Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coder Manual?
Coder Manual is a job prep and training site. We offer an interactive coding bootcamp that transforms you into a job-ready, full-stack web developer (programmer). No experience required. We focus on high quality and we firmly believe that we’ve created the best training coursework available on the web.
What exactly am I getting when I sign up?
When you sign up for the bootcamp, you get lifetime access to over 160 HD training videos, code exercises, a curated list of world-class resources and a 20 page downloadable e-book that will show you how to use your newly learned skills to get hired as a web developer. You will learn basic to advanced front-end and back-end web development. See this page for the full curriculum.
You’ll learn by building real life websites and apps that you’ll use as your portfolio to share with employers. During the course, you’ll also build the core of a startup that has features found in sites like Facebook and Dropbox. You’ll even learn how to accept payments online (e-commerce). You may use 100% of the code from this project for your own business idea or online store. Throughout the course you’ll build at least 11 applications in addition to mini-programs you can use to fill out your portfolio, as well.
What makes Coder Manual unique?
We value the combination of breadth and depth above all else. There are lots of ways to learn how to code but all too often the content either focuses on breadth or depth but rarely ever both. Web development means working with lots of technologies, and you have to be proficient with all of them. Our program is massive and very challenging. It takes real time and effort to complete, but you’ll be a confident developer by the end of it. Beyond that, part of the bootcamp includes a carefully curated list of materials from top universities like Harvard and Stanford in addition to world-class resources we’ve handpicked over the years. These are presented to you in a logical order and this means you get to learn from the absolute best under our expert guidance.
How is the program structured and accessed?
Once you sign up, you’ll have all of the instructions you need to get started immediately. You’ll get instant access to an online interface that lists all of the course videos and lecture materials within your browser. You’ll see your progress tracked as you make your way through the course.
The first half of the course contains around 160 videos that train you to become a full-stack developer from scratch using HTML, CSS, Javascript, and Ruby on Rails. The second half contains a curated list of training resources that you are guided through to learn advanced full-stack development including advanced Javascript, test driven development (TDD), AngularJS, Node.js, and computer science theory content from Harvard and Stanford.
Discussion boards and live chat are integrated into the interface so that you can interact with other students for guidance and connections. You can look at the curriculum here and preview some of the content, as well.
How is this twelve week bootcamp program scheduled?
You can start learning immediately upon signing up. You do not have to wait for any start dates. You’ll get a syllabus that gives you the option to work through the content on a 12 week schedule or an 18 week schedule depending on how much time you can allocate per week. Ultimately, you can move through the bootcamp content at your own pace as the schedule is not enforced – this gives you ultimate flexibility in case you have prior engagements, vacations planned, etc. You’ll still receive regular check-ins from your instructor and access to free office hour sessions to keep you motivated and moving.
How much time do I need to commit to this bootcamp?
Our graduates have completed the program at varying speeds because everyone comes in with different skill levels and appetites for learning. If you work through the 12 week syllabus, you should plan to allocate a full-time load. If you work through the 18 week syllabus, you can plan to dedicate 15-20 hours per week. Because the program is schedule is not enforced, you have the freedom to control your pace.
What if I have no programming experience?
That’s fine. There are no prerequisites for this course. From the beginning of the course, you’ll learn everything you need to know including which tools to use and be guided through basic-to-advanced programming concepts and job skills. Every step is explained in very simple, friendly language rather than a mundane lecture-style approach. That doesn’t mean the material will be easy all around – you will be challenged especially if you’ve never coded before.
What is the minimum age for taking this course?
We do not enforce a strict minimum age requirement, but we recommend that students are at least 15 years of age.
What materials are required?
There are no required materials for this course other than access to a computer and an internet connection. You’ll learn how to set up all of the software tools you need to learn and write code from the beginning of the course and they are all completely free of charge.
Who is this course for?
We welcome people of all backgrounds to take this course. It’s particularly great for anyone interested in switching careers or increasing their salary potential, startups, web or graphic designers, students and MBA’s, unemployed, and IT managers. That said, today the world we experience is being built by programmers – why wouldn’t you want to learn these skills?
What is the full list of skills I will learn?
You’ll learn by building sites and apps using HTML, CSS, Javascript, jQuery, Ruby on Rails, Git, databases, APIs, servers, HTTP, Bootstrap, Stripe, e-commerce, object-oriented programming, membership systems, user profiles, and messaging with email. Included with the course is an ebook detailing exactly where to find the best jobs and listing sites, how to connect with recruiters, writing stellar cover letters, an interview guide, and more. We’ll also show you where to go to continue learning specialized and advanced programming skills.
How much does it cost?
The course is $499, a fraction of the cost of a college education. We believe anyone worldwide should have the opportunity to learn job skills. This course will pay for itself – according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics median pay for programmers was $93,350 per year in 2012, or $44.88 per hour. According to Payscale.com the average entry level Rails developer salary is $77,322 per year.
Can I really become job-ready in twelve weeks?
Yes, but not without determination and an eagerness to learn. Our course walks you through everything you need to know to become a job-ready web developer, but everyone comes in with different experience levels and learning aptitudes. How quickly you learn is ultimately up to you. When you sign up, you’ll also have the option to take the course at your own pace. It’s far more important that you learn the material deeply rather than rush through the content.
The internet has changed the way people learn and get jobs. We believe in accelerated, highly focused training with easy-to-follow, step-by-step guidance.
How can I get a sense of what the course is like?
Here’s our promotional video below. We don’t like to “sell” the course – we just like to describe it, so look at our curriculum to preview some of the actual content.
What are reviews like for your course?
We get and listen to all feedback from our students every day. Here are a few unsolicited opinions on our program posted from a course reviews website.
“I cannot stress enough how well organized your course is. You are a great teacher I can’t wait to learn more from you. Would recommend this course to anyone who is serious about learning web development in a digestable manner.” – Gary Calhoun
“I have seen other courses on web development but have to say what Rob has prepared in this course blows everything else away. The patience he shows in explaining each individual part that makes the applications work is amazing; his instruction is clear and his voice is easy on the ears which has been a big let-down in other courses I have followed.” – Mark Moran
“The course content was really helpful for building complete real web applications including database integration/jQuery/HTML/CSS/JS. This is a complete one stop learning course for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced web developers. It’s really worth it to spend the small amount and learn so much in a complete course. I highly recommend going through this bootcamp to get maximum knowledge.” – Min Khati, Rails and Javascript Developer
“Before taking this course I had learned Ruby and Rails in parts from some sources and didn’t really have the courage to move full on. Thanks to Rob for this amazing course which may be arguably one of the best course experiences out there. He is not only knowledgeable but generous with his explanations and will never hurry you; and makes you work in a meaningful way. Rob is not just thorough in subject matter but has a great sense of humor! I cannot applaud enough for his responsiveness on the discussion forum. If you are remotely interested in learning web development then look no further. You will be glad you took this course. You’d be silly not to jump in and start this course!” – PJ Joshi, Web Developer