Best Java bootcamps | ZDNet

Despite a shortage of tech skills in the job market, computer science graduates often struggle to find employment. Most computer science curricula focus on low-level programming and other outdated skills, rather than the skills employers seek. Companies want employees who are familiar with cloud computing, big data, machine learning, and Java web development.

Coding bootcamps teach the skills employers are looking for, and they do it more quickly and in most cases, for less money, than colleges and universities offering four-year degrees.

What is Java and why should I learn it? 

Java is a computing platform and programming language that powers many websites and applications. Java allows users to view 3D images, participate in online chats, and play online games.

Because Java is reliable, fast, and secure, it is frequently used to develop applications in cell phones, game consoles, and laptops. The Java platform includes a compiler, an execution engine, and code libraries.

Since Java has so many uses, it is the third most in-demand programming language in the world. The language is easy to learn and runs effectively on any operating system. It can also handle large amounts of data.

Benefits of a Java bootcamp

With the cost of college rising, coding bootcamps provide a popular alternative. The median cost of attending a coding bootcamp in 2020 was $13,500, and most bootcamps take just a few months to complete. Tuition at a four-year college or university, on the other hand, costs an average of $16,318 per year.

In addition, most Java bootcamps take just a few months to complete, compared to four years for a bachelor’s degree. In the time it takes to earn a four-year degree, an individual can take a bootcamp, graduate, and earn about three years’ worth of wages in their new job.

Students who don’t live near a bootcamp provider –– and even those who do –– can take a Java bootcamp online. This convenient option allows bootcamp participants to study from the comfort of their own homes.

Many Java bootcamps require students to work in groups, which helps develop their teamwork skills as they gain experience working in a collaborative environment. Students often work on projects that they can include in their portfolios, increasing their chances of being hired following the bootcamp.

Drawbacks of a Java bootcamp

Java bootcamps come with a few drawbacks. The biggest drawback is the rigorous schedule. In most full-time bootcamps, students not only attend classes for eight hours or more per day five days a week, but they have homework to do in the evenings as well. This can also leave very little time for family, friends, or running errands.

If you are working, you will either have to take a part-time bootcamp or take a leave of absence from work to complete the bootcamp. You won’t have time to work while attending a full-time bootcamp.

Unlike a four-year degree, which provides skills in a variety of areas, coding bootcamps focus on a specific skill, such as Java. They can be a great way to get into an entry-level position, but may not lead to advancement, especially if the next level on the career ladder requires leadership or management skills. 

Although most bootcamp graduates do get jobs in the field, it is not guaranteed. There is always the possibility that you might complete the bootcamp and be unable to find a job after paying thousands of dollars for training.

Should I enroll in a Java bootcamp? 

Java bootcamps are best suited to individuals who want to learn the skills to land a job quickly while saving money on their education. If this sounds like you, a Java bootcamp may be the right choice.

For those who prefer a more traditional path to employment, an associate or bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field may be a better choice. This is especially true for those who want to advance their careers to the managerial level. Many companies require candidates for management positions to possess a bachelor’s degree.