The Ultimate Decision: Coding Bootcamp vs Self-Taught

The benefits of learning to code at a bootcamp vs self-study.

Both learning to code through a coding bootcamp and studying on your own with free resources have their advantages and disadvantages.

Which one is best for you depends on your individual learning style, goals, and circumstances.

While there are people who have the disciple and intrinsic motivation to curate their own curriculum and keep themselves on track with their studies, we have found that this does not work for the majority.

Time and time again we hear from students who first tried to teach themselves but eventually turned to a coding bootcamp after months (or even years) of not making notable progress toward landing their first tech job.

4 Benefits of Learning to Code With a Coding Bootcamp:

1. Personalized instruction and guidance:
   With a live instructor, you can ask questions and get feedback, which is instrumental when learning to code.
   This can be particularly beneficial if you are struggling with a certain concept or if you have a specific learning style that requires more individualized attention.
   At Nucamp, each weekend you will join your instructor and classmates for a 4-hour live workshop to work through questions and assignments together.
2. Structure:
   Online learning with a live instructor can allow you to schedule your studies around your other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities, but you are still held accountable with due dates.
   Most who try building a curriculum for themselves with free-online resources get lost in the vast amount of language and technology options.
   Plus, those who try self-imposing deadlines tend to fall behind or even quit without external motivation from instructors, peers, or even a financial commitment.
   Bootcamps offer a structured curriculum that is designed to teach you the skills you need to become a programmer in a relatively short amount of time.
   This can be helpful if you are looking to acquire new skills quickly and efficiently.
   Nucamp’s bootcamps are part-time and let you choose when to complete your studies each week, with many students keeping their full-time jobs while attending.
3. Job hunting resources:
   Coding bootcamps often provide career services to help you find a job after graduation: job boards, introductions to potential employers, resume reviews, career coaching, and more.
   Nucamp’s career services include a 6-week career development program, 1:1 career coaching, an exclusive job board, 1 month of LinkedIn Job Seeker Premium membership, and an active instructor and alumni community to build up your web development network.
4. Collaboration:
   Many online learning platforms have forums or other collaborative features that allow you to connect with other students and work on projects together.
   This can be a great way to learn from your peers and get additional support when you need it.
   Learning alongside other students who are at a similar level, can help you stay motivated and provide opportunities for collaboration and networking.
   Joining Nucamp means joining an active Discord community and having weekly 4-hour live workshops with your class.

Ultimately, the best approach for you will depend on your individual circumstances and goals.

If you are self-motivated and have the discipline to study on your own, studying with free resources may be a better fit.

However, if you are looking to acquire new skills quickly and efficiently and want the support and structure of a bootcamp, that may be the best option for you.

Learning to code online with a live instructor can be a highly effective way to learn and can provide several benefits over trying to tackle it on your own.

Join Nucamp’s part-time, self-paced, live instructor coding bootcamps and experience the difference for yourself.