What is a Coding Bootcamp?

Coding bootcamps hit the scene in 2011 to help fulfill the growing demand for software engineers and developers. If you're someone who's interested in launching a career in the tech industry, you might consider a coding bootcamp over a traditional college or university, or even as a compliment to one. Today, there are over 300 coding bootcamps world-wide, so it can be tough to find the right program for you. Let's go over the basics, and answer a few simple questions to help you learn more about this innovative approach to a career in technology.

"What is a coding bootcamp?"

Coding bootcamps are "accelerated training programs" designed to equip students with skills in various fields such as Data Science, Cyber Security, Web Development and more. "Web development" and "software development" are effectively synonymous these days, and both involve programming and creating software. Web development can result in a simple informational website, or a complex application like AirBNB or Facebook. The discipline can further be broken down into "front-end" (what a user sees) and "back-end" (the engine behind what you see). "Full-stack" refers to a developer proficient in both sides of that overly simplistic description. At DigitalCrafts, our curriculum covers Full-stack Web Development with a focus on JavaScript. According to Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2018, JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages among professional developers.

Front-end web development: The practice of transforming digital data into graphics. This is what users see and interact with on a web site or application.

Back-end web development: The practice of creating and maintaining the logic and databases behind the components which powers the user interface (front-end). This is what allows a user's specific profile to be located, found and brought to the front of the screen while interacting on a site or application.

Full-stack web development: This refers to the creation and interaction of both the front-end and back-end of a web site.

"What are the career opportunities in this industry?"

The demand far outpaces the current supply of software developers, and these jobs are not going away any time soon. A quick search on Indeed right now shows over 2600+ openings in Atlanta alone for "software developer." There are various career opportunities for anyone interested in a coding bootcamp but first, you'll have to decide what you'd like to learn. Coding bootcamps can vary in programming languages, stacks and fields. You'll have to do some research to find the best bootcamp for your career objectives in order to make the most of your experience. At DigitalCrafts, almost all of our graduates' job titles include some variation of "developer" or "engineer". They include Node.js Developer, Junior Developer, Front-end Web Developer, Software Engineer, Interface Engineer, Junior Full-stack Developer, Web Developer, Software Engineering Intern, Implementation Analyst, Product Manager, Data Anaylst, Associate Engineer, and Software Developer.

"What's the difference between coding bootcamps vs. traditional universities?"

This is a great question and the main reason coding bootcamps emerged! Historically, in order to become a software engineer or developer you'd have to obtain a four year degree in computer science or software engineering. As technology continued to advance, the demand for software engineers and developers increased, however obtaining a degree in this specialized field wasn't any easier. Coding bootcamps intensive curriculums focus specifically on the technical and practical application of web development, while in traditional colleges and/or universities your required to take prerequisites before major courses. Another major difference between coding bootcamps and attending a four year college are listed below:

Cost: The real savings compared to traditional college is measured in time. DigitalCrafts Immersive program is just 16 weeks (compared to 4+ years), and at $12450-13950, costs less than just one semester at most private or out-of-state colleges. According to Course Report, the duration of coding bootcamps on average range from 10-16 weeks.

Many developers are self-taught or, more recently, learned in "bootcamp" formats.

"Is there one format for coding bootcamps or do they vary?"

Coding bootcamps can vary in their format. The most common is the "Immersive bootcamp" which is a full-time, 9am-5pm or more program. Other formats include: flex (part-time), online (100% remote), and hybrid (in-person & online) bootcamps. In the opinion of DigitalCrafts, immersive programs are often the best route for true beginners seeking employment after the program. Flex or hybrid/online programs can certainly be effective as well, but the reduction in one-on-one opportunities with an experienced instructor can require more self-discipline outside of the classroom.

Overall coding bootcamps are a great and innovative new approach to education for anyone looking to acquire a new skill, refresh their current skills, or launch a career in technology. If you'd like to learn more about #1-rated DigitalCrafts' coding bootcamps in Atlanta or Houston, please contact our team at hello@digitalcrafts.com. You can also download our course catalog for more information about our Full Stack Immersive and Full Stack Flex program.