So I want to learn Coding

EndDomination

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Unless you've got a lot of free-time where you can drill languages for 6 hours everyday, the class is probably your best advice.
If you're in that position, jump right in, there are plenty of .pdfs of solid C#, Java, Python, etc. beginner books.
Two books I think is essential regardless of your choice are: the Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs by. Harold Ableson, and The Pragmatic Programmer by. Andy Hunt. I also like Data Structures & Algorithms in Java, but that may not be best.
Best advice is already ahead of this comment, definitely check out the thread in HL about this.
 

FSP

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So I've always been interested in coding, but I've been working in a different field for years, so I never gotten around to it until recently. (This along with real estate and the stock market are fields I was always intrigued by)

I've gone through a few chapters on HTML and CSS by Jon Duckett. Watched a few tutorials but now I want to get into it more intensely.

So I have some quick questions

1) Should I go the self-taught route over the coding bootcamp? Is the 10-15K worth it or should I just learn on my own?

2) Which websites are the best to use when learning coding

3) I'm a complete novice so should I focus on one specific field in coding? I know names like front-end, back-end, fullstack. And I hear shyt about PHP, Javascript, C++ etc, I don't know what means what really (I understand front-end, back-end, full-stack, but meaning what's the different in learning PHP over Javascript or C++ or whatever. Is one better than the other? Are they all necessary?)

4) I'm a fast learner, but in general, how long does it take to get a full grasp of coding before you can be confident enough to apply for jobs from it? Can you make more money doing freelance work (Preferable)

Thanks ahead of time to all my Coli brethren...
Let me tell you about freelance work since that's what I'm involved in right now.

It's as much about sales and networking as it is about coding. That's it.

if you know how to sell your skills to a potential client then you can make a lot of money.

Don't bother with sites like odesk or freelancer until you've built up a good portfolio (and even then make it secondary). You're up against professional competition and it's hard to get noticed there as a beginner without completely lowballing the value of your services.

I would focus on local markets and building rapport with local businesses that you can meet face to face with. Ask if they need some web work done or etc... If you know people you can get in the door a lot quicker, then use freelancer later on when your skills mature and you don't mind charging $60+ per hour

And as far as the coding language goes

I personally prefer Javascript because of it's versatility. However javascript is very high level, if you want to do any kind of software engineering where you need lower level control you're most likely gonna have to choose an additional language. I like Java. Python is a good choice, and of course if you need that extra control (such as for gaming and machine learning stuff) then C++ is the modern staple.
 

Rozay Oro

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So I've always been interested in coding, but I've been working in a different field for years, so I never gotten around to it until recently. (This along with real estate and the stock market are fields I was always intrigued by)

I've gone through a few chapters on HTML and CSS by Jon Duckett. Watched a few tutorials but now I want to get into it more intensely.

So I have some quick questions

1) Should I go the self-taught route over the coding bootcamp? Is the 10-15K worth it or should I just learn on my own?

2) Which websites are the best to use when learning coding

3) I'm a complete novice so should I focus on one specific field in coding? I know names like front-end, back-end, fullstack. And I hear shyt about PHP, Javascript, C++ etc, I don't know what means what really (I understand front-end, back-end, full-stack, but meaning what's the different in learning PHP over Javascript or C++ or whatever. Is one better than the other? Are they all necessary?)

4) I'm a fast learner, but in general, how long does it take to get a full grasp of coding before you can be confident enough to apply for jobs from it? Can you make more money doing freelance work (Preferable)

Thanks ahead of time to all my Coli brethren...
W3Schools Online Web Tutorials
Don't use notepad or texteditor.
Download notepad++
 

kevm3

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You can learn by yourself, but you better be willing to spend 8 hours a day or so reading and practicing. Those coding schools are 3 months, but like 12 hours a day. It's a sacrifice, but if this field is for you, you can get it done. I got a job by learning on my own, so if you apply yourself, you can too... but make sure this is for you because you're going to have to spend a lot of hours outside of work learning as well.
 

Matt504

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You can learn by yourself, but you better be willing to spend 8 hours a day or so reading and practicing. Those coding schools are 3 months, but like 12 hours a day. It's a sacrifice, but if this field is for you, you can get it done. I got a job by learning on my own, so if you apply yourself, you can too... but make sure this is for you because you're going to have to spend a lot of hours outside of work learning as well.

I'd definitely nominate you to he moderator of the developer section, you put in crazy work and dropped countless gems in the mega thread.
 

kevm3

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Do people really get a job after these bootcamps:patrice:
Sounds too easy:patrice:

Three people at my job got hired off of those bootcamps. The thing is, it's not easy. Those bootcamps are like 12 hours a day for 3+ months. A lot of companies need programmers right now, so you don't have to be degreed, but you do have to have a nice portfolio if you don't go to one of those camps.
 

BasketCase

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1) Should I go the self-taught route over the coding bootcamp? Is the 10-15K worth it or should I just learn on my own?
This is a huge waste of money. Go to amazon to find the books with the best reviews and then head over to thepiratebay to download them for free. Use stackoverflow if you have questions.
 

Matt504

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Do people really get a job after these bootcamps:patrice:
Sounds too easy:patrice:

It may sound easy but it requires a lot of hard work. I'm sure the people leaving those camps wouldn't call it "easy" but going to those camps certainly increased the odds of landing a job that's typically contract to hire with a three month probationary period.
 

Malik1time

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Three people at my job got hired off of those bootcamps. The thing is, it's not easy. Those bootcamps are like 12 hours a day for 3+ months. A lot of companies need programmers right now, so you don't have to be degreed, but you do have to have a nice portfolio if you don't go to one of those camps.
Ahhh OK I get it..so how's the pay like?
It sounds like a mentally tough program
 

Matt504

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This is a huge waste of money. Go to amazon to find the books with the best reviews and then head over to thepiratebay to download them for free. Use stackoverflow if you have questions.

It requires tremendous discipline to learn enough on your own to land a job, @kevm3 can speak to this.
 
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