effectively. Here’s why you should consider learning to code:

1. Sharpen your problem-solving and strategic thinking

Coding trains you to think logically, break down problems into smaller parts, and create structured solutions. This mindset helps you navigate business challenges more effectively, whether you’re optimizing workflows, analyzing market trends, or refining your business model. Learning to code pushes you to approach problems from multiple angles and develop creative, future-focused solutions that align with your company’s goals.

2. Communicate effectively with technical teams

If your business involves technology—whether through a website, an app, or automated systems—you’ll likely work with developers and IT specialists. Knowing the basics of coding allows you to:

• Clearly define project requirements – Avoid miscommunication and costly misunderstandings by specifying exactly what you need.
• Understand technical limitations and opportunities – Assess whether a feature is feasible before committing time and resources.
• Provide better feedback and leadership – Engage in productive discussions, set realistic timelines, and ensure alignment between business goals and technical execution.

By speaking the language of developers, you become a stronger leader who can bridge the gap between business strategy and execution.

3. Reduce costs and increase autonomy

As an entrepreneur, every expense matters. With the right coding skills, you can undertake minor technical tasks yourselves, such as creating your own design, updating websites or automating simple processes. This autonomy reduces reliance on external developers, leading to cost savings and faster implementation of ideas while giving you greater control over your business operations. You can build, test, and iterate your minimum viable product (MVP) more quickly, which is essential for startups looking to validate concepts and attract early users.

4. Make smarter technology decisions

Understanding coding empowers you to evaluate software solutions, assess vendor proposals, and determine whether digital projects are worth pursuing. You’ll be able to:

• Identify which technologies best suit your business needs.
• Avoid overpaying for unnecessary tech solutions.
• Clearly articulate your vision to developers, ensuring that your ideas are implemented correctly.

With this knowledge, you make more informed decisions that directly impact your company’s growth and efficiency.

5. Hire the right talent with confidence

Hiring developers or technical staff can be a daunting task if you lack technical knowledge. Without understanding the basics, you risk making costly hiring mistakes. With coding skills, you can:

• Evaluate candidates’ skills beyond just resumes.
• Ask the right questions during interviews.
• Build a team that aligns with your company’s long-term vision.

By taking an active role in the hiring process, you increase the chances of finding the right talent while minimizing reliance on external opinions.

6. Gain a competitive edge in the digital economy

Technology is a driving force behind business success. Entrepreneurs who understand coding can:

• Spot new opportunities for digital innovation.
• Streamline operations through automation.
• Enhance customer experiences with tech-driven solutions.

In a world where businesses that leverage technology thrive, knowing how to code gives you a powerful advantage.

Essential coding skills for business owners

1. Web development fundamentals: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Establishing a robust online presence is crucial for modern businesses. Understanding the basics of web development enables you to create and maintain websites that reflect your brand’s identity and cater to user needs.

• HTML (HyperText Markup Language): Serves as the backbone of web pages, structuring content such as text, images, and links.
• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Controls the visual presentation, allowing customization of layouts, colors, and fonts to ensure a cohesive and appealing design.
• JavaScript: Introduces interactivity to websites, enabling features like dynamic content updates, form validations, and interactive elements.

By grasping these technologies, you can oversee your website’s design and functionality, ensuring it aligns with your business objectives and provides a seamless user experience.

2. Data analysis proficiency: Python and SQL

Making informed decisions requires the ability to analyze and interpret data effectively. Familiarity with data analysis tools empowers you to extract valuable insights from your business data.

• Python: A versatile programming language renowned for its readability and extensive libraries, such as Pandas and NumPy, which facilitate data manipulation and analysis.
• SQL (Structured Query Language): Essential for managing and querying relational databases, allowing efficient retrieval and analysis of data.

With these skills, you can delve into sales trends, customer behaviors, and operational metrics, leading to data-driven strategies that enhance efficiency and profitability.

3. Automation scripting: Streamlining Repetitive Tasks

Efficiency is key in business operations. Learning scripting languages enables you to automate mundane tasks, freeing up time for more strategic activities.

• Automation: By writing simple scripts, you can automate processes like data entry, report generation, or email responses, reducing the likelihood of human error and increasing productivity.

This capability allows you to focus on growth-oriented tasks, knowing that routine operations are handled efficiently.

4. Understanding APIs: Integrating diverse systems

In a technology-driven business environment, various software systems often need to work together seamlessly. Understanding Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) is crucial for integrating these systems.

• APIs: Serve as intermediaries that allow different software applications to communicate and share data.

By leveraging APIs, you can integrate tools like customer relationship management (CRM) systems, payment gateways, and marketing platforms, creating a unified and efficient technological ecosystem within your business.

5. Embracing low-code/no-code platforms: Accelerating development

The rise of low-code and no-code platforms has democratized software development, enabling business owners without extensive coding knowledge to create applications.

• Low-Code/No-Code Platforms: These platforms provide intuitive interfaces that allow users to build applications through visual modeling, reducing the need for manual coding.

Embracing these platforms can accelerate development processes, allowing rapid prototyping and deployment of solutions tailored to your business needs.

Incorporating these coding skills into your repertoire not only enhances your ability to manage and grow your business but also positions you to adapt to the evolving digital landscape effectively.

Learn coding with Le Wagon

Le Wagon offers specialized coding bootcamps designed to empower entrepreneurs with the essential skills needed to thrive in today’s digital economy. Whether you’re looking to build your own website, streamline operations, or make data-driven decisions, Le Wagon’s practical and immersive courses provide the tools to succeed.

For entrepreneurs with no prior coding experience, Le Wagon offers different bootcamps that emphasize hands-on experience, helping you quickly gain the skills needed to implement your ideas without having a (strong) technical background:

• Web Development bootcamp: Ideal for beginners, this course teaches HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Ruby on Rails. You’ll learn how to create dynamic websites and web applications, giving you greater control over your online presence and the ability to prototype your business ideas quickly.
• Data Science & AI bootcamp: This more advanced program is designed for those with prior technical knowledge and aims to develop skills in Python, SQL, and machine learning. Entrepreneurs who already understand the basics of coding will benefit from learning how to leverage data-driven insights for smarter business decisions.

Both programs are available in full-time (9 weeks) for an intensive deep dive or part-time (24 weeks) for those balancing work and learning. With a project-based approach, expert mentorship, and a strong alumni network, Le Wagon ensures you quickly gain the right skills to turn your ideas into reality.

If you want to learn more on how coding at Le Wagon can empower your entrepreneurial journey, visit Le Wagon for Entrepreneurs. Moreover, for inspiration, explore successful startups created by alumni who leveraged coding skills to bring their ideas to life. Check out their stories here.

Sources:

• Startup Genome. Global Startup Ecosystem Report, 2024, startupgenome.com/report.

• World Economic Forum. The Future of Jobs Report, 2023, weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023.

• Harvard Business Review. “Why Entrepreneurs Need to Learn to Code.” HBR.

• McKinsey & Company. “How Technology Is Changing Business.” mckinsey.com.

• Moat Academy. “6 Benefits of Programming for Entrepreneurs: How Coding Can Help Turn Business Ideas into Reality.” 4 Feb. 2023, moatacademy.com.

• CEO Today Magazine. “Why You Should Learn How To Code If You’re an Entrepreneur.” Dec. 2021, ceotodaymagazine.com.

• Coding for Entrepreneurs. “Coding for Entrepreneurs Courses.” codingforentrepreneurs.com.

• Medium. “Coding: Where to Start for People Without a Technical Background.” medium.com.