What does a coder do?
Coders write instructions that tell computers what to do. Every app, game and website you use was built by coders.
What coders do all day
Coders break big problems into small steps a computer can follow.
When a program goes wrong, coders hunt down the mistake and fix it.
They make the things you tap, swipe and play every day.
Coders work with designers and testers to make something great together.
Super skills coders use
- 🧠 Thinking step by step
- 🔍 Spotting mistakes
- 🎨 Being creative
- 🙋 Asking good questions
How you grow as a coder
- Engineering InternStart here
- Software EngineerGetting good
- Engineering LeadLeading others
- Chief Technology OfficerThe top job!
In the game you start at step 1. Do great work, collect stars and climb all the way to the top!
Places you can work in the game
- 💻Engineering pod
- 🗺️Product room
- 🎨Design studio
- 📊Data lab
- 📞Sales floor
- 🪟Corner office
Fun fact!
The very first computer “bug” was a real moth! In 1947 a team found one stuck inside a giant computer and taped it into their notebook.
Ready to try it?
Pick a name, choose your first job and make choices. Every game is different — then challenge a friend to beat your score!
▶ Play as a coderQuestions kids ask about coders
What does a coder do?
Coders write instructions that tell computers what to do. Every app, game and website you use was built by coders.
What skills does a coder need?
Coders use skills like thinking step by step, spotting mistakes, being creative and asking good questions.
How do you become a coder?
Many coders study computer science, but lots of them start by teaching themselves and building small games and apps. The more you practise, the better you get.
Can kids try being a coder?
Yes. In careers.games, a free game for kids, kids play a coder from the first step (Engineering Intern) all the way to the top job (Chief Technology Officer).
Updated October 2026 · About careers.games for parents and teachers
For parents and teachers
careers.games is a free, story-based career game for children. Kids make simple choices, see what happens and learn that jobs have many steps. There are no accounts, no chat and no ads.
The coder path in careers.games follows a software team from intern to tech lead, with the choices in between — keep building, take on people, or start something new.
Questions to talk about together:
- What app or game would you like to build one day?
- What does it feel like when you solve a tricky puzzle?
- Why do you think coders work in teams?
Tip: turn on “Read to me” in the game and younger players can listen instead of reading.