The Pros and Cons of Joining a Bootcamp for Backend Development

Introduction 

The demand for software developers is expected to increase exponentially over the next few years, making it an exceptionally sought-after job. Nowadays, companies seek backend developers with an expansive skill set who can effectively build and deploy backend applications and services. 

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Besides people who want a career in coding, many others from different walks of life, including inventors and entrepreneurs, are also willing to learn more about back end development. 

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While traditional computer science degrees exist, a back end developer bootcamp is generally less expensive and time-saving. In addition, if you are already a programmer, enrolling in a bootcamp will help you hone your existing skills and advance your career. 

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Before enrolling in a backend development bootcamp, here are some pros and cons. 

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Source: Pexels 

What Is Backend Developer Bootcamp?

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Backend developers are coding experts tasked with building and maintaining the mechanisms that process data and perform website actions. While front-end developers control everything you see on a website, the functions performed by a back-end developer include data storage, security, and other critical server-side functions. 

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Enrolling in a backend development bootcamp will teach you the necessary skills to become a backend or full-stack developer. A good back-end developer bootcamp will even help you build backend projects to showcase to future employers. 

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Generally, these bootcamps last four to six months, during which you must attend long classes and finish additional homework. 

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What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Backend Developer? 

The roles and responsibilities that a backend developer is expected to take up include the following: 

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1. They must carefully compile and analyze data, processes, and codes to troubleshoot problems effectively as well as identify areas that require improvement. 
2. They must cooperate with front-end developers and other stakeholders to design more functional and cohesive codes that can significantly improve user experience. 
3. It is exceptionally important that backend developers expertly communicate with other stakeholders or team members to effectively realize a project to fruition. If you are not a team player and lack communication skills, executing a project will be an arduous task. 
4. They must strive to develop ideas for new programs, products, and features.
5. They must consistently hone their skills and knowledge of different programming languages. For a successful career in backend development, one must possess a good understanding of programming languages like Java, Python, and PHP. For example, Python is one of the premier languages developers currently apply for different small-scale and large-scale projects. In fact, popular applications like Spotify and Dropbox have been created by developers using this programming language. 
6. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are things that a backend developer should be familiar with if they are looking for a well-paying job. 
7. They must take leads on various projects whenever necessary.

Who Are Backend Development Bootcamps for? 

A back end developer bootcamp is for anyone who wishes to learn the nuances of backend development to build and deploy backend applications and services. Usually, people who enroll in these bootcamps are career changers with degrees in different fields. 

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However, people without degrees can also get enrolled in these bootcamps. It is also important to note that some participants already have a relevant computer science degree and join the bootcamps to improve their knowledge further and amplify their skillset. 

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Source: Pexels 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Joining a Backend Developer Bootcamp?

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Are you keen on learning some essential backend development skills? Are you harboring inhibitions about whether you should join a backend developer bootcamp or not? Here are some pros and cons of a backend development bootcamp course. 

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Pros

Backend Developer Bootcamps Are Time-Effective 

Compared to a traditional computer science degree which takes up to four years, coding bootcamps are much shorter. These bootcamps usually last for 14 months or less and teach you all the nuances of backend development needed to build and deploy backend development services effectively. 

Backend Developer Bootcamps Are Less Expensive than a Traditional Degree 

A traditional four-year degree in computer science or computer engineering is bound to cost you at least twice the amount of money you will pay to enroll in a bootcamp. However, if you lack the resources to pursue a computer science degree, a back end developer bootcamp can help you immensely. 

You Can Learn the Fundamentals of Programming 

While the classes in a bootcamp may not teach you everything you need to know about becoming a programmer, you can learn or brush up on the fundamentals of back-end development. 

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According to a recent study, 72% of employers thought bootcamp graduates were just as well-versed with back-end development as people who had pursued a four-year degree in computer engineering or software development. 

A Good Learning Environment 

One of the best advantages of these backend development bootcamps is that you can experience hands-on learning. You can learn new and essential skills and get your queries answered quickly. In addition, you can completely immerse yourself in the environment for four to six months and learn to devise backend applications without distraction. 

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Moreover, bootcamps consist of participants equally keen on learning the same skills as you, ensuring a great learning environment.

Up-to-Date Curriculum 

Backend development bootcamps are known for being up-to-date compared to college degrees, as the conventional academic calendar does not bind them. As a result, bootcamps can update their courses more frequently to ensure their students are getting well-versed with the latest coding languages and curriculum. 

Cons

Job Placements Aren't Guaranteed 

While many bootcamps report that a massive chunk of their graduates was employed or got full-time jobs briefly, these claims still need to be verified. 

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Additionally, there is no standard definition of "employed." For instance, "employed" could cover freelancers, apprenticeships, or temporary employees. 

You can’t participate in some coding bootcamps while holding a full-time job

The average bootcamp for backend development is between 16 to 24 weeks. Classes in these bootcamps happen from Monday through Friday and usually last 6 to 7 hours. Thus, the long duration of classes makes it near impossible for the participants to hold down a full-time or even a part-time job while doing classes simultaneously. 

The Environment Can Get Tense for Some People 

The intense learning schedule and high expectations can get overwhelming and stressful for many students. As a result, students may end up feeling burnt out or discouraged.

To Sum Up 

As you can see, both pros and cons exist when participating in back end developer bootcamp. However, these bootcamps can teach you the fundamentals of backend development and even help you get an entry-level job as a developer. They are also more cost-effective and less time-consuming than college degrees that go on for four years. 

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However, it is important to note that different bootcamps may vary, and the intense learning structure may differ for everyone's taste. It is, therefore, imperative to carefully weigh all the pros and cons before joining a bootcamp.

FAQs

If participating in a back-end developer bootcamp can help your endeavors, consider the following aspects.

What Does the Bootcamp Teach? 

Various coding courses focus on a specific language. Then, based on your career goals, you must decide which bootcamp can help you. 

Does the Back End Developer Bootcamp Help with Job Placement? 

Specific bootcamps can help out with jobs greatly. For instance, they conduct interview fairs, carry out mock interviews, and much more. Meanwhile, specific bootcamps come equipped with expansive professional networks that can aid you when looking for a job.

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On the other hand, only some bootcamp has a solid job placement structure in place. They have a list of companies wherein the graduates have found work. While a bootcamp may not guarantee a job in backend development, it is imperative to go for one with a supportive job placement structure. 

What Is the Success Rate of Graduates? 

When choosing between backend development bootcamps, don't let basic statistics faze you. Instead, inquire about crucial facts such as how long it took the graduates to find a job, their job titles, how long they have worked there, and so forth.

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