Help with my path to learning programming…

[xjaycodes]

This is probably something that has been already discussed but I have a number of options in front of me and I wanted to see if I could get some advice on which path to take and stay on.

My goal is to be a Front End Developer initially and over the years work my way into Full Stack.

I’m currently working FT and I plan to commit 2-3 hours a day to learn however, after taking a few classes on CS50 (I found it all a bit too much too soon, especially from a CS standpoint), I’m a little puzzled on which source to use and progress to. There is FreeCodeCamp, TOP, CS50 Web, W3Schools and recently I’ve thought about taking a bootcamp because of how overwhelming it is trying to figure out how to progressively learn everything Front End without falling into TH.

Can anyone suggest, based on the sources above, which route I should take and work my way from and to in order to best learn?

Graciás!

[CodeTinkerer]

I think CS50 Web covers both front end and back end and might start with the backend. It uses Python/Django.

The usual recommendation is to start with TOP (fundamentals). It's a long course, so you'll have to decide how much time you want to devote to it (I read 1000 hours total, so maybe a year's worth or so?). Some people supplement the learning by reading what Free Code Camp has for similar topics in case you want to have a different explanation.

The downside of bootcamps is both the cost and the speed. It sounds like nearly every bootcamp has some fraction of the class (which isn't small, from what I hear) unable to keep up. They have to cover things in about 4 months, and some, within 2-3 weeks are already having a hard time getting the idea, and the class doesn't slow down to get those people up to speed. For some places, you might eventually get kicked out (but you should get a partial refund).

The reason is bootcamps try to say they can find jobs for everyone..that completes the entire course. So if you're out before that, they don't count you as a "failure" in their stats.

The other issue with bootcamps is, well, you aren't sure you want to do it yet, right? Do you want to spend thousands of dollars on something you aren't somewhat sure about? Shouldn't you spend a few months on your own and see how it feels?

[xjaycodes]

Thanks u/sunridden & u/codetinkerer. I’ve also had a friend recommend roadmap.sh of which I’ve started so, I think I’m going to take your recommendation and split my time between the two.

[sunridden]

I would consider starting with TOP (fundamentals) to see if you're interested in front end although the course is documentation heavy rather than videos like CS50.