---
title: The Best Advice to Prepare for Coding Bootcamp
description: Prepare for coding bootcamp with expert tips from Veteran and military spouse software engineers. Learn how to build coding skills and transition to tech!
---

[Blog ](https://www.codeplatoon.org/blog)

# [The Best Advice to Prepare for Coding Bootcamp](https://www.codeplatoon.org/blog/prepare-for-coding-bootcamp)

 Written by [Kayla Elkin](https://www.codeplatoon.org/blog/author/kayla-elkin) | Nov 15, 2022 2:00:00 PM

*TLDR: Preparing for a coding bootcamp requires focus, dedication, and the right resources. Follow actionable tips from Veterans and military spouses who successfully transitioned to tech using tools like Code Platoon’s free [Intro to Coding LIVE](https://launchyourcareer.codeplatoon.org/intro-coding-live) course, free online resources, and consistent coding practice.*

If you’re considering a coding bootcamp but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. Many beginners feel overwhelmed at first, but with the right strategies, **you can confidently prepare to apply to a coding bootcamp or another technical training program**. 

We asked five Code Platoon alumni to share how they went from zero coding experience to thriving in their software engineering careers. Their advice and coding resources will help you **build confidence**, **master the basics**, and **make the most of your coding journey**.

## 1. Immerse Yourself in Learning (Even on a Tight Deadline)

Alisha, an Army Veteran and Scrum Master at [BTI360](https://www.bti360.com/), discovered Code Platoon just ten days before her cohort’s application deadline. With no prior programming experience, she immersed herself in JavaScript and committed to a crash course in coding.

> I inundated myself in JavaScript completely for ten days. Like learning a foreign language, immersion pays off for coding.

- **Start with Code Platoon’s Intro to Coding course**: This [free, self-paced course](https://www.codeplatoon.org/intro-to-coding) builds basic coding skills.
- **Use freeCodeCamp for extra practice**: The [*JavaScript for Beginners*](https://www.freecodecamp.org/learn/javascript-algorithms-and-data-structures/) course provides hundreds of practice coding exercises.
- **Start as early as possible**: More time to prepare means less stress before application deadlines.

## 2. Use Online Resources

Zachary, a Marine Corps Veteran and Software Engineer at [Affirm](https://www.codeplatoon.org/affirm-hires-code-platoon-graduates/), started learning to code while stationed in South Korea. Juggling a busy schedule, he used online resources to make it work.

> I went through Intro to Coding to build my basic programming skills. Then, I worked with a virtual tutor before heading to my base in the mornings. At night, I’d review what we worked on with an eBook if I needed extra practice.

- **Use free online resources**: Tools like [*Eloquent JavaScript*](https://eloquentjavascript.net/) and Code Platoon’s **Intro to Coding** are excellent starting points.
- **Find a mentor**: A virtual tutor can break down tricky concepts and help you stay accountable.
- **Take it step by step**: Tackle coding one day at a time to make steady progress.

## 3. Stay Consistent and Committed

Being consistent is the key to success in tech, according to Kayla, a military spouse and** **software engineer.

> Dedication over motivation. It’s about building habits and staying consistent, even when things get tough. The more consistent you are, the easier it gets.

- **Start with The Odin Project**: This [online course](https://www.theodinproject.com/paths/full-stack-javascript/courses/javascript) helped her visualize coding concepts in action.
- **Use Stack Overflow for Help**: This [programming community](https://www.theodinproject.com/paths/full-stack-javascript/courses/javascript) offers quick explanations to technical questions.
- **Commit to steady progress**: Even coding for an hour daily can help you build momentum.

## 4. Master the Basics First

Making sure that you completely master the basics before moving on to advanced material is what Charles, a Marine Corps Veteran, Code Platoon mentor, and Software Delivery Lead at [8th Light](https://8thlight.com/), tells new coders.

> Understanding how the building blocks of code fit together is essential. Syntax is easy to look up, but knowing when and how to use coding concepts is what makes you a software engineer.

- **Focus on the fundamentals**. Spend time mastering loops, functions, and conditionals before moving on.
- **Practice coding exercises**: Build confidence by applying your learning to real-world problems.

## 5. Get Hands-on Experience

If you’re struggling to get started, Code Platoon’s [Intro to Coding LIVE](https://launchyourcareer.codeplatoon.org/intro-coding-live) course provides a structured, beginner-friendly introduction to coding with Python. This **three-week, live online course** combines foundational coding instruction with practice coding exercises to apply what you learned.

Neka, a military spouse and [Microsoft Leap](https://leap.microsoft.com/en-US/) software engineer, says that Intro to Coding LIVE gave her the boost she needed to succeed.

> Intro to Coding LIVE taught me the basics and proved to me that I could make it in tech.

- **Learn by doing**: Gain hands-on experience with coding exercises as part of [Intro to Coding LIVE](https://launchyourcareer.codeplatoon.org/intro-coding-live).
- **Get real-time support**: Work with the live instructors to answer questions and guide your learning.
- **Streamline your enrollment**: The program helps you prepare for enrollment in a technical training program. Learn how to apply to Code Platoon, use your [VA benefits](https://www.codeplatoon.org/va-benefits) and [scholarships](https://www.codeplatoon.org/scholarships), and meet [SkillBridge](https://www.codeplatoon.org/skillbridge) requirements to join a coding bootcamp like Code Platoon.

### Key Takeaways: How to Prepare for Coding Bootcamp

1. **Start with a beginner-friendly course**. Code Platoon’s free [Intro to Coding](https://www.codeplatoon.org/intro-to-coding) course is a great starting point for those with little to no coding experience.
2. **Use online resources**. To reinforce your learning, explore tools like *The Odin Project*, *Eloquent JavaScript*, and freeCodeCamp.
3. **Practice daily**: Build consistency by coding every day, even if only for a short time.
4. **Find a mentor or tutor**: A mentor can clarify concepts, provide accountability, and help you overcome challenges.
5. **Focus on understanding concepts**: Learn how coding concepts fit together instead of just memorizing syntax.
6. **Join Intro to Coding LIVE**: Take advantage of [structured, hands-on learning](https://launchyourcareer.codeplatoon.org/intro-coding-live) to help you succeed.

### Your Path to Success Starts Now

Preparing for coding bootcamp can be a big step, but with the advice from these Veterans and military spouses, you’ll be ready to tackle the challenge. **You’ve got this!**

[View full post](https://www.codeplatoon.org/blog/prepare-for-coding-bootcamp)

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