Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by username223 1504 days ago
If they want to work with their hands, there aren't many good reasons.

If they want to work with words or numbers, some basic programming will let them automate repetitive tasks and eliminate lots of boring work. Examples include simple calculations in spreadsheets, formatting writing for publication, filing work email, and automating invoices. It's a useful skill like being able to touch-type.

In any case, they should not be forced to program for its own sake, since that has a narrow appeal. Instead, they should program only to do things they actually care about.