Why Marketing and BD Professionals Should Learn to Code

Not being able to code will be, in 10 years, like not being able to parallel park. People will look at you like, "Really?"

humbug

Perhaps this is self-serving, but I completely agree. If you plan to be in the software business, it pays to know a little bit of what your business is built on.

The best way to learn how to code is to pick a small project, build it and deploy. With app stores galore (Google Chrome, Apple, Android) there are plenty of interesting opportunities for small applications to get your feet wet. I wouldn't worry about making the next big thing. Pick something fun and ship it.

I personally would start with a scripting language and build some cool games with it. I personally would recommend starting with Lua and using Corona (http://www.anscamobile.com/corona/) to get started. This will give you an application that is easy to build and deploy across multiple platforms.

I think knowing how to code helps marketing more than just scripting.

When drafting contracts I apply the DRY principle, modularize sections, and focus on clarity and meaningful names for section headings.

When planning strategy I look at the whole structure of the market, which required analytical thinking not unlike system architecture.

Moreover most of the high powered marketing is distribution which is almost all code these days.

Engineering + marketing = big money.

Except that in 10 years, cars that can parallel park themselves will be 18 years old, and there will probably be drivers who have never parallel parked for themselves. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligent_Parking_Assist_Syst...)