Web development is a knowledge-driven profession that has been around since the inception of the internet. It’s the process of designing and building websites. It involves the use of computer languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP to create webpages. The more complex the website, the more time will be required to research and develop that website.
Web development is a field that is in constant change. Staying up to date with the latest technologies and trends can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. The key to learning web development, as with anything, is to start small and work your way up.
There are plenty of education options out there where you can learn web development. If you want an intensive program that teaches you the essential skills needed to become a professional web developer, then consider enrolling in a coding camp. These bootcamps are great because they take place in short intervals and are much more affordable than traditional options like a college or university.
What is a Web Development Bootcamp?
The idea of a “web development” bootcamp has been around since 2011 when the first coding bootcamps emerged as an alternative to a computer science degree. The term “boot camp” derives from the analogy of a Marine Corps recruit undergoing basic training for several weeks before being able to join an active unit.
A web development bootcamp is a training course that prepares students to enter the workforce in an IT-related field. Web development bootcamps typically last anywhere from twelve weeks to nine months. They are designed to mimic the on-the-job experience within a condensed timeframe. A typical bootcamp includes lectures, workshops, code reviews, and pair programming.
Bootcamps have been marketed as guaranteeing employment upon completion or offering apprenticeships with companies.
What Will You Learn in these Bootcamps?
Web development bootcamps vary in scope and duration. In these bootcamps, you can learn about everything from front-end development to backend development. Some web development bootcamps will teach you both so you can become qualified to land a job as full-stack developer.
A web development bootcamp will teach you the fundamentals of programming, software engineering. You’ll also be introduced to JavaScript for adding interactivity on your website or app. Some focus on teaching front end skills like HTML and CSS, while others teach back end skills like Ruby on Rails and PHP. Learning these skills will enable you to write code that runs on both the backend and front-end of your site or app. And learning both can make you more valuable to an employer when you begin your job search.
Who You Should Attend a Web Developer Bootcamp?
A bootcamp is a great way to learn an in-demand skill such as web development, but it’s not for everyone.
There are many reasons why you might choose this education path over other obvious choices like getting a degree (or an advanced degree if you already have an undergraduate degree). One of the most common reasons people choose bootcamps to learn web development is that they’re looking for a career change in the immediate future. So if you’re looking for a career change, enjoy problem-solving and challenges, and want to learn new skills in a relatively short period of time, you should consider attending a web development bootcamp.
Benefits of Attending a Web Development Bootcamp
A web development bootcamp offers a range of benefits that are not present in a traditional college curriculum. The most advantageous benefit of a web development bootcamp is that it provides all the technical skills that someone needs in order to be a job-ready web developer. Along with the technical skills you’ll learn, these bootcamps offer the opportunity to get into the industry quickly through mentorship and connections.
The one-on-one time with mentors is one of the most powerful benefits of a web development bootcamp. Mentors can help students find their way in this new field by teaching them how to find jobs and how to communicate with clients or prospective employers.
Cost of Attending a Web Development Bootcamp
Web development bootcamps can be pricey, but they are worth it. They can cost between $8,000 and $20,000 on average – depending on the course duration and modality among other factors. You should also consider the return on investment. This is because web developers can expect an average annual salary of $77,000 after completing a bootcamp.
How to Pay for a Bootcamp
While the average cost of a Web Development Bootcamp can exceed $15,000, there are many ways to make these programs more affordable. This includes tuition reimbursement, scholarships and interest-free loans.
If your job offers tuition reimbursement, be sure to check with your employer to see if a bootcamp qualifies for this type of education benefit. Scholarships are also a great way to help pay for a web development bootcamp. Scholarships are usually offered through the bootcamp itself. So you’ll need to do your research to see what type of scholarships each bootcamp offers. If you’re going to take out a loan to pay for your bootcamp, you should see if you qualify for an interest-free loan. Some bootcamps partner directly with loan providers who specifically provide funds for these types of programs.
Another way to pay for a web development bootcamp is to pay for it in installments. In this case, you would likely have to pay an application fee upfront. Then, you’ll be given a payment plan to complete the rest of the payment over time. To qualify for a payment plan, you should have a good credit score and a great track record of making on-time payments.
What Jobs are Available for Bootcamp Graduates
Developers who graduate from a web development bootcamp have a wealth of options. They can look for jobs in a wide variety of companies, from big tech firms to small startups. Some of the jobs that can be obtained with this type of education include Front-End developer, Back-End developer, Systems Administrator, Full Stack Developer, Mobile Developer and Quality Assurance Engineer.
Ultimately, the types of jobs bootcamp grads are qualified for will depend on the bootcamp’s curriculum. For example, if you attend a front-end development bootcamp, the chances of you being qualified to be a full-stack developer might be slim. So be sure to check with your school to get a better understanding of what type of jobs the bootcamp will prepare you for. And if you already know what type of web developer career you want before you begin a bootcamp, make sure to find the right bootcamp that meets your career goals.
How to Choose the Best Web Development Bootcamp
Learning to code is far easier than many people think. It’s also a lot of fun, and the benefits are enormous. But knowing which web development bootcamp to choose can be a daunting one. So, how do you know which web development bootcamp is the best for you? There are several factors that can help you in your search for the right course – but most importantly, you need to find a program that will suit your current situation and needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself before making a decision:
- What programming languages do I want to focus on as a web developer?
- What type of web developer do I want to be?
- How much time am I willing to dedicate each week to the bootcamp program?
- What are my current skill levels when it comes to coding?
You should also consider factors such as curriculum, location, start dates, duration, and cost when choosing the right course for yourself.
Top Web Development Bootcamps
Hofstra University
Web Development Bootcamp
Self-Paced : Capstone Project : Merit Based Scholarships : Mentorship Sessions : 6-9 months
Hofstra University offers a Web Development Bootcamp that you can complete between six and nine months. You can choose between their self-paced, standard and immersive bootcamps. In these bootcamps, you’ll learn how to build and style responsive websites, wire framing, ui/ux design, and much more. You’ll also learn Python, ReactJS, Django, Bootstrap, HTML5, CSS3, MySQL, and many other web technologies in preparation of your career as a web developer.
Tuition Starts at $1,900
Nucamp
Full Stack Web and Mobile App Development Bootcamp
Online and In-Person : Payment Plans : Deferred Tuition Available : Career Development and Support: 22 Weeks
Nucamp offers a mix of online classroom instruction and in-person workshops and assignments. You’ll get hands-on training and build a portfolio of 16 projects that you’ll create throughout the program. If you don’t have a working knowledge of html, css and javascript, Nucamp offers a 4-week course to bring you up to speed and prepare you for the full stack development bootcamp. Some of the technologies you’ll learn include NodeJS, Bootstrap, React, React Native and MongoDB.
Tuition Starts at $1,880
Treehouse
Front End Development Bootcamp
8 Self-Paced Projects : Industry Experts : Real-World Projects : Weekly Office Hours : Capstone Portfolio
Treehouse offers a self-paced Front End Development Bootcamp where you’ll learn to build website and applications using HTML, CSS and Javascript. The bootcamp consists of interactive quizzes and in-depth code peer reviews. Some projects you’ll be working on include building an employee directory, creating a game show app and building an interactive dashboard.
Tuition $199/month