I am a subscribing member to Codecademy Pro and I’m quite enjoying it. However, I do feel as though there are quite a few things to consider before subscribing to Codecademy Pro.
What is Codecademy? A Quick Background
Codecademy is an online learning platform that likes to boast itself as the “easiest way to learn how to code.” I know many developers myself that first got their start through Codecademy.
How Codecademy Pro differs from their free content is that it gives a more in-depth knowledge of programming(or at least that is how it is advertised). As well as more assistance, projects, and resources.
Codecademy Web Development
Codecademy has several programming courses included in the Pro subscription for 19.99. However, I have only taken the Web Development course thus far and that is the main focus of this review. The description of the web development course states that is great for budding front-end and back-end engineers.
Well, let us dive a little deeper, shall we? The course covers the basis of web development which is HTML, CSS, and Javascript. It also covers REACT Node, the Command line, SQL, testing, APIs, etc. Even though we get all of these great course topics in Codecademy Pro, we only get surface-level knowledge in a lot of them. Yes, some course topics definitely went into great detail. But It does not go in-depth enough for other topics for you to be able to become a full-stack developer(as the course description states). For instance, the front-end sections of HTML and CSS are good and quite extensive. Even the intro to Javascript is decent and you will get a good grasp of the basics. But once you get into back-end and testing. I would suggest looking for more a complete resource. You really only get the bare minimum for the back-end portion.
The Course Content and Structure
The course modules are pretty consistent. You have the course text on the left side of the screen and then you can develop on the right side. Most of the modules have exercises that you have to complete before moving on in the course. The exercises often have hints, that aid you along the away. Several of the modules also have cheat sheets. Cheat sheets are pretty much summaries of a lesson. Helpful if you don’t want to go back and review the entire lesson. But not every module has a cheat sheet i.e much of the back-end section. This is frustrating because I found that section most difficult and would have found the cheat sheets the most helpful in that section.
Each lesson also has a quiz at the end. I found the quizzes to be quite helpful in solidifying the content. Also if you download the Codecademy app you can take quizzes on your phone. This great for on-the-go learning(back when we went places).
At the end of a greater lesson, there is a portfolio project that should be completed. The portfolio projects were a delightful exercise. But there is a lot of hand-holding. They tell you step-by-step on how to finish a project. Although, as you progress in the portfolio projects they do suggest trying to complete the project on your own rather than look at the instructions.
The lessons are arranged in a logical way. It goes from relatively easier content and as you progress it continues to become more difficult.
Codecademy uses mostly text content and most everything can be done within the internal development environment. Except for the portfolio projects. If you prefer video content I would say Codecademy is not for you, there are some videos that go with the exercises, however that is not Codecademy's main way of sharing the information. Codecademy is great if you prefer more hands-on learning.
Course Schedule and Pace
The course is self-paced and the time it takes it can vary quite greatly. I did 3–4 hours daily back when I was extremely motivated. I got through 80% of the course in 2 and a half months. Some people could get through the course much quicker or slower. It all depends on your experience and how much time you have on your hands. Since it is self-paced it can easily fit into anybody’s busy schedule.
Codecademy vs Other Low-Cost Options
I chose Codecademy Pro rather than other courses such as freeCodeCamp because I honestly prefer the Codecademy interface. Also, Codecademy is quite affordable to me I only pay about $20 a month and I was already familiar with it. Udemy is another low cost but I can often find video courses to be quite dry and I like the hands-on approach Codecademy Pro offers.
Codecademy Customer Service
Codecademy customer service is great, although I only had to use it once. The Codecademy team is very accessible and they have an online community specifically for pro members. Codecademy also has a discord and occasionally live streams on twitch. I also get emails from Codecademy about virtual workshops and success stories etc. It is nice if you want that stuff, but it can also clog up your inbox. I appreciate the amount of effort Codecademy takes in trying to provide the best experience possible.
Where Codecademy Pro Could Improve
I think to improve this course. Codecademy needs to expand its back end development section and have cheatsheets for all of its topics. I also think it needs to find the right balance between hand-holding exercises that tell you exactly what to do and throwing you into the deep end, where you don’t know how to start.
In Conclusion
At $19.99 month I think it is a good price. Yes, there are several other free or lower-cost options like previously mentioned. But I like Codecademy’s user interface, its great customer service, and the course provides a lot of great information. But I would not pay a penny above $19.99 a month. It's not bad if you want to get your feet wet and see if coding is for you or your experienced like me and need a refresher on some of the basics. However, if you are serious about changing careers. I would not rely on Codecademy alone. But I would not rely on any course alone. It is important to diversify your learning, take video courses, read books, and find a coding buddy to learn with them.
Codecademy is lacking in some areas (i.e its back end javascript) and I do not think you will be completely job-ready after taking this course. I am going to give it 3.5 stars out of five. The design is nice, it gives you plenty of projects and quizzes. It just needs a bit more content and it would be an amazing course. I find that Codecademy Pro is great if you need training wheels before you take a deep dive into coding.
Please let me know how are you learning to code and let me know if you have any questions.
