First off congratulations on taking the first step!
You may not even realize it but you've already begun to turn your idea into action!
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" -Lao Tzu
Ok... That's cool and all but what about that next step?
Lets take a second and reflect. Why do you want to learn how to code?
- Are you looking to change careers?
- Are you just looking to add a new skill to your skillset?
- Do you want to make video games?
- Do you want to build programs to help solve problems?
- Are you looking to provide for your family and loved ones?
- Are you pursuing it as a hobby?
The reason doesn't have to be one of the ones listed above. After all, it's your reason, it's personal, and it's only something you know!
This is the most important step in the entire process. This is what will keep you going when thing get rough... and they WILL get rough. The more personal your reason the more powerful it will become.
Now it's time to choose your destiny!
You can't learn how to code without well, learning, right?
There's 3 Routes you can take:
- Traditional 4 Year College / University
- Coding Bootcamp
- Self Taught
The College Route
College / University is the most expensive route but you will gain solid computer science fundamentals, access to mentors, and a network of peers which is one of the best things you can have access to in any profession.
The Computer Science degree will also break down many of the barriers that self taught and boot camp developers will face when looking for that first job.
The downsides? Aside from the price of attending a University, it's a massive time commitment. You will have to dedicate the first 2 years of the program taking and paying for fluff classes before you can start learning what your paying $15k a year to learn.
Coding Bootcamps
Coding Bootcamps can run anywhere from $5k - $50k and your experience may vary. If you're looking to spend a little less dough and invest less time Coding Bootcamps offer a structured learning environment and access to instructors and mentors.
The downsides? For every new Coding Bootcamp starting up there's another one facing legal action for something. There are good Bootcamps out there, you just have to put in the extra work to make sure you're getting what you pay for. You won't get a degree for attending a Bootcamp so you'll still end up facing some of the same hurdles as a someone who is self taught when it comes to looking for that first job.
Self Taught
The self taught route is completely free! It also has the best schedule! You learn what you want, when you want, how you want!
The downsides? You have you, and only you to hold yourself accountable. You're in charge of choosing everything.
- Your programming language
- How you're going to learn
- Finding the information
- Applying to information to projects
- Marketing yourself for employers / work
It doesn't help that there is an ocean of information out there. It's on you to sift through it.
Wrapping Up
Regardless of which educational road you choose to walk down things are going to get hard. You will be challenged.
There's going to be days where you are completely overwhelmed and just want to give up. You're going to think you're in over you head. Whenever that happens...
ALWAYS remember why you started!
##Lets Connect