Today, everyone has many opportunities to learn to program and isn't limited to universities and colleges. You can enter online coding bootcamps and learn at a comfortable pace or create a plan for self-studying with books and tutorials. So, which learning opportunities do you have and which might be the best for you? Let's discover that together.
Where Can You Learn to Code? Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Methods
Before getting deeper into the coding Bootcamp industry, it won't be superfluous to mention the most common ways of learning to code and talk about their pros and cons.
Universities or Colleges. They promote well-rounded development and teach such important soft skills as critical thinking, problem-solving, and give you a “firm foundation”, such as learning algorithms and programming patterns. They also provide you with a degree after graduation, which will definitely set you above the competition.
Cons: learning is really long and expensive, and there is often a lack of practice.
Books, tutorials, YouTube. They offer a very affordable or even free way of learning, plus give you the ability to study at your own pace.
Cons: No consistency, no plan, which often leads to a lack of self-organization. Again, lack of practice too.
Private tutors or mentors. Here, you'll get a very individual approach and attention to your needs or specific goals.
Cons: the learning may take ages, and this learning won't be cheap. To add more, it's quite hard to find an excellent mentor who's equally talented in programming and teaching.
Online coding bootcamps, online courses. Focused on practice, online courses often use interesting learning techniques and fresh technologies to help you learn how to code from scratch. They are well-structured and don't take long.
Cons: It may be hard for students to force themselves to study online. However, they usually include additional features to boost your learning experience. Like for example, virtual mentoring or coding style check at CodeGym.
Anyway, the pros of online studying far outweigh its cons. And, if you are reading this article, more likely than not, you already gravitate towards learning Java in this way. So, what can online learning offer, and how to choose your coding Bootcamp?
What is an Online Coding Bootcamp?
In a word, a coding Bootcamp is an intensive training program that teaches people practical and job-ready tech skills. Coding bootcamps are much cheaper and faster than traditional college tuition. And, below, we'll go over key aspects of these accelerated programming courses.
Learning to code is an essential part of any Java online bootcamps. And, generally, at the end of the program, you'll be proficient in Java Core and frameworks. Further, you may extend your set of skills with useful "add-ons" like Full Stack Web Development, Android Development, Data Science, and more. The length varies from program to program, but on average you'll develop valuable programming skills in 3-6 months.
So, if you're a self-motivated, organized person who is after a short-term course, an online coding Bootcamp is a great option for you. Also, it's fantastic for those who need the flexibility to work/learn wherever they are.
Do You Need A College Degree For Entering a Coding Bootcamp?
Entering a coding Bootcamp, especially online, typically requires no college degree. Additionally, you may wonder how much experience you'll need for a coding Bootcamp. In reality, it all depends on the program you choose. There are many programs for all experience levels, from complete beginners with zero programming skills to the more experienced coders.
What Are the Different Types of Coding Bootcamps?
When you enter a coding boot camp, you have several standard options to choose from, depending on your individual educational needs. The most significant difference makes the schedule. Ahead are the main options to consider before you enroll:
Part-time Bootcamps
Part-time bootcamps usually last for 34 weeks. It makes them the perfect option for students who already have a job, a family, or other responsibilities that require significant time. In other words, part-time online bootcamps are usually adopted for those people who can dedicate time to learning and online meetings on evenings and weekends.
Full-time Bootcamps
Full-time bootcamps, in their turn, need half less time, i.e. approximately 17 weeks. They completely immerse you into the world of coding. They need maximum attention and concentration, leaving just a little time for other activities. Suppose you're a person who wants to expand your knowledge in the shortest time and are ready to dedicate up to 8-10 per learning 5-6 days per week. In that case, full-time programs may be the right option for you.
Self-paced Bootcamps
These are the bootcamps that almost always deliver material online in asynchronous formats, allowing you to accelerate or decelerate your learning. Self-paced online bootcamps may appeal to developers with existing coding knowledge who just want to master new concepts required for their job. And, of course, for newbies that wish to study at their own pace, without a tight schedule.
Bootcamp Specifics
Online coding bootcamps may also vary by the topics they offer. While some bootcamps provide broad introductions to general programming skills, most adopt a specific area of focus. Java bootcamps mainly focus on building practical skills to satisfy modern job requirements. Among them, the most popular are:
Object-Oriented Programming. Students learn the essential aspects of object-oriented programming (encapsulation, abstraction, inheritance, and polymorphism) and use them to structure software programs.
Java Syntax. It's all about how to apply Java syntax for back-end development of computer programs and apps.
Error Handling. Error-handling skills are important for any developer as all programs and applications are subject to errors. After completing the course, you'll get familiarity with the anticipation, detection, and resolution of errors.
Portfolio Development. If you'd like to show your skills to future employers, there is no better way than displaying your programming abilities through your portfolios. Many Java bootcamps help students create professional portfolio websites to promote their future career opportunities.
Cost
Online bootcamps continue to grow in popularity owing to their intensive job training. That's why the competition increases and the prices decrease. Now, you can find many relatively affordable courses and even some free ones. Of course, if you'd like to enroll in a university-affiliated Bootcamp, you'll need to shell out a hefty sum of money. Still, its cost will be no higher than one semester of a CS degree program.
The Most Popular Online Coding Bootcamps
If you are a highly motivated person who can teach yourself even tough subjects using books and tutorials, then you may like free online programs like Codecademy or Udacity. The basic courses here are for free, whereas Pro levels will cost you $15.99 per month in Codeacademy, and Nano levels in Udacity will cost $399.00.
Need more specific courses that won't break the bank? Then, you may try Udemy with job-oriented courses starting just from $10.99/monthly. This platform offers a great range of specific courses like Android, Web, game development, as well as good coverage of Java basics and implementation of OOP concepts in Java.
Those who look for a well-balanced course that includes the best of both words should definitely consider our CodeGym. We proud ourselves on being an all-around learning platform that suits just anyone, from beginner to expert.
Made with a virtual mentor that instantly verifies all of your practical tasks, CodeGym deftly combines all the advantages of in-person and online courses. Plus, we have a friendly community of Java learners, where you'll be able to communicate with other students and experienced developers, and also get help with solving coding tasks. Another advantage is that the course has a free gaming section allowing you to hone your coding skills and to create your own game(s), which you'll be able to include into your portfolio later.
The price? Free zero level, free games section, it takes only $29/monthly for Premium subscription. Based on the experience of our students, you’ll need 3 to 12 months to complete the course and become proficient in Java Core, major frameworks and coding tools.
Bottom Line
Obviously, CodeGym is a happy mean, striking the perfect balance between price and the knowledge it offers. It's a self-paced course that accepts complete beginners and then can turn them into real professionals. CodeGym can help you gain all the Core Java knowledge in a very engaging way and then polish it up with extra skills.
Does CodeGym Provide career services or job placement like pricey, professional courses? No, but it prepares you for a job interview and can help you build a great portfolio. For sure, CodeGym is a fantastic jumping-off point to a successful career but you should bear in mind that your outcome drastically depends on your drive and grasp of the material. They say successful grads are "willing to put in the effort." So, believe in yourself and go right ahead!
