I realize this isn't a new question; but 2023, I begin my programming journey at last. The only problem is; there is so many different sources with which to get your knowledge from. I can't believe I'm saying this but I kind of wish there were LESS options - how dumb, right? I should be happy there's so many options.

Anywho, I'm signed up to a few coding learning sites and I'm sitting here in utter confusion. I have notepads and pens I bought ready. I'm an empty cup ready to be filled with Python-flavoured Lemonade.

FreeCodeCamp is, well, as the name suggests; free. Free is great. But the word 'free' should always be taken with caution. Free means there's compromise, correct? If something is free then it's not as good as it seems to be. is this the case with FreeCodeCamp? Does anyone here know if there are people really that kind and altruistic that they'd design a website and heavy curriculum of classes ABSOLUTELY free for other people to learn with ZERO hidden agenda or reimbursement?And the classes are really well-done and easy to follow?

I'm probably asking too many questions because it's free so I need to not complain about it. I'm just doing the most research I can because I need to pick SOMETHING to learn from.

Now, on the flip-side; there's Codecademy. While not free, looks promising. Plus, because it's paid, that means you get more content, right? More to learn? More promise of getting a job in the programming field? They would have to work extra hard since it's quite pricey so wouldn't they give customers their money's worth?

FreeCodeCamp mentions thousands of people who use it get their first software developer job. And Codecademy from what I've seen, uhhh...doesn't say anything about programming employers picking out Codecademy users who pique their interest and employing them.

BUT IT'S NOT FREE...so it must be good, right?The reason I'm harping on this "not free" thing is because they got a giant sale going on right now (as you can see from the link above) and if I feel like I pass this up, I'll miss a huge opportunity to get a huge deal on something potentially better than FCC.

But, on the flip side, they're a business, and businesses employ tactics like a "holiday deal" that seems huge but it's that price every other time of the year, so they up the price then make you think you're getting in on something good when you're paying regular price. Is this what they're doing? I don't know. Maybe I need to stop thinking about money and just go with FCC.

Truth is, I'm 31 now and I can't afford to not waste my own time with something that won't help me find a job in this field. So, whichever one has the highest success rate and employment rate is the one I'm going for.

ON THE OTHER HAND; I have some classes from CodeWithMosh. Mosh is great and has thorough and well-done classes on different languages. But since they're limited on a set of videos I downloaded (Sorry, Mosh) and not on a website where the learning is seemingly endless....will I learn just as much as I would on the aforementioned sites?

There's also the question if I need to use them at all. There's a wide ocean of knowledge on YouTube (the greatest video platform in the world). FreeCodeCamp even puts their classes on YouTube so I can just quickly search without even going to their websites.The problem with YouTube, however, is that I look up something like "Python for Beginners" and there's thousands of videos. Which one do I pick??! I mean, FCC's classes are HOURS long. So there's a lot I can learn, but who says this guy or girl from this channel has more effective strategies from his/her Python class with a nicely-sized playlist cut up in different parts? Like I said; there's too many options.

Maybe I'm over-thinking everything. Should I just go through different ones, pick one that catches my ears and stick with it? Or just go with FreeCodeCamp 100%?

BUT ON THE OTHER HAND; I'm also registered to sites like 42Heilbronn, w3Schools, GeneralAssembly, CodeNewbie, RealPython and Cisco Identity oh, God, it's too over-whelming!! I'm subscribed to over 100 programming people on YouTube, as well where does it end?!?!?

It's at this point of my thought process that I stop thinking about it and go back to watching stupid videos on YouTube because I get easily over-whelmed with all of this because the first jump is the hardest. It's best for me to not think about this. I'm writing an essay on it, you should see how my brain feels racing 5,000 miles per hour thinking about all of this and my life of laziness and remedial developmental delay-ness.

Ok, I'm out of hands. I'm sorry for this long post, I just needed to get all of this out. Thank you for reading or skimming through all of this, I appreciate it.

All responses are very, very very appreciated. I look forward to one day getting to know all of you.

With love,

Ralph

I've found FCC quite useful as I'm starting to learn to code. On the other hand, I started to check for job offers for front end, as junior, and most of them require a bachelor.

Saw from other sources that it's worth to continue and then, as soon as I feel comfortable enough, to start to create my own projects, so I can build a portfolio, to then forward together with my CV.

The question I have in my mind is - people that started with FCC managed to get somewhere? Do you really need to go for a bachelor to be able to work as a dev?

I'm enjoying the journey, and am aware that I have a lot to learn, but the curiosity thrives in me and wanted to know from people who are expert, who already went through this beginning journey at FCC, or even that can provide any insight on how it can look like, to understand if I need more to actually get a job, or if by developing my experience by myself together with FCC would be enough to get lucky with nowadays market.

Thank you all in advance :)

I am in the beginning stages of learning how to code and was looking for a structured curriculum that allowed me to learn how to code with the goal of landing employment in the field. I was suggested Free Code Camp and so far in the 2-3 days I have used it I have nothing but good things to say about it and believe the structure and goals it sets will end up being very beneficial in the learning process. Does anyone have any success stories from using Free Code Camp, specifically, but not limited to, getting employed after learning on free code camp?

I found FCC 2 years ago because I wanted to learn how to code for free and i ended up completing the responsive web design course.

After that, I looked up to see if it could take me from beginner to somewhat “advanced” and basically, people said I’d have to use other resources, which led me to tutorial hell so I ended up quitting.

Now, I really want to lock in and try learning again because it’s been weighing heavy on my mind ever since then.