Computer programming has come a long way since the era when paper cards with strategically assigned punches were the best way to tell a computer what to do with itself. In 2022, tech companies are experimenting with "no-code" and "low-code" programming tools that will probably eventually make it possible for people with no knowledge at all of computer programming to create basic apps other software.

Before anyone makes it to the future, however, where we all become Duracells for intelligent machines (as envisioned in The Matrix) or drift through life on floating couches slurping giant sodas (as envisioned in WALL*E), there's still plenty of computer programming to be done the old-fashioned way: writing code, that is — not using punch cards.

Interestingly, computer programming is one area of IT where certifications are few and far between. Maybe that's because many of the most popular programming languages aren't considered the property of a single entity that might shepherd such credentials (the way that Oracle does with its Java certifications). Maybe it's because there are more effective ways to learn a programming language than certification — and once you know, you know. (You know?)

At any rate, for the upcoming summer edition of Certification Magazine, we're venturing into an IT niche we've never explored before. Instead of asking questions about a list of known computer programming credentials, we're gathering information about why, for the most part, few such certifications exist — as well as whether there should or should not be more of them around.

If you're a certified IT professional who knows a thing or two about computer programming, then please pull up a chair. We want to find outwhat you think about the current state of computer programming certifications (such as they are) and whether programming and certifications should have more overlap than they do. Even if you have little or no exposure to computer programming, we're intrigued to know what you think.

As we always do, we've added a dash of incentive to participate. If you take the Computer Programming Certification Survey all the way to the end, we'll thank you with either (or both!) of two rewards. You can get a free digital copy of the next issue of Certification Magazine. Or get a one-year print subscription at 40 percent off the normal cost. (Hate making decisions? Get 'em both! We don't mind.)

BIG THANKS to everyone who participated in our 2022 Computer Programming Certification Survey! Watch for the results to appear the forthcoming 2022 Summer Edition of Certification Magazine.

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