Coding, also called computer programming, involves instructing a machine with a sequence of commands (programs) to perform tasks such as building websites or applications. The origins of coding date back to the early 1800s, when Ada Lovelace created an algorithm for Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine. In the 1950s, FORTRAN was developed and became one of the first programming languages.
Although the field has changed significantly since the nineteenth century, coding remains a hugely popular and high-paying skill set. Demand for computer-based career paths is projected to increase by 14% by 2032. Those with coding knowledge can apply their training in many tech and non-tech roles, including software engineering, data science, full-stack development, and cloud engineering.
Today, programming languages can be grouped into three primary categories:
- Low-level languages such as C and C++ are used to write firmware, device drivers, and operating systems.
- High-level languages like Python, Ruby, and Java are used for writing games, apps, and websites; they are generally easier to learn than low-level languages.
- Scripting languages such as Python and Ruby were created to automate repetitive tasks, including system administration and web development.
Enrolling in a coding course is a great starting point for aspiring professionals to gain hands-on training in languages such as Python, JavaScript, and SQL. By the end of these programs, participants will have the knowledge needed to apply for new roles or tackle additional work projects.
Coding Bootcamps to Prepare for a New Career
Noble Desktop: Full-Stack Web Development Certificate
Noble Desktop offers the Full-Stack Web Development Certificate, a comprehensive, career-focused program designed to help learners pursue work as Full-Stack Developers. This project-based course is open to beginners and provides hands-on training in coding websites from scratch.
This program is also a great option for those who already have programming experience and want to master both the front end and back end of websites or digital applications.
- Students can complete the certificate full-time over 17 weeks or part-time in evening classes over ten months.
- The class is taught in person at Noble’s Manhattan campus or live online; students may switch modalities at any time.
- Enrollees complete 420 hours of training focused on JavaScript, HTML/CSS, the MERN stack, APIs, and AWS.
- Tuition is $7,995, and several financing and payment options are available.
- All participants receive ten one-on-one mentoring sessions and may retake any or all of the program free for up to one year.
- Coursework is delivered live, either in person or online. Session recordings are available for 30 days after each class.
- Graduates earn a signed certificate of completion.
Noble Desktop: Front-End Web Development Certificate
Those who want to learn coding languages like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML can enroll in Noble Desktop’s Front-End Web Development Certificate. This interactive program prepares students to work with WordPress and design responsive websites for any screen size.
The class welcomes learners at all levels, including beginners who wish to study full-time over several weeks or part-time over several months.
- Students may study full-time for four weeks or part-time in evening classes over four months.
- The certificate is offered in person in New York City and live online, with flexible modality switching.
- The program requires 108 hours of training focused on HTML/CSS and JavaScript.
- Tuition is $3,495, with multiple payment and financing options.
- Tuition includes six one-on-one mentoring sessions and a free retake for up to a year.
- Lessons are taught live; recordings remain available for 30 days after class.
- A signed certificate of completion is awarded to all graduates.
Noble Desktop: Software Engineering Certificate
Noble Desktop’s Software Engineering Certificate is designed for those pursuing careers in software engineering or full-stack development. This comprehensive class covers front-end development with CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and React, as well as back-end development with Node.js, Django, and Python.
Over several months, participants also explore CSS Flexbox and Grid for layout, Git for version control, and MongoDB for data structures. Beginners and experienced learners alike are welcome.
- The program takes 20 weeks of full-time study.
- Students may attend remotely via teleconferencing or in person in Manhattan and can switch modalities as needed.
- The curriculum comprises 510 hours of training divided into front-end, React, and Python components.
- Tuition is $10,995; financing and installment plans are available.
- Students receive 12 one-on-one mentoring sessions and may retake any portion of the certificate free for a year.
- All sessions are live, with recordings available for 30 days after completion.
- Graduates earn a signed certificate of completion.
Fullstack Academy: Full-Time Software Engineering Immersive
The Full-Time Software Engineering Immersive is offered by Fullstack Academy and allows students to collaborate with other programmers while gaining industry experience. This intensive full-stack program also enables participants to build a portfolio of applications.
It is an excellent choice for those who wish to study at one of the nation’s highest-rated coding schools and follow a JavaScript-based curriculum taught by industry-experienced instructors.
- The course spans 80 sessions.
- All instruction is delivered live online.
- Participants complete 560 hours of training focused on developer tools such as VS Code, Git, and GitHub.
- Tuition is $14,995 and includes a price-lock guarantee.
- Graduates receive support from a professional career coach for up to a year to hone interpersonal skills and plan their careers.
- All sessions occur in a live virtual environment.
- Students leave with a portfolio containing the prototypes and projects they created, plus an optimized LinkedIn profile.
General Assembly: Front-End Web Development Short Course
General Assembly’s Front-End Web Development Short Course serves learners who want to begin or advance a career in web development. Students explore the skills and tools needed to build interactive websites.
The program combines technical instruction with networking opportunities.
- Students attend 22 sessions over ten weeks of part-time study.
- Coursework is delivered via Zoom and Slack.
- In addition to 66 hours of instruction, students complete homework and projects focused on using CSS, HTML, and JavaScript to create dynamic, responsive sites.
- Tuition is $4,500, with various payment and financing plans.
- Participants graduate with a portfolio-quality project.
- All sessions are live online, combining instructor-led and self-paced elements with real-time feedback.
Plexus Creative: Intro to Creative Coding with Processing
In Intro to Creative Coding with Processing, learners at all levels are introduced to the basics of computer programming with Processing. This hands-on workshop covers functions, loops, and variables and guides students in creating animations, drawings, and interactive graphics.
The workshop is ideal for those seeking immersive programming training.
- The course is completed in one day.
- Instruction is available live online via Zoom or in person in New York City.
- Students spend six hours on topics such as creating shapes, working with typography, and installing libraries.
- Tuition is $375.
- Participants may schedule a complimentary 15-minute follow-up Zoom session to address workshop questions.
- The class is taught live.
- Students should bring a laptop with the required software installed.
ONLC Training Centers: Java Programming Level 2 – Advanced Programming
In Java Programming Level 2: Advanced Programming, participants build on existing knowledge by studying advanced Java concepts and techniques. Over several days, expert instructors cover encryption, expressions, data processing, and unit testing.
This class is intended for those already comfortable with Java fundamentals such as string manipulation, math operations, using external data storage systems, and packaging code.
- The course runs for two sessions.
- Instruction is provided live online; login details are sent upon registration.
- Participants complete more than 13 hours of training, including Lambda expressions and stream creation.
- The course costs $995 and includes a price-lock guarantee.
- The program is taught using Java 12.
- Both sessions are held live via teleconferencing.
- Graduates will have mastered a range of complex Java topics.
KnowledgeHut: R Programming Language Certification
Learners can master the R language in R Programming Language Certification. This beginner-friendly class covers installing libraries, working with control statements and data structures, and using custom functions.
The course suits anyone interested in data querying, manipulation, and basic visualization.
- The certification spans six sessions, each four hours long.
- Instruction is provided live online; students need a microphone-equipped device.
- Participants complete 24 hours of training covering data structures, control and loop statements, string manipulation, and filtering.
- Tuition is $1,699.
- No prerequisites are required, though basic programming knowledge is helpful.
- All sessions are live online; login details are provided after registration.
- The program concludes with a case study in R programming.
- Graduates receive a signed certificate of completion.
Key Takeaways
Coding classes are valuable for newcomers and professionals alike, whether you want to learn a new language or advance existing skills. Although these programs require time and money, they prepare participants for lucrative careers in software engineering, programming, and web development.
Once you decide to enroll in a hands-on coding class, the next step is finding coursework that meets your needs. Consider the following factors:
- Read the course overview and see whether the provider offers free online lessons or YouTube videos on the language you are interested in.
- Consult reviews on sites such as CourseReport, Career Karma, and SwitchUp to gauge program quality.
- Look for classes that include perks like networking events, portfolio development sessions, or career-placement training.
- Research the instructor’s credentials (LinkedIn is a helpful resource) to ensure their background aligns with your learning goals.
