Discover what a coding bootcamp is and learn how it operates. This page provides an in-depth explanation of the structure and benefits of these intensive programming courses.
For anyone considering a career in coding or computer programming – or anyone looking to boost their career in the field of computer science – coding bootcamp is a great way to get the skills you need quickly.
Here, we’ll discuss what coding bootcamps are, how coding bootcamps work, and how coding bootcamps can help you no matter what stage of your career you’re in.
What is Coding Bootcamp?
Coding bootcamps are quick ways to learn coding languages. As opposed to years spent on your education, a bootcamp is concentrated, immersive, and affordable. You can usually complete them in a matter of months, or sometimes even weeks.
They’re highly structured and might have you writing code within minutes of your first day. Coding bootcamps are designed to get you job-ready as soon as you finish the program by helping you create projects for your portfolio and prepare for whiteboard job interviews.
Are There Different Types of Coding Bootcamps?
There isn’t only one style or type of coding bootcamp. Coding bootcamps vary in whether they are offered full-time or part-time, in-person, online, or hybrid, and self-paced or not. The length of the bootcamp depends on whether it’s full-time or part-time.
The style and method of bootcamp you choose should be based on your schedule, lifestyle, and learning preferences. If you choose a full-time program, you should be prepared to spend most of your day working on coding projects, both by yourself and as part of a team. This will help prepare you for your future career in programming.
At App Academy, we want to make learning to code accessible for future software engineers. That’s why we offer:
- 16-week full-time, in-person coding bootcamps in New York and San Francisco
- 24-week full-time, online coding bootcamps
- 48-week part-time, online coding bootcamps
The coding bootcamps offered by App Academy are not self-paced. You’ll be learning with a cohort of students and participating in live lectures, paired programming, and group reviews.
Guide: How to Choose a Coding Bootcamp
What Do Coding Bootcamps Cover in Their Curriculum?
The purpose of a coding bootcamp is to prepare you for a job as a programmer or software engineer. You’ll learn basic coding languages like JavaScript and Python, two of the most popular and in-demand languages, and more. Other coding and programming-related skills you can expect to master might include:
- Web development fundamentals: front-end development, back-end development, or full-stack development
- Real-world problem solving
- Data structures and algorithms
- Resume writing
- Networking workshops
- Job interview skills, including how to ace a whiteboard interview
How Much Experience Do You Need for a Coding Bootcamp?
Coding bootcamps are there to teach you the skills that are the most in-demand in the world of programming. They work by focusing on what you need to know in the real world.
Do I Need to Know How to Code to Apply?
That depends on the bootcamp you choose. Some bootcamps are set up for students who already have a basic understanding of coding. These bootcamps are for sharpening skills and learning more advanced methods of programming.
However, there are plenty of bootcamps that are perfect for learning how to code as a beginner. Some administer tests that assess an applicant’s problem-solving skills to see if you have the technical aptitude to learn coding. These assessments are meant to see how your mind works and if you’ll be a good fit for the program.
The Qualities You Need for Bootcamp Success
The most important qualities you’ll need when you apply to coding bootcamps are the motivation to learn coding and the discipline to put in the work necessary to finish the program.
App Academy offers a coding bootcamp prep class. It’s a great way to give yourself a basic understanding of what a coding bootcamp is like, including coding fundamentals. Our online program is completely self-paced and designed to help boost your chances of acceptance to App Academy or another coding bootcamp.
Tips: 6 Tips to Prepare for Coding Bootcamp Success
What’s the Student Experience Like at a Coding Bootcamp?
If you’re considering attending a coding bootcamp, naturally you’ll want to know what it’s like for students. Your personal experience will vary depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time, and whether you’re an online, in-person, or hybrid student.
Typically, here’s how a typical in-person day works for App Academy coding bootcamp students.
Lectures
At App Academy, the focus is on doing. That’s why we present lectures first thing in the morning – and we keep them short. Our instructors will present concepts and case studies and allow you to ask questions and clarify anything you might not understand. This lays the foundation for the work to come.
Paired Programming
Teamwork is an important part of most programming and coding jobs, which is why you’ll spend your afternoons working with a partner. The two of you will take what you’ve learned and work collaboratively to solve problems and create projects. We encourage our students to master the art of teamwork and talking through problems with their peers.
Learn More: The Importance of Teamwork & Communication in Software Engineering
Group Reviews
In the early evening, you’ll regroup with your classmates to discuss the projects you’re working on. You’ll have the opportunity to hear how others solved the same problems you and your partner worked on together, gain a new perspective on your work and offer insight and advice to your peers. We encourage active listening and participation in all our groups.
How Long Are Coding Bootcamps?
Coding bootcamps can last a few weeks or a few months. On average, bootcamps take about 14-16 weeks to complete. How long your program takes depends on whether you sign up for a full-time or part-time program.
Keep in mind that coding bootcamps are immersive experiences. Full-time students can expect to spend several hours a day attending lectures, working on programs, and attending groups, on top of any homework they must complete outside of class.
How Do You Pay for a Coding Bootcamp?
Coding bootcamps are some of the best ways to improve your programming career or to get a foot in the door, but we know it can be expensive. On average, bootcamps can cost anywhere from $10,000-$15,000. Many bootcamps offer multiple tuition payment options, including Income Share Agreements (ISAs) and other scheduled payment plans.
How Does a Coding Bootcamp Help My Career?
Coding bootcamps are designed to help you land a career in computer programming or to give you the tools to level up in your current career.
Career Coaching
Coding bootcamps don’t just teach you coding languages and then send you out into the world alone. Many have robust career coaching and job placement programs that can help you prepare for and apply to the coding and programming jobs of your dreams. Some of the ways coding bootcamps help you start your career include:
- Resume and cover letter assistance
- Job application assistance
- Interview prep
- Final round interview prep
- Salary negotiation
Many programs also offer opportunities through alumni networks, where you can meet others who’ve graduated from the same bootcamp and may be able to help you find jobs.
High-Demand Skills
Coding skills are in high demand these days. Employers want to see applicants who not only know how to code, but can quickly learn new coding languages, work with a team, and solve new and advanced problems. This is where coding bootcamps come in. They not only teach you coding languages and programming skills, but they also prepare you for real-world jobs.
Read More:
Alumni Networks
Many bootcamps foster and nurture their alumni network to support their graduates in making connections beyond the classroom and bolstering their career opportunities.
How Do I Know If a Coding Bootcamp is Right for Me?
When considering whether to apply to a coding bootcamp, think about your own career goals, the skills you’ll need, and the best way to learn those skills. Here’s a list of things to think about that will help you decide if a coding bootcamp is right for you.
Reflect on the Reason You Want to Learn to Code
Computer programming – and its coding-related cousins like tech support and data analytics – is an in-demand career. And it can be quite lucrative. But learning how to code isn’t the fast-track to a get-rich-quick job. Learning to code, especially in a bootcamp model, takes weeks of intense dedication. Coding jobs are for analytical minds who are ready to do the work it takes to solve problems.
Quiz: Is Software Engineering Right for Me?
Consider the Time You Have to Dedicate to Your Education
Perhaps you already have a full-time job and can’t leave it for the length of time it would take to go to college and complete a degree in computer science. Maybe you’ve been ready to make a change for a while now, and you’re anxious to get started on your new career path. Or, your boss wants you to learn to code as part of your new job duties. Whatever your circumstances, you know you need to learn how to code but you can’t devote enough time to a college degree program.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most important points when considering a coding bootcamp vs. computer science degree:
College Degrees:
- Takes longer to complete
- More expensive
- Curriculums not always able to keep up with or adapt to new changes in the field
Coding Bootcamps:
- Completion in 4 months or fewer
- Affordable
- Adaptable curriculum that keeps up with changes and advances in the field
Consider How You Prioritize Practical Experience
Because coding bootcamps are so intensive, they don’t waste time with a lot of lectures and theories. Instead, good coding bootcamps have you working on projects and problems from your very first day. While lectures may be part of the experience, they’re only there to give you the baseline you need to spend the rest of your day actually coding: alone, with a partner, or on a team.
Practical experience will also help you when it’s time to find a job or level up the job you already have. You’ll have something concrete to show for the time you spent at a coding bootcamp.
Keep Your Career Goals in Mind
These days, it’s tough to start and run a business without websites, apps, and other digital tools. A coding bootcamp can help entrepreneurs learn the skills they need to start the digital side of their business by themselves, or transition into a more tech-oriented role. Some popular coding-related careers include:
- Computer systems engineer
- Network system administrator
- Full-stack, front-end or back-end developer
- Systems engineer
Take Stock of Your Interests
Learning coding languages is just the beginning. If you’re interested in emerging new technologies in general, a coding bootcamp can be a great jumping off point for a fulfilling and rewarding career.
One thing you’ll take away from your coding bootcamp will be the ability to adapt and change as technology adapts and changes. New problems will arise that have no precedent, and you’ll be called upon to use your skills to solve them. Coding is not something static – it’s dynamic, and you need to be prepared to keep up.
Start Developing Your Skills with App Academy
App Academy is your best choice when it comes to coding bootcamps. We teach you the skills you need to start coding on your first day and successfully land a job when you’re done. Those who already work in computer programming can take their skills to the next level to earn more money and advance in their careers. Wherever your dreams take you, App Academy can help you get there.
Take our online quiz to learn which program is right for you, sign up for a live online info session to learn more, schedule a 1:1 call with one of our team experts, or submit a request with our convenient online form.
And, if you’re ready to dig in deeper, start exploring our programs to see which one might be a good fit for you!
Full-Time Online Coding Bootcamp - 24-Week Full-Time Software Engineer Program
Part-Time Online Coding Bootcamp - Part-Time Software Engineering Program
Hybrid Campus Programs - New York & San Francisco Campus Programs
Learn Coding for Free - App Academy Open
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