Coding is the language of technology, and it's more important than ever in today's business world.
Coding programs are becoming increasingly popular across the globe and in Philadelphia, as they can open up plenty of career opportunities and lead to remarkably high salaries.
Many cities are working to meet that need by creating coding boot camps and other educational opportunities to help their residents learn how to code and get hired by local companies.
If you're looking to get into coding but don't want to go back to school, there are still plenty of options available in Philadelphia.
With the help of this guide, you can find the perfect coding program for your schedule and budget, whether you're interested in learning as a hobby or trying to break into the industry professionally.
Coding has become an essential tool, from startups to established companies and anything in between, so check out our top picks.
What Are The Basics To Programming?
It can be hard to know where to begin if you're just getting started with coding.
This is true whether you're taking online courses or going to in-person classes in any U.S. city, like Philadelphia or elsewhere.
The most important thing is to figure out how much time you want/need to devote to learning and your comfort level and skill set before picking your first course.
Do you have a basic understanding of computer programming? Do you already have some experience? Or are you completely new to coding?
Regardless of your current skill set, there are many different options for a beginner programmer who wants to learn programming, from free online resources to inexpensive beginner courses.
No matter what kind of learner you are, there's a place for everyone on Superprof.
Coding 101
Computer programming is one of those skills that almost everyone has heard about but few people understand.
Here are some tips for how to learn to program for beginners and how to become a computer programmer.
First off, when you're learning how to code, there are two main types of languages: procedural and object-oriented. The first step in learning how to code is picking which language you want to start with.
Many beginning coders choose object-oriented languages because they're easier to understand than procedural ones.
However, once you know both procedural and object-oriented languages, it's easier to transition into more advanced languages like Java or Python.
Once you've decided on a language, it's time to choose how you want to take your classes.
You can take them at any local college in Philadelphia, Houston, or other American cities through an online course, or enroll in an intensive boot camp.
Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, so consider all three before deciding on one. Once you have your classes picked out, it's time to start.
Make sure that whatever class you're taking gives students plenty of practice opportunities to build up their skills over time instead of being thrown into complex projects.
This will help make sure your experience as a new coder is positive from day one.
What Skills Do You Need To Get Started In Coding?
To be successful in a coding program, you'll need to have a high level of competency with both written and spoken English.
Most coding programs require that your native language is English or that you score a certain level on an English proficiency test.
Likewise, any prerequisite courses will test your math and science skills and other areas.
Before applying to any coding programs, take some time to review all of your skill sets; learning how you can stand out from other applicants is key to landing your top choice.
If you're aiming for a position in programming and development, check out posts on Java Programming Language vs. C++ Programming Language.
There are also many online resources for anyone looking to brush up on their basic coding skills before starting their own education.
You can also learn with Superprof, which offers professional and experienced teachers.
Top Institutes Offering Coding Programs In Philadelphia
If you are looking for a place to begin your journey towards becoming a programmer, or if you have already found one but want to know what coding programs they offer, we have covered you.
Here is a list of top coding schools in Philadelphia. Have a look.
- University Of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania offers a free coding class, primarily designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, through Coursera.
According to Penn, you'll learn coding basics and how to turn your idea into an application.
In other words, you'll know what you need to get started in app development. The course runs in ten-week sessions with one assignment due each week.
Students can choose from two tracks, one for those who want to build mobile apps or another for those who want to develop web apps.
Both cover similar material, but they have different project requirements.
- Drexel University
If you're interested in learning how to code online or want an in-person class focusing on real-world applications, look no further than Drexel University.
Drexel is one of several universities in Philly that offers coding courses, which you can enroll for credit or auditing purposes.
Non-credit options are available to out-of-towners, too. The school also has several research centers and labs dedicated to computer science and engineering.
Some of these include:
- The Rein Berger Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences
- The Vision and Graphics Lab
- The Security, Reliability, and Trust Lab
- The Center for Secure Information Systems
- The Machine Learning Department
- Temple University
Programmers are in high demand, and Temple University's online programs in computer science and information technology (I.T.) fit busy professionals' needs.
Temple's average undergraduate student is 35 years old, married, with a full-time job.
College Online offers some of its core programming courses to students in Philly and beyond without ever leaving home; no commute or parking is required.
Online courses include Introduction to Computer Science I & II, Web Development Fundamentals I & II, Java Programming I & II, etc. If you prefer hands-on learning, you can also attend live lectures at your convenience.
The university also has an open lab on campus where you can work on homework assignments or practice coding skills.
- La Salle University
La Salle is one of Philadelphia's largest colleges, making its Computer Science program a perfect option for someone who wants to learn how to code without feeling overwhelmed.
With classes in Java and Software Design, students get real-world experience designing programs that can be used in their own business or personal interests.
Since class sizes are relatively small (averaging about 50 students per class), it's easy to find opportunities to work with other students or get one-on-one time with a professor.
Students can earn an associate's degree from La Salle before transferring to another school where they can finish their Bachelor's.
They can then work toward accreditation as a computer programmer, systems analyst, software engineer, or systems engineer.
- Thomas Jefferson University
Jeff U and Grace Cutler offer several courses to learn coding for beginners, including a three-part series on JavaScript, iOS8 app development, web technologies, and cyber security.
Every spring, they also hold an annual computer class (with sessions on digital photography, computer systems, and coding).
To become certified as a programmer through Thomas Jefferson University's Computer Science Graduate Program takes at least five years.
The program emphasizes studying human-computer interaction (HCI) to help programmers better analyze how people use technology while developing new products and applications.
They also focus on network modeling, natural language processing, and deep learning methods.
- The Iron Yard
Iron Yard provides immersive, full-time coding courses in a 12-week format that can be taken at its campuses in Durham, N.C., Atlanta, and Raleigh/Durham, N.C., and online via an interactive platform called Iron Gate.
It also has regular how-to learning programming workshops for everyone, from those interested in becoming a web designer to kids learning how to code games on their iPads.
While it does not provide how to understand programming certificates upon completion of its programs, students receive both technical training and life skills like stress management.
Those who complete one of Iron Yard's programs will have developed enough confidence in their ability to build software applications that they will have no problem getting a job after graduating.
- Dev Bootcamp
Dev Bootcamp is a three-month immersive program for beginners who want to code. Students spend 18 hours a day, seven days a week, learning how to code from an expert team of developers.
They're provided with access to all course materials and required to complete daily assignments.
Dev Bootcamp has locations in San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, and Seattle, with plans for additional cities soon.
Multiple cohorts are running throughout each area; class sizes range from 20-25 students per cohort but are capped at 25.
- Flatiron School
Flatiron School is a great place to start if you want to learn how to code or look for free courses online.
The school offers classes in web development and computer programming languages that include Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, Python, and iOS mobile app development.
The coding boot camp is run entirely online by instructors in New York City who teach students through real-world projects rather than theoretical lessons.
Flatiron's online platform was built to focus on inclusivity so that students can expect no judgment from peers or teachers, regardless of their experience level or background.
All that matters is your desire to learn how to code and your commitment to putting in work every day.
- Fullstack Academy
If you're looking to attend a top coding school in Philadelphia, look no further than Fullstack Academy.
The design-focused coding program emphasizes full-stack web development and is perfect for programmers with an entrepreneurial streak.
Located in downtown Philly, Fullstack Academy offers a nine-month, full-time program culminating in a final project where students build their own startup company.
You'll learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other foundational languages while also learning how to code websites and applications from scratch.
- Hack Reactor
The name might seem intimidating, but Hack Reactor is an immersive program that focuses on teaching people how to code.
The program has three tracks: JavaScript, iOS, and Full Stack Web. There are also classes available online to learn from home or work.
And, if you think you're not a good fit for coding, don't worry. Hack Reactor prides itself on giving every student what they need to succeed in whatever type of programming they want to do.
How Much Do Coding Programs Cost In Philadelphia?
| Programs | Price |
|---|---|
| Tech Elevator | $15,500 |
| Penn Boot Camps | $12,495 |
| Noble Desktop | $10,995 |
| Full Stack Academy | $17,910 |
| Digital Crafts | $14,950 |
| Iron Hack | $9,950 |
Want To Master Your Coding Skills With Superprof
One of the most valuable skills for any future programmer is understanding foundational programming concepts like variables, functions, and classes.
The good news is that many online resources are designed specifically for beginners.
One great site to check out is Superprof, which offers several courses on different coding languages. So, if you want to learn more about coding, visit Superprof today.
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