Exploring how to learn coding without overspending, the hosts highlight the value of free resources like FreeCodeCamp and 100Devs. They weigh the pros and cons of bootcamps, encouraging hands-on project building to evade common pitfalls. Techniques like active recall and spaced repetition are discussed for effective learning. Setting aside just 4% of your day to code can make a difference. The importance of community support and breaking through fear and impostor syndrome is emphasized, laying a clear path for future growth.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Research Your Local Market First
Research your local job market to learn which skills employers actually need.
Focus your learning on in-demand technologies in your area if your goal is employment.
insights INSIGHT
Momentum Beats Ambition Alone
Most people who start learning to code never finish, so choose paths that build momentum.
Getting early wins and reducing overwhelm dramatically increases completion rates.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Start Coding Now With Free Resources
Start coding immediately with free resources like FreeCodeCamp to test interest and build habit.
Use free platforms first before spending money on paid programs.
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In this Part 2 discussion, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This.Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders & founder of 100Devs) share their insights on how to start learning to code, the best free resources, and the power of community. They tackle whether coding bootcamps are worth it, why free platforms like FreeCodeCamp and 100Devs can be game-changers, and how to overcome the common pitfalls (like tutorial hell). They also talk about building real projects, finding your support network, and carving out time to invest in your future self.
Topics Covered in This Video:
Why you don’t have to break the bank to learn to code
The pros and cons of bootcamps
Essential resources like FreeCodeCamp, 100Devs, CS50, and more
Learning how to learn: active recall, spaced repetition, and building projects
Setting aside “4% of your day” to code
The importance of community and cohort-based learning
Overcoming fear, anxiety, and impostor syndrome to reach your goals
Mentioned Resources & Links:
FreeCodeCamp
100Devs (Discord: discord.gg/100Devs)
CS50 (Harvard’s Intro to Computer Science)
Learning How to Learn (Coursera)
Anki (Spaced Repetition Software)
The Odin Project
MOOC.fi (University of Helsinki)
About the Speakers:
Danny Thompson: Director of Technology at This.Dot Labs, previously worked in gas stations, self-taught coding journey, and now a community leader helping others break into tech.
Leon Noel: Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders, founder of 100Devs, and former Distinguished Faculty at General Assembly. Dedicated to making coding education accessible to everyone.
Stay in Touch:
📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com!
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Chapter Timestamps
0:00 Introduction & Part 2 Overview
1:07 Why Bootcamp Owners Get Mad About Free Options
2:20 The Value of Free Resources (FreeCodeCamp, 100Devs, CS50)
8:05 Beware of Predatory Bootcamps & ISAs
12:35 Cohort-Based Learning & Community Support
19:10 Tools for Learning: Git, Terminal, & UI Tools
26:00 The “4% Rule” – Making Yourself a Priority
31:40 Building Real Projects (Avoiding Tutorial Hell)
35:10 Additional Free Resources (MOOC.fi, etc.)
36:20 Importance of Community & Finding Your Tribe
43:00 Work Ethic, Motivation, & Overcoming Obstacles
49:00 Q&A: Doing It Afraid vs. Honoring Your Feelings
56:45 Closing Thoughts & Goodbyes
The Programming Podcast