Web Dev Camp

It all started with Rails Girls Tampere in May 2016. WebDev.camp had a presentation there about the opportunity to become a web developer in just 8 weeks, living in the beautiful Finnish countryside where participants can focus on studying and learning how to code.

Although I had worked as a software test engineer for almost 15 years, I had never done any coding. I have always been a tech savvy person, but I have never been good with mathematics and I thought programming and math go hand in hand. I never thought I could code, and being 100% honest, I was always afraid to try it in order to save myself from the disappointment of failure. 

Then I heard about Rails Girls.

When I participated in the Rails Girls event, I was able to try for a day what would it be to be able to read a line of code. It was there that I understood... maybe I could do coding after all!

I applied to participate in the Webdev.camp more in hope of being accepted than in expectation. So when I got accepted to Webdev.camp I was both excited and scared, and I wasn’t sure if I could do it because it would be a real test - not just of my skills, but also of my character; but I knew that IF I could make it through the course then I could become a developer. The commitment to the camp was going to be complete; it meant that I had to leave everything for 8 weeks, including my husband and kids and my “everyday life” – work, colleagues,hobbies.

Before I embarked on the course 8 weeks ago, I had no idea how to build an application and no idea about object oriented programming, whilst coding was a magical and mysterious thing done by other people.

During the first two weeks at the Webdev.camp, we had intensive theory lessons where we learned about such things as attributes, objects, models, Active Record and MVC's.

After two weeks we started on our first real application in Ruby,and put all of that theory work into practice. We were handling associations and validations, sketched mock-ups, drew diagrams of associations and worked with database structures and the github API.

We implemented functions with Haml and Sass, Bootstrap and Susy front-end frameworks and worked on back-end with data structures and associations as well as learning the importance of Test Driven Development (TDD) implementing Rspec, factory girl and capybara testing tools.

Though the work was challenging, demanding and intense, it was also amazingly satisfying and hugely enjoyable, and I got a great sense of achievement in what I was doing. 

After 5 weeks of actual coding we had a working beta version of our application, and gave an introduction about our application as a presentation to ruby developers at the Helsinki Ruby meetup, demonstrating our skills and talking about our experiences. 

The whole experience of Webdev.camp has been an intensive and empowering learning journey for me, and not just with regard to my new skills. Yes, I now think of myself as a developer, and the dream is a reality because I now know I CAN code, but more than that, I have proved to myself that if I apply my mind to something, and work hard, I can achieve my dreams.

Coding is still a magical thing but it is no longer mysterious to me. I am looking forward to the rest of my life as a developer, as well as the increased self confidence that the whole experience has given me.

At WebDev.camp we had the amazing experience of working on an open-source app that will be genuinely useful to people in the Ruby community. We learned Ruby, Rails, Javascript and how to use Github, as well as CSS, HTML and Haml. We worked extensively with APIs in our app and learned about different methods of deployment. It makes such a difference to work on real problems, and it was great to be able to look at and work with real open-source code right from the start of the course, as well as then creating our own open-source app. At WebDev.Camp I have learnt so much about programming but also about mentoring, pairing, teamwork and managing my time effectively to be the most productive I can be while still enjoying what I do.

Living on site gives you the opportunity to really focus on your personal development and learning, without the problems of everyday life interfering or distracting you. I think that is one of the reasons that this course accomplishes so much in 8 weeks. We also had the opportunity to go to several meetups and events, and get to know the Helsinki Ruby community. In our penultimate week we gave a presentation on our app to a Ruby meetup, which was an excellent learning opportunity, and this experience will be extremely valuable going forward in our future jobs. I would definitely recommend Web Dev Camp, I doubt that any other bootcamp offers such a complete learning experience for the cost of the course which is extremely competitive.

The learning environment is comfortable and beautiful and while the curriculum is intensive, living onsite means that you can fit so much more into your day without a commute or the usual distractions of daily life. Breaks and working at your own pace were really encouraged and I found that being able to take beautiful walks in the surrounding area as well as playing in the snow(!) provided an excellent way to unwind. 

 

Since I was a child I have always wanted to build something that count. Like Paul Shane Spear says, I know that “As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.”

My story with programming started this year when I finished an on-line course of foreign language. Because is hard to learn by yourself I used an application for more help. I was amazed how a team of programmers, scientists and coaches can create an application with such great results.

Somewhere on this road I discovered that programming had become such a magical skill, and up until some moment in time, I never considered it, because my “not-object-oriented-mind” had been so unfair to it. After seeing how beautiful and useful so many apps are, I thought, “Who are the people who build these things?” And then I decided to improve myself and just do it.

I found out about WebDev Camp on Course Report, after looking through Twitter and finding out about their scholarship opportunities. I thought it was interesting because it is in the midst of nature, and if you’re feeling stuck, you can just go for a walk and come back to coding feeling refreshed.

Here I discovered that school can be extremely fun, that you can sketch an app at the seaside on a rock and that you can be more inspired looking at skyline than at your computer’s screen. Here the forest is our backyard and I can organize my thoughts on my ruby classes by walking and thinking, or by staying in on the evening, reclining near the fire.

I would say that this program teaches you not only about coding, but how to interact with people who might be different from yourself, since you will be living with them for several weeks. This can sometimes be difficult, but it teaches you how to work with and get along people in a group.

Our teacher, Torsten, is like a guide, not just for our rails coding but for all the moments when we panic or struggle. He’s always present to help out in our small community.

What else is there to say? Web Dev Camp is a wonderful, life changing experience that I’m glad I did!

My experience at Le Wagon’s Web Development bootcamp was intense but incredibly rewarding. The program’s well-structured curriculum and hands-on approach helped me build solid technical skills in a short time. What I valued most was the collaborative environment—working in teams and connecting with diverse, motivated people made learning more dynamic and enjoyable.The instructors were knowledgeable, patient, and always ready to help. Their clear explanations and supportive attitude made complex topics easier to grasp. I especially appreciated how they balanced being demanding with creating a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere.While the pace was fast and sometimes overwhelming due to the volume of information, it pushed me to grow and adapt quickly. The social activities and group projects also enriched my experience, fostering a strong sense of community.Overall, Le Wagon provided me with practical skills, confidence, and a network that I can rely on as I move forward in my tech career. I highly recommend this bootcamp to anyone looking for an immersive and supportive learning environment in web development.

Started with zero knowledge and progressed to building a full app from scratch. Very steep learning curve and very intense but so worth it in the end. It requires a lot of patience and hard work, it is definitely not easy ride. A lot of practical knowledge, a lot of real life coding, working in teams in the end. I wish i did it in person as can be a bit isolating but remote is convenient as well so depends what you are after. The help from TAs was incredible every step of the way. Great support throughout

  NuCamp Coding Bootcamp Review: A Launchpad for Aspiring Developers




NuCamp offers a variety of coding bootcamps designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to launch careers in web development. Here's a comprehensive review based on various sources and considerations:




Strengths:

• Affordability: NuCamp stands out for its comparatively lower cost compared to many other coding bootcamps.
• Flexible options: They offer a range of bootcamp lengths and formats, including full-time, part-time, and online options, catering to diverse schedules and needs.
• Project-based learning: The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through real-world project development, preparing students for practical work scenarios.
• Supportive community: NuCamp fosters a sense of community through online forums and alumni networks, offering ongoing support and networking opportunities.

Points to ponder:

• Intensity: The bootcamps, particularly full-time programs, are known for being intensive, requiring a significant time commitment and dedication from students.
• Depth of curriculum: While covering core web development concepts, some reviews suggest the curriculum might not be as in-depth as certain competitors, especially regarding advanced topics.
• Career support: While career services are offered, the extent and effectiveness of job placement assistance might vary based on individual experiences and market competitiveness.

Overall:




NuCamp is a viable option for individuals seeking an affordable and immersive way to enter the world of web development. The flexible format options and project-based learning are valuable assets, but potential students should be prepared for the intensive nature of the programs. It's crucial to carefully research the specific curriculum, career support services, and student outcomes before enrolling to ensure NuCamp aligns with your individual goals and learning style.




Recommendation:




NuCamp can be a good fit for highly motivated individuals who are comfortable with a fast-paced learning environment and prioritize cost-effectiveness. However, those seeking a more in-depth curriculum or extensive career support might want to explore other bootcamp options.