Which Software Engineering Bootcamp is Best?

Are you wondering what software engineering bootcamps are and how to choose the right one? Bootcamps are short, intensive classes in a single topic, like coding with HTML and CSS, JavaScript libraries, or Python programming. Some are available full or part-time, in-person or online. Let's take a look at some things to look for when picking a software engineering bootcamp.

What are the most important criteria to evaluate in Software Engineering bootcamps?

What should you look for when you have decided to sign up for a software engineering bootcamp? Some of it depends on your needs. Are you looking for a beginner-friendly class, or do you need to learn about one or two specific topics? Can you take a full-time class, or do you need to find something part-time?

What kind of learning environment do you prefer? You can find in-person classes in big cities or take online classes from anywhere. Online software engineering classes are offered live online, also called synchronous, or on-demand, asynchronous courses.

What are the Top Software Engineering Bootcamps?

When you are looking for a software engineering bootcamp, look for a training program that has a track record in the industry and gets positive reviews from former students. Noble Desktop has been offering technology training since 1990 and has many bootcamp courses on software engineering skills.

Noble Desktop's Web Development with HTML & CSS is a good starting place. This bootcamp course covers building websites with HTML & CSS; creating multi-page websites with text, images, and graphics; styling with CSS; and uploading files using FTP. 

Advanced HTML & CSS includes important CSS concepts like positioning, advanced selectors, and relative type sizing. You will also learn to work with multiple background images, transparent color using RGBA, CSS gradients, and shadows. The course also covers creating animated effects with CSS transitions and transforms.

Flexbox, Grid, and Bootstrap covers laying out and aligning website content with CSS Flexbox. Learn CSS Grid to layout websites and Bootstrap to build layouts quickly.

JavaScript for Front End teaches you to make dynamic and engaging websites with JavaScript and GreenSock. Learn the basics of JavaScript and how to use free pre-made JavaScripts to add functionality. Create animated slideshows and build animated image enlargers.

Noble's Python Programming Bootcamp covers built-in data types and their behavior, and Control Flow Statements, the programming essentials used across many languages. You’ll also learn how to professionally structure your programs and solve real world challenges by creating objects in Object-Oriented Programming. In addition to covering these core programming concepts, we’ll also discuss the most common coding interview questions and demonstrate the best programming practices used by professionals. Throughout this course, you’ll practice these new skills by working on programming exercises with instructor guidance. By the end of this course, you’ll have a portfolio of projects and code samples on GitHub to show to employers.

Get started with Django,, a Python web framework used for back-end web programming in Noble's Python Web Development with Django. You’ll learn URL dispatchers, querying models, and automating tasks with Django. After understanding the fundamentals of Django, the class will move to Django REST (a Django framework) which covers how to work with images, authentication, and using API endpoints.

Enrolling in a Software Engineering Bootcamp Part-Time or Full-Time

You can choose to attend a bootcamp full-time or part-time. If you can fit it into your schedule, a full-time bootcamp lasts one to three days and gets you new skills in less time. A part-time class lasts longer, but may fit better into your schedule around commitments like a job or family responsibilities. 

Some part-time classes cost less than full-time bootcamp courses. If you have a limited budget, part-time classes can help you stretch out the cost of learning software engineering skills. It is worth it to find out if a program offers discounts or financial aid to students.

Enrolling in a Software Engineering Bootcamp In-Person or Online

Another choice you will need to make is whether to sign up for a class that meets in person or one that is offered online. In-person classes are familiar and run like a traditional school class with an instructor in the room with students at tables or computer stations. Students can interact with the instructor and each other, ask questions, and get help if they need it. 

In-person classes are often available in larger cities, but not always in smaller towns. Some bootcamp classes are available online from anywhere with an internet connection. Online classes come in two formats, live or synchronous and on-demand or asynchronous. 

Live online classes run at the same time as an in-person class, with some students in the classroom with the instructor, and others logging on through a video conferencing platform like Zoom. You can interact with the instructor and other students, just like an in-person class, from your home, office, or a quiet corner from your favorite coffee shop.

On-demand classes are pre-recorded videos you can watch when and where you want, or go back and rewatch the videos if you need to review. These classes are available through subscription platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Skillshare. The platforms offer free trial periods between one week to a month when you sign up. This allows you to check out a few videos for free before paying. On-demand videos are often less expensive than live online courses; however, you don't have access to a live instructor and they can become dated very quickly.

Do You Want to Start a New Career using Your Software Engineering Training?

Bootcamp classes are a great way to gain particular software engineering skills quickly, but if you want to start a new career as a Software Engineer or Full Stack Web Developer, taking bootcamps over time is the slow road. Certification courses are collections of bootcamp classes presented in quick succession. This is the best way to gain the skills you will need and start down the road to a new career.

Some training programs offer career services as part of their courses. From 1-1 mentoring and resume review, to classes designed to help you put together a digital portfolio, a certification course will give you a push when it comes to finding a job. Plus, having a certificate in software engineering looks great attached to your digital resume.

Which Software Engineering Bootcamp is Best For Me?

If you’re a complete beginner with coding and software engineering, an introductory bootcamp covering a coding language is the best way to get started. If you already work in the field and/or have some coding experience, maybe you’d prefer a bootcamp that focuses on a specific topic, like a course focused on JavaScript for Front End, Flexbox, Grid, and Bootstrap, or Python Programming Bootcamp. 

Schedule is another consideration when determining which software engineering bootcamp to take. If you’re looking to change careers as quickly as possible, enroll in a full-time option if you can. If you’re currently working full time, in school, have kids, or simply don’t have the bandwidth for more than 40 hours a week in classroom hours plus homework and other projects, perhaps a course held on evenings or weekends might fit better.

Another important element to consider when enrolling in a software engineering bootcamp is cost. According to Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool, the cost of software engineering bootcamps can run anywhere from $975 to $15,000. Think about your current budget when considering a bootcamp. You don’t want the price of the training to become a financial burden, but taking a bootcamp will likely help you land a lucrative position—hopefully paying for itself in the long run. Look for a bootcamp that offers payment plans, financing, and/or scholarships.

In addition to examining curriculum, cost, and schedule, another element to weigh is what other benefits bootcamps offer. Along with coursework, projects, and homework, many software engineering bootcamps also provide 1-on-1 mentorship opportunities, portfolio creation, and career coaching services like resume polishing, interview prep, and job placement. If certain benefits are important to you, make sure the program you select includes them. 

While learning from industry experts and taking advantage of career services is a plus, networking is also an important part of any bootcamp experience. Bootcamps, whether online or in-person, often provide opportunities for students to collaborate. Working together with other aspiring Front End Web Developers can lead to forging valuable bonds and possible future career opportunities.

Researching your options before making a big decision is always a good idea. Students who have taken software engineering bootcamps often review their experiences on rating websites such as Course Report and Bootcamp Rankings. Spend some time reading through reviews of various schools and specific programs. Hearing from current students and alumni can provide those considering a course with a candid perspective on different bootcamps. While reviews are always skewed toward the reviewer’s individual experience, you never know which details might resonate with you and help you make a decision. Reading reviews may help tip the scales one way or another when deciding which software engineering bootcamp will fit you best.