Learning to code and becoming a competent programmer within a short timeframe of just 3 months is completely achievable, as evidenced by statistics and the experiences of many who have done it with focus and determination.
With the high demand for programmers and developers worldwide, acquiring programming skills can open up immense career opportunities.
While becoming an expert engineer may take years, going from beginner to job-ready is possible within 90 days if you set the right expectations and commit to efficient learning.
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The Statistics and Numbers
According to a survey by Codecademy, one of the most popular online code training sites, it takes, on average, about 300 hours for someone to go from knowing nothing about programming to becoming job-ready.
At just 2-3 hours of daily practice, that means it would take about 3-4 months for beginners to learn the basics of coding and start applying for developer roles.
Additionally, research by Harvard University demonstrates that it takes 66 days on average to form a new habit. That timeline perfectly aligns with the 3-month program for learning code, allowing enough time for coding to become a set habit.
Coding boot camps and intensive full-time training programs that teach programming back up this timeframe as well.
The average length of these selective boot camps is about 12-14 weeks or 3 months. By dedicating 40+ hours a week solely to learning coding fundamentals, boot camp attendees can transform into hirable developers in that compressed period.
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Success Stories
Many individual success stories demonstrate how focusing intently on coding for 3 months can pay off.
Tim Ruscica went from construction worker to landing a six-figure developer job in just 3 months after teaching himself to code through online tutorials and boot camp prep.
Peter Thiel Fellow Lamar Wilson started knowing absolutely nothing about programming and got hired by Airbnb after an intense 3-month study regimen.
Katie Reed, now a software engineer at Apple, gave herself 90 days to go from math teacher to coder during a summer break by putting in 80+ hour weeks.
Though these extreme examples required full-time commitment, they illustrate that programming fundamentals can be grasped swiftly with diligence. Slow and steady practice over 3 months works, too.
Creating a Learn-to-Code Plan
Learning enough programming to get that first developer role in 3 months requires creating a solid plan and committing to it. Here are the main steps to follow:
Choose one programming language to focus your learning on, like Python or JavaScript, instead of dabbling in multiple languages. Tackle web fundamentals like HTML/CSS, too.
Study coding concepts like variables, data structures, functions, algorithms, and object-oriented principles using beginner-friendly online courses, tutorials, and coding challenge sites.
Practice by building simple programs and mini-projects. Increase complexity over time.
Problem-solve independently using online resources like Google, Stack Overflow, and documentation when you get stuck. Persistence is key.
Set a schedule for consistent daily practice, even if just 2 hours a day. Coding requires forming habits over time.
Find a mentor, join communities to get feedback, and collaborate with others learning to code.
Build a portfolio of programs and apps to showcase your skills, build a portfolio for yourself, and keep updating it with every new project.
Leverage AI, use chatGPT, Gitup CodePilot, and every other AI-powered assistant. Your goal is to reach a Junior entry-level skill set.
By the end of 3 months, you should have the basics down well enough to start applying to entry-level developer jobs. Use sites like LinkedIn, AngelList, and remote job boards to find openings. Be open to adjacent roles like quality assurance or developer internships as well to get your foot in the door.
The Payoff
What is the payoff of dedicating 3 months to intensive coding study? Potentially a new, lucrative career with plenty of flexibility and growth.
The average entry-level developer salary in the U.S. is $69,761, according to Indeed, with experienced coders making over $120,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 22% growth in programmer jobs from 2020 to 2030, with over 300,000 new openings.
While becoming a senior-level engineer takes longer, getting started in the field is absolutely possible within 3 months by sticking to a regular learning schedule.
Patience and persistence in learning new, challenging skills are required. For those willing to put in consistent effort over 90 days, a whole new world of coding opportunities can open up quickly. The investment of time will pay off handsomely.
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