So… let’s talk.
Learning how to code, either by yourself or in a classroom is one of those topics people never seem to agree on. I’ve googled this question more times than I can count. And every time, the answers are different. Some people swear by being self-taught. Others say classrooms are the only way. At some point I stopped looking for the “right” answer and started accepting something else.
Different things work for different people.
What works for one person might completely frustrate another. And that’s not because anyone is doing it wrong, it’s just how we’re wired.
For me, I started out learning on my own. I know the basics of HTML, Javascript and CSS. I can write a webpage. I can build a simple website. I’ve actually done it. And I’m proud of that. But I won’t lie, even with what I know, there’s still this quiet doubt in the back of my mind sometimes.
I don’t even know if beginners who learn in classrooms feel the same way, but this is how it feels on my side.
There was a point where that doubt made me start looking seriously at teaching centres. And honestly, I’m still looking. Because learning on your own is not as easy as people make it sound online.
Let me tell you how I even got here.
Back in 2020, I installed PyCharm and started learning Python. I was watching videos, following along, and surprisingly, it didn’t feel impossible. I remember thinking, oh… this isn’t as scary as everyone says. But at the same time, I wasn’t sure if tech was something I wanted to fully commit to. Then digital marketing came in and completely distracted me.
I’ve always had that entrepreneurial thing in me. I wanted to learn how to put products out there. So coding slowly faded into the background.
I tried to come back in 2022.
Then again in 2023.
And somehow, I just didn’t stick with it. I don’t even have a clear reason why. Life happened. Distractions happened. Maybe fear too.
This time feels different though. I started learning again on my own, and I actually built websites for clients. I remember finishing my first one and feeling genuinely proud. Like, wow… I actually did this. That moment meant a lot to me. But even then, I knew I wanted more.
The self-taught route demands a lot. Discipline. Consistency. Showing up when no one is watching. And when you’re juggling different roles and responsibilities, learning at your “own pace” can easily turn into pushing things till tomorrow. I’ve done that more times than I’d like to admit.
That’s why classrooms started to make sense to me. I’ve realized something about myself: I work better under pressure. I’m more focused when there’s structure. Deadlines help me. Accountability helps me. But even now, I’m still searching for the right place. I’ll find a centre I like, then notice something I don’t like, and suddenly I’m discouraged again.
So yeah… I’m still figuring it out.
I’m not writing this to tell you which path to take. I’m writing this because if you’re torn between self-taught learning and classroom learning, you’re not alone. There’s no single “best” route. The best route is the one that works for you, your personality, your discipline level, your season of life.
And if you’re still figuring it out like me… that’s okay too.
So yeah… it’s a journey
From my research and personal experience, I want to share the pros and cons of both self-taught coding and traditional classroom learning. I’m not here to tell you what to choose, just to give you a little clarity, so you can figure out what works for you.
Self-Taught Coding
Pros
- You learn at your own pace, no pressure to keep up with anyone. You can spend extra time on a concept until it finally clicks, or skip things you already know. No one is looking over your shoulder, which can be freeing.
- There’s flexibility. You can learn anytime, anywhere. Want to code at 2am or during your lunch break? Go for it. The schedule is yours.
- It’s often cheaper (or even free). Tons of online resources, tutorials, and videos exist. You don’t have to spend thousands, you can start right now with zero cost.
- You build strong problem-solving and research skills. Because when you get stuck, it’s just you, Google, and Stack Overflow. Over time, you get really good at finding answers and figuring things out on your own.
- Completing projects on your own can feel very exciting. There’s something special about finishing a website or a small app and knowing you did it entirely by yourself. That pride is real, and it stays with you.
Cons
- It requires a lot of discipline and self-motivation. No one is pushing you, so if you don’t show up, nothing happens. That pressure can be tough if you’re already juggling other things.
- Procrastination can easily creep in. Because you can technically “learn tomorrow,” it’s tempting to delay. Some days, learning just doesn’t happen, and that can feel frustrating.
- It can feel lonely and overwhelming. When you hit a tricky bug or concept, there’s no one next to you to reassure you. Sometimes you just have to sit with that frustration and push through.
- You might not know what to learn next or if you’re learning the “right” way. There’s so much to cover, and it’s easy to feel lost. HTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks… where do you start? It’s normal to feel unsure.
- Self-doubt can hit hard when there’s no one to guide or reassure you. I’ve felt this so many times, thinking, “Am I really making progress? Am I even learning the right things?” Without feedback, it’s easy to spiral into doubt.
Classroom / Teaching Centre Learning
Pros
- There’s structure and a clear learning path. You follow a syllabus. You know what comes first, what comes next, and what you should master before moving on.
- You’re held accountable, deadlines, assignments, attendance. Sometimes we all need a little pressure to actually show up. Classrooms provide that structure, which can really push you forward.
- You can ask questions and get immediate feedback. Stuck on a concept? You can turn to the instructor or peers for help instead of waiting hours for Google or videos to make sense.
- Learning with others can be motivating. Seeing someone else struggle, succeed, or build something inspires you. You’re part of a small community trying to get better together.
- It reduces the feeling of learning alone. Some days, self-teaching can feel isolating. Classrooms remind you that you’re not the only one figuring things out.
Cons
- It can be expensive. Depending on the centre, fees can be high. You need to weigh if the structure and support are worth the cost for your situation.
- The pace might not always suit you. Some topics may feel too fast, others too slow. You can’t control the class speed like you can with self-teaching.
- You still need to practice a lot on your own. Attending a class isn’t enough. Coding requires hands-on practice, projects, and repetition. Without that, you won’t get far.
- Not all teaching centres are equal, some may not meet your expectations. I’ve looked at several centres and honestly, some just don’t cut it. Maybe the instructor isn’t great, maybe the resources are outdated, maybe the curriculum doesn’t match what you want. It’s frustrating when you commit and realize the centre isn’t what you hoped. You have to research, read reviews, and sometimes even visit to see if it’s right for you.
Creating Your Own Structure
I’ve also heard people say that even if you go the classroom route, you still need to practice a whole lot on your own. And honestly?
That’s so true. Classes give you the structure, guidance, and accountability. but at the end of the day, coding is a skill you improve by doing it yourself.
For me, for now, I’ve decided that until I find a suitable centre, I need to create my own structure. I know it will be tasking. I know I’ll feel frustrated. But I can’t just keep complaining about challenges without actually doing something to solve them.
I’ve started asking friends online, people who are more willing to help whenever I get stuck. And I’ve committed to a schedule, a framework that I must stick to. It’s not perfect, and some days I’ll fail, but that’s part of the journey.
Advice for Fellow Learners
- If you’re self-taught: Be intentional. Make a schedule, even a simple one. Celebrate the small wins. Reach out for help when you’re stuck. Build projects. Even tiny ones count.
- If you’re classroom-based: Don’t rely solely on classes. Practice on your own. Ask questions in class and online. Push yourself to apply what you learn in projects.
- Regardless of your path: Accept that self-doubt is part of learning. Keep showing up. Keep experimenting. Progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay.
- Find accountability: A friend, an online group, or even a small community can make a huge difference when you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated.
- Remember: There’s no one-size-fits-all. What works for me might not work for you, and vice versa. The key is showing up consistently and building your own structure around your learning.
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