Once you’ve decided to learn to code, the next important question is deciding how it is you plan to learn these skills. There are three main formats used to learn to code: self-paced/asynchronous classes, in-person classes, and live online classes. Most students find that they learn better when they receive guided training from an expert instructor, especially in classes that include hands-on activities so that students receive real-world experience. To learn more about the different coding training options, and what advantages and disadvantages they carry with them, read on.

What is Coding?

Coding is one of the most in-demand skills dominating today’s job market. In simple terms, coding is the language that tech professionals use to tell devices how they should operate. There are several coding languages that are used for different purposes; some of the more common languages include Java, Python, and JavaScript.

Coding skills are required in many positions, including Software Engineer, Full Stack Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, and many others. The main upside of coding is that it’s also adaptable to nearly any industry, including education, fashion, finance, medicine, entertainment, and marketing. While it may seem complicated to break into a coding career, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Nowadays, anyone can become a coder and obtain an entry-level position after taking a coding bootcamp or two.

Read more about what coding is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Coding Skills?

Coding is an incredibly versatile field that covers a wide selection of topics. You’ll be able to create websites, algorithms, and programs that have uses in every industry on the market. Even if your chosen career operates primarily in-person, you’ll be able to take creative approaches to coding that will make everyone’s lives easier. 

You can make your own video game, build an online presence for your small business, or code simple programs that automate your mundane tasks. There’s no limit to what you can do with coding. This impressive skill will always serve you well if you have an imaginative mind and a willingness to learn more.

Why Training Format Matters

You might wonder why the training format you choose matters when learning to code. The training format you select has a serious impact on the skills that you learn and retain. If you want to launch a career in which you code professionally, you will need to be able to demonstrate more than a surface-level knowledge of coding. You will need to provide examples of your work in the form of a professional portfolio. Most positions that use coding will also require applicants to complete a test that demonstrates their abilities. This means you must have hands-on experience and a thorough understanding of the necessary skills in order to launch a career in coding. 

When choosing a learning format, you should also keep your learning style in mind. Everyone retains information differently. Some people learn best by listening (known as auditory learning). Some learn best through hands-on activities (known as tactile/kinesthetic learning). Others are visual learners. Most students benefit from learning through a combination of methods. 

The following sections examine three ways of learning to code: self-paced courses, in-person courses, and live online classes. Read on to learn more about which of the three coding training formats will work best for you. 

Types of Training Formats

Coding training options include on-demand/self-paced classes, in-person classes, and live online courses. Each of these formats has unique advantages as well as some drawbacks. The following sections detail the benefits and limitations of each training format.

Live In-Person Classes

Live in-person classes resemble the traditional learning method that involves students gathering at a physical learning location for classes led by an instructor. In-person classes work best for those who prefer to learn in a traditional environment or who are looking to make local connections. If you are looking to get involved in your local coding community and to network with local professionals, in-person classes connect you to other professionals who are learning to code. You also gain a professional, local connection by getting to know your instructor. In-person classes allow students to collaborate on hands-on assignments, receive personalized feedback, ask questions and receive guidance in real time. You also have access to all necessary tools and equipment through the onsite computer lab.

One drawback of this training format is that meeting in a physical location requires students to commute, which becomes an additional expense and eats up more of students’ time. Another drawback to keep in mind is that in-person course offerings are limited to those close to where you live. Research your local class offerings to see if there are classes that cover the specific coding skills you wish to gain. If your local offerings don’t cover the skills you wish to learn, don’t work for your schedule, or you simply wish to skip the commute, you may wish to consider live online classes.

Live Online Classes

Live online classes offer many of the same benefits as in-person classes: they are led by an expert instructor, allow you to ask questions and receive feedback in real time, enable students to collaborate, and include hands-on assignments that help you develop the skills needed to code professionally. Live online classes have the added benefit of letting you learn from any location with a stable internet connection, so you can learn from the comfort of your home or office, and you can also enroll in classes offered by schools around the world. Remote learning enables students to consider all sorts of classes, ensuring they find one that matches their goals and schedules. 

The one drawback to live online instruction is that it does not offer the same opportunities to network locally that an in-person course would provide. You will also need to install any necessary software and ensure you have the necessary equipment needed for the course you choose. However, you do not need to worry about what to do if you run into any technical issues or questions. Most live online classes offer free setup assistance and the ability for your instructor to take control of your screen with your permission.

On-Demand Classes

Self-paced/asynchronous classes are on-demand courses that you can access affordably and on your schedule. The primary appeals of learning to code with self-paced courses are the ability to progress at your own pace, on your own schedule, and in a highly affordable way. On-demand classes give you the flexibility to learn at the time and speed that you choose. Most on-demand learning platforms use a subscription model, costing between $30 and $50 per month. 

One serious limitation of this learning format is lack of access to an instructor. Some courses restrict instructor access to questions sent via email. This means that you are stuck waiting for an answer which might take hours or days to come. Some courses offer no access to an instructor, instead using fellow students or automated grading to assess your progress. Hands-on activities are also limited to having you follow specific examples step by step, with no room to ask questions, receive feedback, or customize your project for your field or area of interest.

Free Courses

If you are concerned about the price of coding classes, you can gain a high-level overview of a topic and get a better idea of what certain coding skills involve through free resources. Free classes let you determine which coding skills best suit your career goals. You can also gain a better understanding of the time needed to learn such skills and the difficulty involved.

Many programming languages are open-source, making them freely available to the public. As a result, you can often find free introductory courses, helpful documentation, and active communities of programmers that will help you get started for free. You can also find free coding classes on sites like YouTube or through free trials of on-demand classes on sites like Udemy, Skillshare, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning. Recorded webinars also provide a way to learn about different coding training options.

Depth of Training Formats

The length and depth of a coding training option depend on the coding course or program you select. In general, a certificate program lasts several weeks. It covers a broad curriculum, a bootcamp focuses on a specific skill or set of skills, and an introductory course lasts a few days or less and focuses on covering the fundamentals of a topic. Read on to learn more about what you can expect from coding certificate programs, training bootcamps, and introductory courses.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs cover the skills needed to launch a career. Coding certificate programs for Software Engineering, Full Stack Web Development, and Python Developers last several weeks and cover the skills necessary to find an entry-level position in the field. Certificate programs range in cost from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000, depending on the school and length of the program. It helps to compare similar coding certificate programs by reviewing their curriculums, duration, scheduling options, and cost when researching your options. It also helps to consider the added value of benefits, including a program such as mentoring, job search assistance, and free retakes. The Noble Desktop Classes Near Me tool allows you to compare similar in-person and live online coding programs to find the best option that suits your needs.

What can you expect from a coding certificate program? A strong program will start by providing a strong foundation of fundamental skills and knowledge. You will then learn different coding languages or aspects of a coding language, such as related tools, libraries, and frameworks. Many programs also offer both full-time and part-time enrollment options. Full-time enrollment options allow you to earn your certificate sooner and launch your new career at an earlier date, however, such programs require attendance on multiple weekdays for most of the workday. If you wish to balance your program with a full-time job, a part-time enrollment option allows you to learn on evenings and weekends. 

Training Bootcamps

Bootcamps typically focus on jumpstarting your understanding and use of specific coding skills. Bootcamps might focus on a single skill or teaching a single tool/program, or it may focus on a specific set of skills. Either way, the length and depth of a coding bootcamp is typically shorter than that of a certificate program. Bootcamps offer a great way to build on your existing skills or to narrow your focus. For example, suppose you are interested in Python programming as used by Data Scientists. In that case, Noble Desktop’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp covers Python fundamentals in relation to data analytics and data science. If you already have a basic understanding of HTML and CSS, a bootcamp such as the HTML Email Bootcamp teaches you how to use this programming language specifically for email marketing.

Because a certificate program often consists of multiple bootcamps, taking just those bootcamps that cover the skills you want to learn can cost less and take a lot less time than enrolling in a full certificate program. You can also enroll in a bootcamp as a way to gauge your interest in a particular topic. You can also find bootcamps that let you dive deeper into a topic you may already have some knowledge of. Another way to start your coding training without committing to a longer and more expensive option is to explore introductory coding courses.

Introductory Courses

Maybe you want to start with an introductory course to make sure that the coding path offered is the right one for you. Introductory classes are a great way to dip your toe in the water and determine what programming languages and skills you want to dive deeper into. 

If you do not have any experience coding, starting with a beginner-friendly language can prove a helpful place to begin. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are among the most popular programming languages thanks to their simplicity and wide range of uses. hese three programming languages are the foundation of web development, so taking a class such as the Intro to Front End Web Development class by Noble Desktop can help you understand programming and gauge your interest in designing and building websites. If you want to learn more about building custom websites, the Intro to WordPress for Developers course teaches you how to customize a WordPress site using HTML and CSS. 

Curious about a career in cybersecurity? The Intro to Cybersecurity & Networks class helps you explore if this career field might be right for you. 

Python programming is used by Data Scientists, Python Developers, and other professionals. The Intro to Python Programming course teaches you how to use a text editor and terminal, write your own Python code, think like a programmer, understand Python’s syntax, write complex programs using Python, and learn how computers execute Python programs.

Learn Coding Skills with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop has a robust collection of coding classes and bootcamps that fit various learning needs. They offer in-person classes in Manhattan as well as live online classes internationally. All classes have relatively small class sizes and are taught by coding experts with practical knowledge. After completing your classes, you’ll have the option to retake those courses at no cost for up to one year, allowing you to practice, review subjects, and receive insights from instructors for free. 

If you’re eager to learn a collection of coding languages and applications, the Software Engineering Certificate will give you a taste of three notable ones. You’ll start with Front End Web Development, allowing you to create websites through HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Once you understand these subjects, you’ll shift focus to JavaScript’s various frameworks and databases, including React, Node.js, and Express.js. Finally, you’ll learn Python Development with Django, which is helpful for server-side programming, among other topics. 

Anyone interested in algorithms and data collection should look into the Python for Data Science Bootcamp. It’ll show you the fundamentals of Python and everything that it entails. The possibilities of uses with Python are vast, and this bootcamp is the perfect segue into the Python Machine Learning Bootcamp. Companies such as Netflix and Amazon use machine learning programs to pull up suggested items for their users, and this bootcamp will teach you how to develop them yourself.

Key Insights

• When considering coding training options, you should keep in mind the advantages and disadvantages that come with on-demand classes, in-person classes, and live online courses. 
• Also consider your learning style and budget. 
• You can start with introductory courses to gauge your interest, look into bootcamps if you wish to focus on a specific skill, or consider certificate programs if you want to learn several skills and launch a new career.
• You can learn to code through in-person and live online classes from Noble Desktop.