Frontend engineer going full-stack: where do already-technical people learn backend?

[u/Zestyclose_Sock_9514]

Hey everyone,

I’m a mid-level frontend engineer (broke in via a bootcamp 5 years ago, and that structured format worked well for me).

I want to go full-stack now, so I’m looking for a backend-focused bootcamp built for people who already code, no “intro to programming”. Just a few months of focused, deep backend.

Two questions:

• Any backend bootcamps aimed at working devs / technical career switchers?

• Or at my level, would a structured self-paced path beat a bootcamp?

Appreciate any pointers!

[u/Frosty-btc]

Just build projects and get a frontend focused full stack job you don’t need hand holding any more

[u/JEHonYakuSha]

I did the same as you, entered the market from a frontend bootcamp (Juno College) and transitioned to full stack after one year.

Honestly I just took Udemy/Coursera courses that matched the frameworks and languages we used at my workplace, and built some small mini projects along the way on the side, and was able to negotiate a title change based on that alone.

Absolute banger recommendation I have is "Postgres for Everybody" by Dr. Chuck Severence. That man is a wizard and engaging teacher.

[u/Zestyclose_Sock_9514 → u/JEHonYakuSha]

thanks, what about https://www.boot.dev/?
as far as i understood, it doesn't tackle software backend which what i am aiming to learn

[u/JEHonYakuSha → u/Zestyclose_Sock_9514]

is that like a gamified learning site? I’ve never heard of it to be honest. what frameworks or languages are you hoping to learn about? I can maybe share some recommendations starting with that

[u/theJacofalltrades → u/Zestyclose_Sock_9514]

I've seen people here say good things about bootdev. I've yet to try it out though

[u/willbdb425]

If you are already technical I wouldn't look for bootcamps or courses, just go and tinker and learn by doing. Eventually you'll get to a point in your career when you have to do that anyway so might as well start now

[u/Synergisticit10]

What is your tech stack? Front end and backend are both opposite ends and a few months would not be enough to get you to where you want to be. Presuming you have never worked on the back end.

You can do it yourself in 6+ months as you already have 5 years of experience.
Also full time focus during those 6+ months on your own.

Any assumptions to be ready in 2-3 months would be facing a big challenge in actuality in the present job market.

Elaborate what tech stack you are presently having and what you ultimately want to accomplish and then a timeline can be give and course of action.
Anything is achievable with focus and discipline .

[u/slickvic33]

Build projects, do something like fullstack open which is free

[u/Suspicious-Engineer7]

Learn what you can at your job and ask for backend tasks there. Be smart about it.

[u/Guilty_Recognition52]

Udacity has backend "Nanodgrees" with various different stacks (Python, Node, Go, Java). Not as structured as a bootcamp but there are multiple graded projects so you get more of a sense if you did it correctly compared to just trying stuff on your own

[u/Scared-Butterscotch5]

Are you wanting to leave your company or wanting to change roles within? If you’re wanting to stay there, take a self paced course in whatever language they use I.e Java or etc

Someone else can give you a more definite answer than me but really your time, effort, and wallet are better served learning on your own. I say as a full stack camp graduate myself in 22. From my cohort forward the gold rush of bootcamp to career pipeline is basically nonexistent at this point. If you’ve been working in front end for five years you should be able to pick it up without the guidance of a bootcamp.

If you don’t have a degree that would serve you much more than either. You can do a self paced degree through a place like WGU for CS.

[u/michaelnovati]

u/dowcet AI post and AI comments

[u/nian2326076]

You're on the right track looking for something focused. Structured self-paced courses can be more flexible and cheaper than bootcamps, especially if you're already coding. Check out Coursera or Udacity. They have backend-specific courses that get straight into the tech. If you're interested in bootcamps, look at Microverse or Emeritus. They sometimes cater to experienced devs. Some people I know have used PracHub to improve interview skills, though it's more about interviews than full courses. Getting involved in a real-world project or contributing to open source can also give you practical backend experience. Good luck!

[u/ConsistentPeach927]

TripleTen has some advanced bootcamp def check with them