What’s the Best Coding Language to Learn First?

What’s the Best Coding Language to Learn First?

Jan 7, 2019
Chelsea Kaufman

STEM skills are in huge demand in 2018. Between 2007 and 2012, online postings for software jobs grew 31% across the US! Even better, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects continued growth at 22% from 2012-2022. It’s no exaggeration to say that attending a learn to code boot camp organized by Learn Academy may be the top career choice you could possibly make. But before you start picking a coding bootcamp where you can learn coding from scratch, there’s a more pressing question to answer. Namely, what’s the best coding language to learn first?

Read on to learn about the pros and cons of different languages. Having this knowledge can help you get ready for a programming bootcamp that will change your life.

Dynamic vs statically typed languages

Statically typed languages are known to be stable, maintainable, and scalable, but are also much more strict when it comes to catching errors using type checking. They also require more code to create a prototype. Mobile apps, back ends for enterprises, and game engines are usually made using these languages.

Dynamic languages, on the other hand, are easier for beginners to learn because they’re fun and flexible. You can create an app using fewer lines of code, and there are no hard rules on how to make things behave the way you want them to.

Since dynamic languages are very high level languages, you can spend more time learning programming concepts as opposed to getting the details right. This easily makes a dynamic language like JavaScript or Ruby on Rails the best coding language to learn first.

JavaScript

JavaScript is an incredibly popular and versatile coding language. It’s a client-side scripting language used for front-end development. It’s compatible with all web browsers and is used to create interactive web apps. Furthermore, if utilized through the Node.js platform, JavaScript can also be used as a server-side language. When using frameworks such as phonegap, JavaScript can even be used for hybrid mobile app building. Although it is a dynamic language, there are also statically typed versions of it.

Ruby on Rails

Not only is Ruby designed to make programming fun and to be the easiest and best coding language to learn first, it also boasted the highest average developer salary in 2017. It uses a full stack, highly optimized web framework called Ruby on Rails framework, and is mostly used for back-end development. Extremely popular websites like Shopify, Hulu, Slideshare, Airbnb, and Bloomberg were all created with Ruby.

Still not sure what the best coding language to learn first is?

Learn Academy’s coding bootcamps are designed to jumpstart your JavaScript or Ruby on Rails career regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an experienced coder. In just four months, our intensive bootcamp will not only equip you with a vital skillset, it will also give you actual real world working experience.

By having a month long internship at one of San Diego’s premier tech companies, you will not only get to use everything you’ve learned, you will also have an opportunity to build lasting relations and showcase your skills where it truly matters. Reach out to us today and start your journey toward programming excellence!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions you may have. If you are interested in receiving updates on our future cohorts please join our waitlist!

A woman presenting and a woman listening.

Can I work while attending LEARN academy?

We have had students hold part-time jobs while attending the coding bootcamps at LEARN academy. They tell us that it’s not too bad if your work is on the weekend, but working more than one night per week is really tough. It is tough but possible.


What is the class schedule?

LEARN academy’s 4 month bootcamp is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.


What do you mean by "full-time"?

LEARN academy’s full-time course is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Students spend the first 12 weeks working in the online classroom and the final 4 weeks in their remote programming internship.


What is the background of the typical LEARN Student?

There isn’t really a typical student at LEARN academy. Most have not taken computer science classes in college, although some have. Some have not gone to college at all, but many have undergraduate degrees in something other than computer science. Past graduates have been in the entertainment industry, waitresses, massage therapists, in the military, and just about anything else you can think of.

Can I call you or drop by to talk?

Absolutely! We love chatting with potential partners and students. It is always best to make an appointment first so we can make sure someone is available to answer your questions. You can email us hello@learnacademyorg.


Is there any required prep work?

Students who are accepted and enrolled in the 4 month bootcamp are required to attend and participate in a workshop, called Jumpstart, offered by LEARN academy prior to the first day of the program. These workshops are free for students and included in the price of the tuition for the bootcamp. LEARN academy offers multiple workshops leading up to the start of class that students can sign up for.


I don't live in San Diego, can I still apply?

Yes! LEARN academy’s live-remote courses allow students to take our courses from just about anywhere in the United States. However, we are not able to support International students at this time.


How long should my application be?

One of the things we look for in an application is – did we get to know you? It’s almost impossible for us to get to know a candidate if each of the essay answers is only two sentences long. It doesn’t need to be a novel, but before you submit, check to make sure your personality is coming out in your writing.


How old do I have to be to attend LEARN academy?

Code school students must be 18 years old by the date of the first class as we are not legally able to accommodate minors.


What does the application process look like at LEARN academy?

Once you have submitted your application, the team at LEARN academy will review it and be in touch within a week of your submission date. If we feel it is a good fit we will ask you in for an interview. It is an informal interview. A chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you might have about the coding course. We know that it is vital to your success to find the course that is best for you and your learning needs. We use the interview to find out if we are the best fit for you! If at that point we both agree that it is a good fit we will invite you to secure a seat in the class of your choice.


How old do I have to be to attend LEARN academy?

Code school students must be 18 years old by the date of the first class as we are not legally able to accommodate minors.


What does the application process look like at LEARN academy?

Once you have submitted your application, the team at LEARN academy will review it and be in touch within a week of your submission date. If we feel it is a good fit we will ask you in for an interview. It is an informal interview. A chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you might have about the coding course. We know that it is vital to your success to find the course that is best for you and your learning needs. We use the interview to find out if we are the best fit for you! If at that point we both agree that it is a good fit we will invite you to secure a seat in the class of your choice.


Can I work while attending LEARN academy?

We have had students hold part-time jobs while attending the coding bootcamps at LEARN academy. They tell us that it’s not too bad if your work is on the weekend, but working more than one night per week is really tough. It is tough but possible.


What is the class schedule?

LEARN academy’s 4 month bootcamp is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.


What do you mean by "full-time"?

LEARN academy’s full-time course is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Students spend the first 12 weeks working in the online classroom and the final 4 weeks in their remote programming internship.


What is the background of the typical LEARN Student?

There isn’t really a typical student at LEARN academy. Most have not taken computer science classes in college, although some have. Some have not gone to college at all, but many have undergraduate degrees in something other than computer science. Past graduates have been in the entertainment industry, waitresses, massage therapists, in the military, and just about anything else you can think of.

Can I call you or drop by to talk?

Absolutely! We love chatting with potential partners and students. It is always best to make an appointment first so we can make sure someone is available to answer your questions. You can email us hello@learnacademyorg.


Is there any required prep work?

Students who are accepted and enrolled in the 4 month bootcamp are required to attend and participate in a workshop, called Jumpstart, offered by LEARN academy prior to the first day of the program. These workshops are free for students and included in the price of the tuition for the bootcamp. LEARN academy offers multiple workshops leading up to the start of class that students can sign up for.


I don't live in San Diego, can I still apply?

Yes! LEARN academy’s live-remote courses allow students to take our courses from just about anywhere in the United States. However, we are not able to support International students at this time.


How long should my application be?

One of the things we look for in an application is – did we get to know you? It’s almost impossible for us to get to know a candidate if each of the essay answers is only two sentences long. It doesn’t need to be a novel, but before you submit, check to make sure your personality is coming out in your writing.


How old do I have to be to attend LEARN academy?

Code school students must be 18 years old by the date of the first class as we are not legally able to accommodate minors.


What does the application process look like at LEARN academy?

Once you have submitted your application, the team at LEARN academy will review it and be in touch within a week of your submission date. If we feel it is a good fit we will ask you in for an interview. It is an informal interview. A chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you might have about the coding course. We know that it is vital to your success to find the course that is best for you and your learning needs. We use the interview to find out if we are the best fit for you! If at that point we both agree that it is a good fit we will invite you to secure a seat in the class of your choice.


Still have questions?