Coding: A Key to A Successful Product Manager

Do PMs need to know how to code to be successful in their career?

In the past, I used to give a binary answer to this, but I'd like to add some context here by breaking it down.

1- Are there PM jobs where you can survive without code?

Yes, there are several positions where the PM drives product definition & plays little part in the technicalities of implementation.

HOWEVER, there are also PM roles where writing/reading code is an essential part of the job. (e.g. API-driven products)

2- Can you get through a PM interview without coding?

It totally depends on the company.

My Microsoft process involved a coding interview even though I didn't code during my internship.

However, my Bayt process didn't require me to write code.

3- Do PMs write or read code during their jobs?

Most PMs rarely code. In my career, the only reason I wrote code/scripted was to make a task easier, not because I was asked to. But depends on the product (see 1).

4. Should a PM understand how code works?

Absolutely.

After you've landed the job, the very least you need to commit to is to gain a basic understanding of databases, servers, algos etc.

Why? Because that will allow you to come up with "feasible" solutions that make you more effective at the job.