Coding Bootcamps, University or Something in the Middle?

Once upon a time, coding bootcamps did not exist.

If you wanted to become a software developer, you’d head off to uni to study a 3+ year degree in computer science, or you would learn on the job and read how-to books in your spare time. Whilst effective for many people, both approaches were, and still are, awfully time-consuming.

Though in the early 2010’s, the insatiable demand for software developers and engineers in the US called for a faster alternative to the traditional pathway.

And so, the ‘coding bootcamp’ was born.

But when choosing an educational pathway, should an aspiring software developer opt for the speed of a coding bootcamp, or for the depth of a University degree? 

The answer is not black and white, and depends on the background and goals of the individual.

But…

Perhaps the sweet spot sits somewhere in middle: a program that is faster than uni, and deeper than a bootcamp.

A brief history lesson in coding bootcamps

Coding bootcamps originated as an innovative solution to address the increasing demand for skilled software developers and bridge the gap between traditional education and the evolving needs of the tech industry. In 2011, the first coding bootcamps emerged in the United States, inspired by the success of General Assembly, which had been founded in 2007 and focused on general career training for people looking to change careers or start businesses.

These early bootcamps recognised the limitations of conventional computer science degrees, such as their lengthy duration and high costs, as well as the often insufficient preparation for the rapidly changing tech landscape. By offering intensive, short-term programs that taught practical programming skills in a matter of weeks or months, coding bootcamps aimed to quickly prepare students for jobs in the tech industry.

The length of bootcamps typically range from between 8 and 36 weeks, with most lasting 10 to 12 weeks

Pros of coding bootcamps

• Short duration: Typically last for 3 to 6 months, allowing for faster entry into the job market.
• Cheaper than University: the typical bootcamp costs around $15,000 AUD for 2 – 6 months. This is significantly cheaper than $30,000+ for a bachelor’s degree in Australia. 
• Low barrier to entry: most coding bootcamps have no entry pre-requisites.
• Great for up-skilling: If you are an existing software developer that is looking to add a new skill to your scope, a 3-month bootcamp that focuses on a specific might be just what you need.
• Hands-on experience: Emphasise practical skill development to prepare students for work. 

Cons of coding bootcamp

Whilst the beauty of bootcamp is the short duration… it is also the main con.

• Short duration / Not deep enough: It’s essential to acknowledge that becoming a software developer requires a significant amount of time and effort. Learning how to code, understanding computer science principles, and developing real-world problem-solving skills take time and practice. While a coding bootcamp can provide an excellent introduction to coding and industry-specific tools, it may not offer the depth of knowledge required to go from total beginner to a software developer.
  • Their accelerated nature often leaves out crucial elements of computer science education. Many bootcamps focus on web development or specific technologies, which can result in a lack of comprehensive knowledge and understanding of fundamental computer science principles.
  • For instance, many bootcamps don’t touch on data structures and algorithms, or low-level programming languages such as C which are critical to understanding how computers work at a fundamental level. Without this knowledge, bootcamp graduates may struggle to develop software that is efficient and performs well under heavy loads.
  • This shallow dive into coding can leave students ill-prepared for more complex tasks and projects, as they lack the deeper understanding needed to build scalable, maintainable and secure systems. Additionally, it can be challenging for bootcamp graduates to adapt to new technologies or programming languages without a solid foundation in computer science theory.
• Poor for beginners & career-switchers: As mentioned previously, bootcamps can be great if you’re looking to add another skill to an existing repertoire, but if you have never written a line of code before, a 3 – 6 month bootcamp will not get you job ready. It is simply not enough time.
• No formal accreditation: bootcamps can teach you a skill, but they will not provide you a formal degree like University will. 

Cons of University 

• Expensive: University tuition fees are often higher than coding bootcamps, potentially leading to significant student loan debt. As an Australian citizen, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 to $55,000 for an undergraduate degree
• Long duration: A university degree typically takes 3 – 4 years, delaying entry into the job market and potentially disadvantaging those seeking quick skill acquisition.
• Outdated curriculum: Because they are forced to comply with regulations, the content in University degrees is often rigid and difficult to change and update.
• Young demographic: The university student body may lack age diversity, which can be challenging for older students or career changers.

So, what does this mean?

Well, bootcamps are still great for individuals who are looking to enhance their existing technical skills and knowledge. However, if you have minimal coding experience and aspire to excel as a software developer, you’ll require a more in-depth and comprehensive approach.

On the other hand, many aspiring software developers will see University as being inaccessible for due to the financial and time constraints, especially career-switchers who may have already have a degree in another discipline. While University does cater well to a younger demographic who are blessed with time, not everyone falls into that category.