Is There any Coding Bootcamp Worth it?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value and effectiveness of Free Code Camp as a coding bootcamp alternative. Participants explore its structure, commitment level, and potential benefits, while weighing the opportunity cost of time invested in the program.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest Free Code Camp as a viable option due to its free nature, indicating that there is little risk involved in trying it.
  • Others note that Free Code Camp is not officially a coding bootcamp, as stated in their FAQ, which raises questions about its structure and effectiveness compared to traditional bootcamps.
  • Concerns are raised about the high opportunity cost of the estimated 1,600 hours required to complete the program, with some participants emphasizing the importance of ensuring the program's quality before committing time.
  • One participant argues that there is no real commitment required to start Free Code Camp, as users can begin and stop at their discretion without significant obligations.
  • There is a suggestion that the time it takes to complete the program can vary greatly depending on individual learning speed, which adds another layer of uncertainty to the commitment involved.
  • Some participants express that the material provided by Free Code Camp is decent, though it may lack guidance in certain areas, which could reflect real-world programming challenges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Free Code Camp is low-risk due to its free nature, but there is disagreement regarding its classification as a bootcamp and the implications of the time commitment required. The discussion remains unresolved on whether it is a superior option compared to traditional coding bootcamps.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about the commitment level and effectiveness of Free Code Camp, with some emphasizing the subjective nature of learning speed and material quality. The discussion does not resolve these uncertainties.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering coding bootcamps, particularly those looking for free or low-cost alternatives, may find this discussion relevant.

John d Marano
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I was thinking of Free Code Camp https://www.freecodecamp.com/ but not sure. I would appreciate some advice?!
 
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I have no direct experience with freecodecamp.com, but according to their FAQ, they state that they are not a coding bootcamp. Since its free, you've got nothing to lose.
 
Jaeusm said:
I have no direct experience with freecodecamp.com, but according to their FAQ, they state that they are not a coding bootcamp. Since its free, you've got nothing to lose.

The price is right: free. The opportunity cost however is high. It takes 1,600 hours to complete the program so I wouldn't want to make a commitment to a substandard program if there's something better out there. Thanks for replying.
 
First, you're in no way "making a committment" to freecodecamp by doing it, you're free to start and stop whenever, and you're not in any way obligated to give up anything other than your free time to do it (no need to quit your job to do it like other code bootcamps typically require). Second, 1,600 hours to complete is more of a really rough estimate. How long it actually takes you is really dependent on how quickly you pick up the material, and you may find you finish it much faster.

Give it a try, you risk nothing other than time, and even then, if you find it's not helping you after a few days or weeks of effort, you can try something else.

Edit: As for the material itself, what I've seen is pretty decent. There are places where they don't give a lot of guidance, so you're expected to find some answers yourself, but that's not at all a bad thing since it's representative of the real world.
 
Last edited:
AstroEmma said:
Give it a try, you risk nothing other than time, and even then, if you find it's not helping you after a few days or weeks of effort, you can try something else.

I do like the idea of helping a charity. Thnaks
 

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