World Coding Day
Code is the literacy of the 21st century — learn it, teach it, celebrate it.
About
World Coding Day on December 9 promotes coding and computer programming education globally. Digital literacy — including the ability to understand how software works — has become as fundamental as reading and writing in the modern economy. Coding education campaigns have shown that when children are taught to code from an early age, they develop stronger problem-solving, logical thinking, and creative skills. The day encourages beginners of all ages to take their first steps in programming.
History
World Coding Day is connected to the global 'Hour of Code' initiative launched by Code.org in 2013 — part of CS Education Week in December. The movement has reached over 100 million students in 180+ countries. Technology companies including Google, Microsoft, and Apple have invested heavily in coding education programmes that align with December's annual coding awareness push.
Where It's Observed
Cultural Context
US United States
The US coding education movement is driven by the recognition that millions of technology jobs go unfilled due to a skills gap. World Coding Day drives school Hour of Code events, and companies like Google and Apple run free coding workshops. Coding bootcamps have become a major US educational phenomenon.
KR South Korea
South Korea made software education mandatory in all schools starting in 2019. World Coding Day celebrates this progress and highlights Korea's ambition to lead in software and AI. Korean students participate enthusiastically in global coding competitions.
JP Japan
Japan introduced programming education in elementary schools in 2020 as part of its effort to develop the workforce for its Society 5.0 vision — a super-smart society powered by technology. World Coding Day connects to these national goals and celebrates Japan's growing tech education ecosystem.
How to Participate
- 01Complete an Hour of Code exercise at code.org — it's free and takes one hour
- 02Teach a child a simple programming concept using Scratch or similar tools
- 03Learn about a programmer who changed the world
- 04Explore a free online course in Python, JavaScript, or another language
Frequently asked questions
When is World Coding Day?+
World Coding Day is observed annually on December 9. The date is fixed each year — December 9 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is World Coding Day?+
World Coding Day on December 9 promotes coding and computer programming education globally. Digital literacy — including the ability to understand how software works — has become as fundamental as reading and writing in the modern economy. Coding education campaigns have shown that when children are…
Is World Coding Day a public holiday?+
World Coding Day is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.
How can I participate in World Coding Day?+
Complete an Hour of Code exercise at code.org — it's free and takes one hour Teach a child a simple programming concept using Scratch or similar tools Learn about a programmer who changed the world These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe World Coding Day?+
Global — technology education community worldwide.
Mark the date
Download a free printable calendar for 2026 and never miss World Coding Day.