Are Coding Bootcamps Filling the Market with Cheap Developers?

For years, there have been concerns that coding bootcamps are flooding the market with cheaper developers. The prevailing narrative suggests that these intensive, short-term programs can churn out programmers at a lower cost than traditional university programs. However, the evidence does not fully support this claim. In fact, recent studies by various reputable sources suggest that graduates from coding bootcamps are being employed and achieving significant salary increases upon graduation.

Bootcamps Are Not Flooding the Market

In 2014, a comprehensive report by a leading industry research firm showed that 75% of bootcamp graduates were employed in full-time jobs requiring skills learned in their bootcamp programs, with an average salary increase of 44%. By 2015, this figure had dropped slightly to 66%, but the average salary increase remained at 38%. These results are based on surveys of dozens of schools and hundreds of graduate responses.

While there has been a small decrease in employment rates and salary increases, it's important to note that the data is only from two years. Additionally, when reviewing demographic reports, it's clear that the total number of bootcamp graduates is approximately 6,000 annually. In contrast, the number of graduates with Computer Science (CS) degrees is around 48,000 annually. Therefore, the percentage of bootcamp graduates entering the job market is estimated at only one-eighth of traditional degrees. This suggests that coding bootcamps are not significantly impacting the overall job market in the way that some might assume.

Understanding the "Cheaper" Label

The term "cheaper" is somewhat misleading. When it comes to coding bootcamps, it's important to clarify: we're not talking about developers being paid less than they are worth, but rather developers who lack the depth and breadth of knowledge that a full four-year degree might provide.

While bootcamps can teach the fundamentals and basic skills needed for entry-level jobs, they often fall short in terms of advanced technical knowledge and practical experience. Bootcamp graduates may lack the technical savvy, ability to debug low-level bugs, and deep understanding of architectural design that more experienced developers possess. They might not have the critical knowledge gained through years of exposure and practice.

Limitations of Bootcamp Education

One of the primary criticisms of coding bootcamps is the depth and breadth of the knowledge they impart. Bootcamps are designed to provide a fast-paced, intensive introduction to programming concepts. While they can cover a lot of ground quickly, they often lack the comprehensive understanding that comes from a traditional university program. Some key areas where bootcamp graduates may be lacking include:

Low-Level Bug Debugging: Advanced debugging skills are crucial for dealing with complex issues in software development. Bootcamp graduates might have less familiarity with these techniques.

Architectural Knowledge: Understanding how to design and scale software systems is essential for long-term development. Bootcamp graduates may not have the same level of architectural knowledge.

Efficient Code and Algorithm Analysis: Proficiency in writing efficient code and understanding algorithm analysis is a critical skill. Bootcamp graduates might code programs that are less optimal due to a lack of experience.

In conclusion, while coding bootcamps can be a valuable pathway to getting started in the tech industry, they should be viewed as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, a more traditional education. Graduates from these programs can expect to find employment, but they may need additional training and experience to become fully proficient developers.