Which Programming Training Format Is Right for Me?

Programming involves writing computer programs. This process involves Developers writing symbols and words intended to communicate to a computer the task they wish it to perform. There are many programming languages, such as Python, SQL, and JavaScript, and each serves a specific purpose. Whereas some communicate with web browsers, others speak to servers or native operating systems. When comparing types of programming training, there are many factors to consider. Everyone learns differently, and choosing the right training is critical to your experience.

Keep reading to learn more about the different formats for programming training, how they compare to each other, and how to determine which is best for you.

What is Programming?

Computer programming is writing coded instructions that communicate to a computer, software program, or application you’d like for it to perform a specific task. Programmers write code to create these instructions to find solutions to different issues and ensure that different software programs and apps will operate successfully. This process often involves devising strategies to enhance code to implement organizational initiatives more effectively. Most programmers work with various coding languages, such as Python, C++, and JavaScript. Typically, Computer Programmers perform various daily tasks: writing code, updating software programs to address security vulnerabilities or fix bugs, writing and testing code for apps and programs, troubleshooting code to spot errors, and translating existing code from one programming language to another. It’s a job that is ever-changing. The field of computer programming continues to grow in popularity as Programmers find new ways to communicate more effectively with computers. Programming has changed drastically over the past century. Initially, programmers used punch cards containing rows of numbers read by a machine. Now, it incorporates drag-and-drop interfaces and other methods that allow for much faster programming speed. Although some individuals use the terms “programming” and “coding” interchangeably, the two are slightly different by definition. Programming is a mental process that requires creating the instructions given to a computer. In contrast, coding pertains to translating those instructions into a written language understandable to a computer. Read more about what programming is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Programming?

Computer programming is a versatile skill with various uses across industries and professions. Because we rely so much on computers for daily tasks, those who know how to program have many job opportunities. 

The following are a few items you can do with a background in programming:

• Programmers who know languages such as JavaScript, CSS, or HTML can design interactive websites for clients.
• Individuals with advanced programming skills are needed to create computer games, a popular form of entertainment for many. 
• Mobile apps are more popular than ever as cell phones become more widely used for everyday tasks like banking and navigating. Those who know how to program can create mobile apps to simplify these tasks.
• Repetitive work tasks can take many hours of tedious work to complete. However, with the help of automation, they can be instructed to work independently to complete said tasks. Programming skills make it possible to automate tasks like posting on social media, controlling the thermostat at home, or sending emails.
• Programming with R or Python allows users to incorporate advanced statistical analysis into analytical or research tasks. 
• With programming, it is possible to build or maintain large databases. Programmers use languages such as SQL or PHP to use and maintain extensive databases.
• Those who work in the field of data science rely on programming to perform tasks such as developing models that can make predictions based on data insights.

Training Formats for Programming

A range of training formats is available for those new to computer programming, and more advanced Programmers interested in learning new languages or skills. The most engaging format is in-person study, which an expert instructor leads. Live online programming classes are available as well. These courses meet in real-time and offer students access to an instructor, but they have the added perk of allowing students to complete lessons remotely. For busy individuals who can’t commit to regularly occurring classes, self-paced programming material is available: YouTube channels, online tutorials, and articles. Because this information is pre-recorded, learners can access it from any location at any time.

In-Person Programming Training

For extroverted learners who thrive in the traditional classroom environment, in-person programming classes are designed for you. Electing to study in this format, participants can complete lessons in a computer lab with the most up-to-date applications, tools, software, and programming languages. The in-person environment also provides an excellent networking opportunity to meet others studying programming. Because an expert instructor leads the lessons, you can ask questions as they arise and receive assistance working with complicated programming concepts. 

In-person study does require attending regularly scheduled class meetings. Required meetings at a specific location and time may be challenging for those who work full-time since it can require taking off work as well as budgeting in time for commuting and parking. The commute may also add additional costs to study. Those who learn programming in-person can connect with other learners despite these hurdles. This benefit is likely to extend far beyond the classroom.

More than 300 online courses are available from reputable education providers if you want to learn programming. DevMountain’s Web Development Immersive is a full-time course that spans 13 weeks. Participants receive instruction to prepare them to work as Full Stack Developers. By course completion, students will have acquired knowledge of React.js, Node.js, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS. Fullstack Academy’s Flex Immersive is a part-time, 28-week program taught by live instructors. This three-stage course covers coding with JavaScript, working with databases, and creating an ecommerce site.

Noble Desktop provides a range of programming classes for those interested in studying this topic in the in-person learning format. The Full-Stack Web Development Certificate prepares participants to work on every part of a web application, such as how it appears in the front end and how data is managed in the back end. All participants receive one-on-one mentoring along with tuition. Noble also has a Data Science Certificate, which includes instruction on creating machine learning models, querying databases using SQL, and using Python to analyze data. Noble's JavaScript Development Certificate is for individuals interested in learning how to work with JavaScript to create web applications. Participants receive expert instruction on how to work with React, Node, Express, MongoDB, JavaScript, and SQL.

Live Online Programming Training

Another great way to study computer programming is to enroll in a live online course. Similar to in-person study, online programming classes provide students with access to an instructor in real-time who’s available to provide support and answer questions as they arise. Because students can complete all coursework remotely, those enrolled can study from the comfort of their home or office without having to commute to and from campus in rush-hour traffic or waste time searching for parking. A critical consideration of live online courses is that they still require participants to attend regularly occurring meetings. Thus, meetings or workloads may require individuals to take off work or rearrange their schedules to attend. 

Many excellent live online programming classes are currently available for interested students. Interested learners can select from over 400 course offerings in programming languages like Python, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. NYC Data Science Academy’s Introductory Python provides an overview of how users can utilize Python for data analysis. Participants in this beginner-friendly class work with NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, and Seborn for data analysis and data visualization. If you want to work specifically with JavaScript, Juno College of Technology’s JavaScript class provides instructions on creating interactive websites with this coding language.

Noble Desktop also has a range of live online programming classes available to learners new to coding and those with more advanced skills. Noble’s Software Engineering Certificate teaches students the skills needed to pursue a career as a Full Stack Developer or Software Engineer. Instruction is provided on working with CSS, React, JavaScript, and HTML for front end development and using Django, Node.js, and Python for building the back end. Noble’s Python Developer Certificate prepares participants to work as Software Engineers, Back End Developers, or Python Developers. In this hands-on program, students receive instruction on performing Python software development using developer tools like Git, SQL, and Django. Noble’s Full-Stack Web Development Certificate is also available in the live online format. This class covers both front end and back end web development. Each of these Noble Desktop certificates includes one-on-one mentoring with tuition.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

Free introductory programming courses are available online if you want to learn computer programming but aren’t sure about enrolling in an entire course. These courses and videos are designed to help you understand different programming languages before committing to more intensive learning options. 

Noble Desktop offers an hour-long webinar devoted to getting started with Python programming. Intro to Python Fundamentals provides an overview of how to use Python for automating boring or repetitive tasks. This beginner-friendly course is designed for those who may be new to programming and want to know what Python is and how to work with it. Noble also offers Intro to Node.js for those who want to learn about this popular JavaScript framework used for creating web apps. 

In addition to Noble’s free online programming resources, materials are available from other top educators as well. Udemy currently has several free online programming classes, such as Programming 101, designed for those new to working with hardware, networking, licensing, and programming. In addition, Git & GitHub Crash Course: Create a Repository From Scratch is also available. This course is a mere half an hour long and teaches students how to make a Git repository, clone it, and make changes. Coursera also provides a wide range of free programming courses. Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming offers 12 hours of beginner-friendly content on core programming principles in software engineering. Coursera’s C++ Basic Structures: Vectors, Pointers, Strings, and Files includes nine hours of instruction on how to code and run a C++ program.

Read more about free programming videos and online tutorials.

Other reputable educational providers also offer free online programming resources. BitDegree is a learning platform powered by blockchain. It provides free and paid courses in popular coding languages like PHP, HTML, and CSS. Khan Academy, a popular nonprofit organization, has a range of resources for both learning and teaching programming. Courses through companies like Hour of Code and Computer Programming cover computer science and programming basics. Khan Academy also offers a free mobile app for Android and iOS that doesn’t require a subscription or in-app purchases. Additionally, FutureLearn, an online learning platform, has paid and free courses from top-tier universities accessible. Various course-types are available, such as extended programs and short lessons. This platform has three tiers: free, upgrade, and unlimited.

On-Demand Classes

Many educational providers also offer self-paced online programming classes. Unlike in-person and live online study, asynchronous programming material can be completed at your speed, on your own time. It consists of pre-recorded videos, YouTube videos, blogs, and other resources. These materials can be watched or read at any time of the day from any location. An additional benefit of on-demand programming material is that it is the most affordable learning option. Some content is even available for free. These accessible features make self-paced options a helpful resource for those new to programming or those who want to get an overview of this field before committing to a more structured learning path.

Comparison of Programming Training Formats

If you’re interested in studying programming, learning options are available in three primary formats: in-person, live online, and self-paced. 

The in-person format is the most interactive and engaging way to study computer programming. In-person courses provide students with computer labs with the most up-to-date software and tools. In addition, because an expert instructor is available, you can ask questions and receive immediate feedback and professional guidance on creating portfolios. Students in the in-person format also have the opportunity to connect and network. One consideration of in-person programming classes requires participants to commute to and from campus for regularly scheduled meetings. This schedule may be challenging for those who regularly travel for work or hold long hours at the office, and it may require some to rearrange their schedules.

Another engaging learning format to study programming is live online courses. These classes are taught by an instructor in real-time, using a platform such as Zoom. This feature allows participants to ask questions and receive support on complex programming concepts. In addition, because individuals can complete all coursework remotely, you can choose to study from any location, such as your home or office; there’s no need to battle rush-hour traffic to attend class. Like in-person study, live online courses require attending regularly scheduled meetings, which may require taking time off work. Still, they are an excellent learning option for those who don’t want to waste time commuting to and from campus or searching for parking.

Asynchronous learning materials may be a better match if you’re a learner who prefers to study programming at your own pace. Unlike in-person and live online study, self-paced programming courses can be completed anytime, any day of the week, from any location with an internet connection. All course material is pre-recorded, which means you can watch videos as often as necessary to help reinforce challenging concepts, and pause or rewind as often as needed. Another benefit of asynchronous programming material is that it’s generally the most affordable learning option; some are free. However, because there is so much online content available on programming, such as YouTube videos, blog posts, and tutorials, it can be challenging to find the most up-to-date learning materials. In addition, since you won’t have access to an instructor to provide support, it may be challenging in on-demand programming study to find answers to questions. For this reason, self-paced courses are typically a good starting point in your programming learning journey. To master more complex concepts, however, a more structured course may be necessary.

Is it Possible to Teach Yourself Programming?

If you’re considering different learning methods for computer programming, you may wonder if teaching yourself to write code is possible. Asynchronous study materials can be an excellent starting point in the learning programming journey. They are often an affordable and accessible learning format (some are even available for free). Online content is available on various programming topics, such as videos on SQL, blog posts about Python, and self-paced courses that explore the entire field of computer science. Some online content is short, spanning only minutes. Other resources contain hours of study materials. This wide netting allows the flexibility of selecting the content most suited to your learning goals.

Although it’s possible to learn core programming concepts by reading online tutorials and watching YouTube videos, it can be challenging to master more advanced programming skills in this format. Since self-paced programming training doesn’t provide access to an instructor, you won’t be able to ask questions, receive individual support and guidance, or receive help with professional materials, such as creating a professional portfolio. Thus, students can independently grasp programming basics for professional reasons, such as to complete a work project or pursue a new career; it’s important to have an instructor who’s a programming expert. 

Another reason learning computer programming solo is challenging is that it’s not always easy to know which material to select. Because of the sheer amount of online content, it may not be apparent which is the most relevant and correct and which is already dated. Those who study with an instructor can avoid sifting through hundreds of tutorials and videos to decide which suits their learning needs.

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn Programming

If you want to learn programming, a variety of excellent in-person and online learning options are available from top educators like Noble Desktop. Deciding which class type suits your programming needs will ultimately depend on how you intend to use this skill. 

If you’re new to programming and don’t want to invest much money in studies before you know if this field is a good match, free introductory materials are a great starting point. These courses generally contain pre-recorded material, such as YouTube videos or tutorials, and are designed to provide an overview of programming basics. Some self-paced online content pertains to specific programming languages, like Python or SQL, whereas other provides an overview of the field. One of the main benefits of asynchronous materials is that users can access them at any time, day, and location. Asynchronous classes can be a flexible and convenient study option for those balancing full-time work and other commitments. 

Noble Desktop’s Making a Twitter Bot in Python is a free seminar where participants receive instructions on creating a social media bot. This course provides learners tips on creating various Twitter bots, such as ones that send out personal messages or contain valuable hyperlinks. 

For those who want to develop a working knowledge of programming, learn skills to grow within a current role, or plug a skill gap, bootcamps are designed for you. These courses are often available in both in-person and live online formats. Expert instructors with real-world programming experience provide lessons and are on hand to offer support and answer questions as they arise. Students who wish to explore programming in this interactive environment can select courses in various popular languages, from JavaScript to Python to full stack web development. Although these courses generally cost several hundred to several thousand dollars, they offer participants a great way to network with other programmers while receiving instruction that will help them professionally.

A more rigorous program may be beneficial if you’re interested in learning computer programming to begin a new career or pivot to a new industry. Certificate study provides learners with several weeks to months of intensive training on the core programming skills needed to begin a new career. Certificate programs are generally the most expensive learning option (often costing thousands of dollars). They often include professional perks such as one-on-one mentoring, help with professional portfolios, or the option of a course retake to revisit complex material. Noble’s in-person and live online programming certificates are available in topics such as Python Developer Certificate, JavaScript Development Certificate, and Full-Stack Web Development Certificate.

Learn Programming with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop, an educational provider, located in Manhattan, offers a range of programming courses for those new to this field and individuals with more advanced coding skills. Noble’s bootcamps and certificates provide hands-on programming training in the small class setting and are an excellent option for those who want to take their programming skills to the next level.

Those wishing to pursue a career as a Full Stack Web Developer, explore Noble’s in-person and live online Full-Stack Web Development Certificate since it presents a high-level learning opportunity. Instruction is provided on both front end web development and back end programming. Participants in this rigorous course learn CSS, JavaScript, and HTML. In addition, instruction is provided on using Git to track code changes. Those enrolled also create dynamic web apps using Node.js and React. For those who want to study the most widely used programming language, Noble’s JavaScript Development Certificate is for you. This intensive certificate program teaches students how to use JavaSript to design websites, build web applications, and create database-driven apps.

Noble also offers a Data Science Certificate for those interested in becoming Data Scientists. This hands-on program provides mentoring, as well as hands-on training, from industry experts. Instruction is provided on core data science skills, such as creating machine learning models, using SQL to query databases, and performing data analysis using Python. Tuition includes the option of a free class retake for up to one year, as well as one-on-one mentoring.

Noble also offers an in-person and live online Python Developer Certificate for those who want to work with Python. Those who enroll in this certificate receive hands-on instruction on fundamental Python programming skills, like using Django for Python software development and working with Django REST, SQL, and Git. This training is designed to prepare students to become Back End Developers, Software Engineers, or Python Engineers.