Technology advances quickly, and traditional degrees that take years to finish may not be able to keep up. Although many theoretical computer science degrees are available, the demand for more developers has given rise to a new type of education and training known as the Coding Bootcamp.

A coding bootcamp might be the quickest way to learn how to code. They are intensive, condensed training courses that employers value. Students with little prior coding experience can concentrate on the most crucial coding concepts in coding bootcamps and then use their newly acquired coding skills to solve problems in the real world.

So, what exactly are coding bootcamps?

“A coding bootcamp is a concentrated course that teaches essential skills and provides real-world training for people seeking jobs in computer and information technology fields.”1 

Many participants in coding bootcamps want to start a career in development, and they achieve this by developing applications at a professional level. This gives them the groundwork they might need to create production-ready applications and prove they possess the abilities to advance a prospective employer’s business significantly.1

Advantages of Bootcamps

Since coding bootcamps use different academic methods than traditional universities, they can meet the demands of a wide range of students. The topics usually cover the fundamentals of coding and also, advanced programming techniques.1 Basic coding knowledge is available through various programs online, and most of the time, these programs cost much less than obtaining a traditional four year degree. Many excellent online courses are available, and some top institutions even offer their lectures for free.

For the most part, traditional four-year degree coursework and onerous entry standards are absent in bootcamps. The main factor affecting access to higher education for most students is cost. A four-year computer science degree can be outrageously expensive, and many students, not just those from low-income families, encounter various challenges when trying to finish their college degrees. So, bootcamps may also be more readily accessible and more affordable than a four-year degree.2

While computer science degrees also have an emphasis on theory, coding bootcamps place a greater emphasis on the practical skills required in the business. Bootcamps also provide a wide range of employment services, including mock interviews, networking, career counseling, soft skill training, and professional portfolio development.2,3

It takes a lot of work to develop professional-level development skills, and many different skills are crucial to learning. Whatever program you decide to enroll in, it’s critical to understand that becoming a professional developer requires specific skill sets. It’s vital to acquire knowledge of databases, computer languages, web frameworks, servers, host functionality, etc. The best places to start with all of this are coding bootcamps. If you are interested in coding, a bootcamp experience could be something to consider, and in some cases can help with getting jobs in some of the top companies in the industry, help with a career as a freelancer, or help you stand out for jobs with startups.

References:

  1. What Is a Coding Bootcamp? (A Comprehensive Guide for 2022) | Columbia Engineering Boot Camps. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://bootcamp.cvn.columbia.edu/blog/what-is-a-coding-bootcamp/ 
  2. Bootcamps: A Viable Alternative to College | Getting Smart. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.gettingsmart.com/2019/04/20/bootcamps-a-viable-alternative-to-college/ 
  3. Coding Bootcamps in 2022: Your Complete Guide | Course Report. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.coursereport.com/coding-bootcamp-ultimate-guide
  4. What is a coding bootcamp? — Firehose Project. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2022, from http://thefirehoseproject.com/developer-guide/1 ( used as a general reference for detailed understanding)