How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding? Learn the Fastest Way to Learn Code

How long does it take to learn coding? Generally, it takes about three to six months to learn the basics of coding. You can learn coding faster or slower depending on your pace.

Many factors come into play when considering the question, how long does it take to be a computer programmer? Some people learn faster than others, and some people just use better resources that speed up their learning process.

Most of the time, you’re directly in charge of how long it takes to learn to code. The more time you put in upfront, the faster you’ll grasp the essential rules and procedures you need to know. In this article, we’ll give you an idea of how long it takes to learn coding and a few pointers on how to learn faster.

Ways to Learn Coding

There are several ways to learn coding skills, so let’s take a look at each option and how much time it usually takes to learn coding with each.

LEARNING METHOD	TIME TO LEARN CODING
Self-Study	6 – 12 months
College Degree	4+ years
Coding Bootcamp	3 – 6 months

Self-Teaching

Learning to code through self-teaching is a very popular option, as it’s usually the cheapest and most flexible. These days there are loads of online courses, books, websites, and apps for beginners to learn coding skills.

And there’s likely to be some kind of learning resource for just about every programming language out there–from Java to JavaScript. Of course, there are also tons of resources available to learn other web development tools like HTML and CSS.

The downside to teaching yourself coding through these methods is that you have to be especially disciplined. Learning to code is an ongoing process, and if you don’t stick with it, you won’t make much progress.

Another potential drawback to self-teaching is that it will likely take you much longer to learn coding since you won’t have the structured approach or access to projects that you would in a coding bootcamp or computer science program.

So, overall, it’s difficult to say how long it will take you to learn coding through self-teaching, as everyone’s different. Yet, a good estimate is that it would probably take anywhere from six to 12 months to gain a firm understanding of a handful of programming languages.

College Computer Science Degree

This one’s a lot easier to answer. How long does it take to become a computer programmer? Typically four years or so, because that’s how long it will take to earn a computer science degree.

There’s no doubt that pursuing a traditional college degree in computer science is an incredibly effective way to learn coding and other web development skills.

But there are certainly downsides.

One of these downsides is obvious: time. For many people–especially those wanting to change careers–it’s simply impractical to pursue a four-year degree. Few of us are able to leave the workforce for that long, just to learn a new skill.

Another drawback to computer science degree programs is, of course, the cost. Higher education is more expensive than ever, and many people are unwilling to take out the massive amounts of student debt in order to finance their education this way.

Coding Bootcamps

Luckily, there’s another method of learning how to code–and one that takes considerably less time to do it! Coding or programming bootcamps are short-term programs that teach you the fundamentals and everything you need to start a career as a coder. 

Oh, and back to that question: how long does it take to become a computer programmer? With a coding bootcamp education, just a few months!

So, how long are coding bootcamps? These coding courses range widely in terms of their durations, but most coding bootcamps last only three to six months.

Programming bootcamps are becoming one of the best ways to learn coding in a short amount of time, and you gain many of the benefits of a full computer science degree program, including access to instructors, projects, and other valuable learning resources.Further, a programming bootcamp usually offers access to mentors, job placement assistance, and other great tools. These resources not only help you learn to code fast but also help you get a job in the tech industry when you’re done!

How Long Does a Bootcamp Take?

Self-Teaching

Learning to code through self-teaching is a very popular option, as it’s usually the cheapest and most flexible. These days there are loads of online courses, books, websites, and apps for beginners to learn coding skills.

And there’s likely to be some kind of learning resource for just about every programming language out there–from Java to JavaScript. Of course, there are also tons of resources available to learn other web development tools like HTML and CSS.

The downside to teaching yourself coding through these methods is that you have to be especially disciplined. Learning to code is an ongoing process, and if you don’t stick with it, you won’t make much progress.

Another potential drawback to self-teaching is that it will likely take you much longer to learn coding since you won’t have the structured approach or access to projects that you would in a coding bootcamp or computer science program.

So, overall, it’s difficult to say how long it will take you to learn coding through self-teaching, as everyone’s different. Yet, a good estimate is that it would probably take anywhere from six to 12 months to gain a firm understanding of a handful of programming languages.

College Computer Science Degree

This one’s a lot easier to answer. How long does it take to become a computer programmer? Typically four years or so, because that’s how long it will take to earn a computer science degree.

There’s no doubt that pursuing a traditional college degree in computer science is an incredibly effective way to learn coding and other web development skills.

But there are certainly downsides.

One of these downsides is obvious: time. For many people–especially those wanting to change careers–it’s simply impractical to pursue a four-year degree. Few of us are able to leave the workforce for that long, just to learn a new skill.

Another drawback to computer science degree programs is, of course, the cost. Higher education is more expensive than ever, and many people are unwilling to take out the massive amounts of student debt in order to finance their education this way.

Coding Bootcamps

Luckily, there’s another method of learning how to code–and one that takes considerably less time to do it! Coding or programming bootcamps are short-term programs that teach you the fundamentals and everything you need to start a career as a coder. 

Oh, and back to that question: how long does it take to become a computer programmer? With a coding bootcamp education, just a few months!

So, how long are coding bootcamps? These coding courses range widely in terms of their durations, but most coding bootcamps last only three to six months.

Programming bootcamps are becoming one of the best ways to learn coding in a short amount of time, and you gain many of the benefits of a full computer science degree program, including access to instructors, projects, and other valuable learning resources.

Further, a programming bootcamp usually offers access to mentors, job placement assistance, and other great tools. These resources not only help you learn to code fast but also help you get a job in the tech industry when you’re done!

How Long Does a Bootcamp Take?

Though it depends based on the bootcamp you enroll in, you will spend anywhere between 12 weeks and six months in a coding bootcamp. You may also spend a week or two preparing prior to the start date. To start a basic career in coding, you can enroll in an intensive web development coding bootcamp and complete your learning journey in as little as 10 to 12 weeks.

If you are pursuing a tech role in a more advanced tech industry, you will likely need to attend a bootcamp that takes a bit longer to complete. Software engineering and data science bootcamps can be only 12 weeks, but often take closer to four to six months to complete.

Whichever bootcamp you decide to enroll in, you will learn valuable skills and you will master at least one coding language. The marketable tech skills you earn in a bootcamp will significantly improve your chances of getting one of your dream tech jobs.

Should I Learn to Code Online?

Answering this question boils down to figuring out what your constraints are and how you learn best. 

Advantages of Learning to Code Online:

Some of the biggest advantages to learning to program online include:

1. Flexibility
2. Price
3. Interactivity

Learning to code online means that you can learn pretty much whenever and wherever you want to. Online courses can be expensive, but they’re generally a lot cheaper than a college class, private tutoring, or all the textbooks you’d need to cover the same material.

Lastly, interactivity is a big advantage to learning online since you can’t learn to code unless you actually write code. While reading or listening to lectures, it’s all too easy to skip this part. 

Disadvantages of Learning to Code Online:

Some of the biggest disadvantages to learning to program online include:

1. Mixed Quality
2. Lack of Structure

There are definitely bad textbooks and college courses, but there’s also a lot of vetting that occurs before a person can teach at a college or put out a textbook. Because pretty much anyone can toss out a programming course, not all courses are high quality. 

Lastly, online programs lack structure. As a beginner learning to code, it can be difficult to know what order to approach different subjects. For all the expense and hassle, a four-year degree does at least lay out a clear, unambiguous learning path, and that’s worth something. 

So, how well do you think you can do given this mix of pros and cons? If you choose to stick to online resources, you’ll need to make sure they’re high-quality–preferably recommended by professionals in the field. Also, be sure they offer a clear progression of ideas, involve lots of hands-on project building, and provide access to instructors, teachers, or peers that can answer your questions. 

How Long Does It Take to Learn Code Online?

It typically takes three to six months to learn code online. To best answer this question, you can look at the answers to questions like “how long does it take to learn coding?” and “how long are coding bootcamps?” because the answer is about the same.

Learning to code online will take just as much or as little time as it will take to learn coding in person. The key factor in how long it takes is still you, and how much time and dedication you are willing to put into learning. 

A bootcamp that takes three months to complete in-person will often take the same amount of time to complete online. This means you will learn the same material, how to code, in the same amount of time. The same goes for a college degree: if you attend online, it will likely still take years to complete. So, the fastest way to learn code online would be via self-teaching or a coding bootcamp.

Basic Coding Languages

You have an enormous amount of autonomy in coding language selection. If you simply need to learn how to code a single language, you can choose an easier one to start. Most people say that learning a relatively easy programming language takes about 4 to 6 months. It would not be unreasonable to assume that you could learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or Python in that time if you buckle down and practice full-time. If that sounds like good news to you, you’re right.

How Long Does it Take to Learn a Programming Language?

The general consensus amongst coders is that it takes anywhere between three and nine months to feel completely comfortable using a coding language. Learning a new programming language is similar to learning a foreign language; it takes a lot of time to get used to.

Some programming languages are easier to learn, like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, so they take less time. Others, like Ruby, will likely take a bit longer because they are more complex. The fastest way to learn code, regardless of the language difficulty, is through a full-time bootcamp.

So, how long does it take to learn a programming language? Just about as long as you plan to study in a coding bootcamp.

Coders Are Constantly Learning

Coding is an ongoing learning process that will continue throughout your career.  You can certainly set a deadline for working knowledge. For example, it’s reasonable to ask how long it’ll take before you’re ready to build an app or work for clients. 

In most cases, it won’t take too long if you really try; good professional coders learn every day they work and continuously sharpen their skills by learning new languages.  If you want to be a programmer, you’ll need to be prepared to learn all the time. New coding languages always take time to master, but the time will get shorter as you learn more.

Best Way to Learn Coding Fast

If you want to learn multiple languages and prepare for a programming career, you’ll need a good education. Over the last half-decade, dozens of fast-track and specialized programming schools have sprung up around the country. Many people think coding bootcamps are worth it because of how quickly they can land you a job in tech. Coding bootcamps are often considered the fastest way to learn code.

Demand for programmers is high, and many tech companies recruit directly from coding bootcamps. In a coding bootcamp, you can expect to master multiple languages and build a portfolio in three to eighteen months through intensive courses.

You can also attend a part-time or online coding bootcamp, though these flexible programs will take longer. Thousands of bootcamp graduates nationwide have proven you can become a master coder in less than a year, which is an exciting prospect. In these programs, you can master job-specific coding languages for careers like data science and web development.

So, How Long Does It Take to Become a Computer Programmer or Coder?

Depending on your dedication, current knowledge of coding, and time available, you could learn to code in as little as 3 months at a coding bootcamp. But, the question of “how long to learn coding?” doesn’t really have a simple answer, because it depends on you. 

No two people are the same, so the amount of time it takes you to learn coding might be different than the average.  That’s nothing to be ashamed of: coding is complicated, but you can master it with a little grit. Coding does have a learning curve, but most people report success within a few months.  

While we can’t tell you exactly how long it’ll take you to learn coding, we can tell you one thing for sure: Our 21-day challenge can get you on track to become a programmer– and it only takes twenty-one days!  It’s entirely free, so what do you have to lose? Give it a shot and see how long it will take you to learn to code.

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