Full-Time Coding Bootcamps versus Part-Time Coding Bootcamps

If you are interested in the world of software and web development, chances are you have heard of coding bootcamps. Coding bootcamps have become one option for people looking to change their career path to IT or tech. People who may already have a degree or who want to bypass a traditional two or four-year degree program might consider a coding bootcamp as an alternative to study skills needed for their chosen career path.

You may wonder what a full-time coding bootcamp offers and how it may differ from a part-time bootcamp or a traditional university route. You may also wonder how an online full-time bootcamp can help you prepare to pursue a tech career path. These are common questions asked by people considering a bootcamp program.

What is a Full-Time Coding Bootcamp?

A full-time coding bootcamp is much as it sounds. It’s a program that is conducted either online or in person over the course of several weeks or months. A bootcamp can range from 6-8 hours a day with outside labs done after class hours.

Every program is going to be slightly different, but most online full-time bootcamps offer a very focused curriculum designed to teach you the needed skills to move into the tech field quickly without a four-year degree. These classes are going to be an intense deep dive into the technical skills and applications used in code.

Many bootcamps offer more than just technical skills. Some offer portfolio and resume feedback and networking opportunities with potential employers. People new to code or changing career paths may find these support services helpful when seeking employment after bootcamp.

Online full-time bootcamps do require a significant amount of time, and for some people, it might not be easy to work while taking a full-time bootcamp. However, people able to commit their time and focus on a full-time program will appreciate that accelerated timeline. Interested in an online full-time bootcamp program? Learn more about DigitalCrafts online full-time bootcamps and apply.

Full-Time Vs Part-Time Coding Bootcamps

For people who can’t commit to a full-time bootcamp schedule, part-time bootcamps may be the solution. DigitalCraft’s online full-time bootcamp programs last around 17 weeks. These programs come with all-day commitments and coursework to complete outside of class time. For some prospective students balancing a full-time job, personal responsibilities, and full-time bootcamp might be overwhelming. For this reason, DigitalCrafts also offers a part-time option for their online bootcamps as well as an in-person bootcamp in Atlanta, Ga.

Part-time bootcamps generally offer the same information found in a full-time bootcamp, but the delivery is spread out over a longer period of time. For instance, DigitalCrafts’ part-time bootcamps are typically 26 weeks instead of 17 weeks. Students attend class on a reduced schedule allowing for more flexibility for the student. Classes may be offered in the evening or on the weekends to accommodate students and their schedules.

At DigitalCrafts, the part-time schedule for online and in-person includes Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-9:30 pm ET and Saturdays from 10:00 am-2:00 pm ET. Keep in mind that with shorter classes and slightly fewer sessions, students are expected to complete more assignments and labs outside of classroom hours.

Part-time bootcamps can be a good option for people looking to change career paths but who need to continue working in their current job while attending. It can also be a good option for people who are raising a family and have obligations that keep them from being able to commit to a full-time schedule. If someone is willing to take a bit longer to finish the bootcamp, part-time bootcamps provide a good alternative to attending full-time.

Full-Time Bootcamp Benefits

Full-time bootcamps offer several unique benefits that many students might consider worth the commitment to a full-time program. These benefits include studying new technical skills in a short amount of time, being able to apply those skills, and pursuing a new career path in a matter of weeks versus a year or longer. Additionally, with the schedule being full-time, students can benefit from more class time to complete some assignments and labs and instructors available throughout the day.

In a coding bootcamp, students are exposed to many different skills and techniques in an immersive environment. Some of the skills you may expect to study at a full-time bootcamp include the following:

• Building fully functional sites
• Developing applications
• Portfolio creation
• Programming languages
• SCRUM techniques
• Time management

By investing the time and effort into a full-time online bootcamp, you can discover how it feels to work with others in a professional coding environment daily. Your projects will be developed into a professional portfolio that can be used to demonstrate your skills in future job interviews. Most important, as you complete labs independently and collaboratively, you will have better insight into what your possible future career could entail daily.

What is the Difference between Bootcamps and Traditional Universities?

Many students wonder if they should commit to an online full-time bootcamp or if they should consider a traditional university path for their coding. Every student’s needs may be different, so it is important to consider what each option offers, the benefits of each, and how they may compare.

When considering a coding career path, students typically have a few options: community college, traditional university, or a coding bootcamp. Each of these options has its unique qualities as well as similarities and differences. One main difference between each of these options is often the price.

Students who attend a community college are offered an opportunity to earn their degree in around two years. This degree is considered an associate degree, and it can help graduates pursue an entry-level job or certification to begin their careers. Along with the student’s focus of study, they will often complete a curriculum of classes not related to their focus such as general education courses.

Traditional universities offer on average four-year degree programs (although students can take shorter or longer to complete). This degree path typically results in a bachelor’s degree. Some students will complete an associate degree at a community college, and then pursue their bachelor’s degree at a traditional university. Like a community college, the degree programs at traditional universities include classes and electives that may not relate to the student’s area of interest or focus.

Full-time bootcamps vary greatly from community colleges and traditional universities. An average full-time bootcamp can be completed in months, not years. Additionally, coding bootcamps are focused on developing hands-on skills directly related to the student’s career goals. Students are often given opportunities to connect with professionals already in their chosen field. Additionally, students are not tasked with taking classes unrelated to their primary focus. This intensive curriculum is focused on teaching skills that can be immediately useful. Finally, because of the direct focus, full-time bootcamps are typically much less expensive than community colleges and traditional universities.

What Will I Study in a Bootcamp?

Many students are curious about what they will study in their full-time bootcamp. Although programs vary, DigitalCrafts Web Development bootcamps include six modules. Below are the modules with examples of some of the skills taught in each. For the full curriculum, visit the DigitalCrafts Curriculum page.

Intro to Development

• Setting up a developer environment
• Using the command line interface
• Version control and version control GUI

Front End Visuals

• HTML document and application structure
• Using CSS to style and position content
• Creating and styling forms

Programming Fundamentals

• Basic algorithm and time/space complexity
• Basics of programming
• Handle browser events and order of events
• Submit forms

Databases and Backend

• Databases and CRUD
• Javascript
• JSON web tokens
• Basics of SQL
• User authentication

Front End Frameworks

• 3rd-party APIs
• Conditional rendering
• UI frameworks
• Form events and controlled inputs

Full Stack Ecosystem

• Full-Stack Development
• Nested routes
• Portfolio and Capstone Project
• RESTful APIs

In addition to a robust curriculum, an important part of the DigitalCrafts coding bootcamps is the commitment to helping students with their career development. Along with examining the technical skills utilized in coding, DigitalCrafts provides students with resume feedback, mock interviews, portfolio help, and networking opportunities. Alumni of DigitalCrafts bootcamps feel this support was vital when approaching prospective employers.

Am I Ready for a Coding Bootcamp?

If a coding bootcamp sounds like a good fit for you, apply now to DigitalCrafts for online or Atlanta in-person coding bootcamps. After you apply, you will be assigned a dedicated enrollment coordinator who will guide you through the admission process.

If you aren’t ready to leap into a full-time bootcamp, DigitalCrafts offers complimentary Intro Courses designed to give prospective students an idea of what to expect in an online bootcamp environment.

Wherever you are in the process, DigitalCrafts is happy to help answer any questions you may have about online coding bootcamps for full-time or part-time students. Contact DigitalCrafts for more information.

DigitalCrafts cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ1912340 3/2023