I'm considering writing an eBook about learning to code and getting a job as a developer (without going to a programming bootcamp). Wanted to see if there is anyone here who is interested in learning to code, and see which parts you would be most interested to read about. I'm open to any questions as well.

I am interesting in learning how to code. Curious as to why you think an eBook would be a more successful way to learn how to code then say Code Academy, Team Treehouse, etc?

I'd like to learn to code, mainly to make websites and stuff.

I don't think an eBook is a better alternative Code Academy or any of the other sites out there. I want this to be more about the journey, good parts and bad, than about specifically teaching someone how to build a website or app from scratch. I think learning by doing is one of the best ways to learn, but it helps to have a general guideline throughout the process. It's also kinda cool to read things from someone who has been through what you are going through or will go through.

Cliff notes on how you taught yourself please

Cliffs:

- My background is in Finance, but I spent the last two years teaching English in Japan.
- While in Japan, I started learning to code and fell in love with it.
- Spent a little over a year seriously learning to code (writing code daily)
- Never read a programming book, but did a few tutorials online and just started building things.
- Wrote a chrome extension, wordpress plugin, and several websites/apps, learning everything as I went.
- Came back to the U.S. and got a job as a web developer for a large company.

Longer version can be found at fajitanachos.com. Also, if you are considering going to a programming bootcamp, I wrote about my experience applying to Dev Bootcamp, and why I chose not to attend. Dev Bootcamp post

/self-promotion

Because an ebook costs money, probably.

Pardon my cynicism, but there are tons of free 'learn to code' resources, what do you plan to offer to differentiate your advice as being worth money?

I don't think I can teach people how to code through an eBook. I do think I can provide some guidance/advice/anecdotes etc as someone who has gone through the process. I'm still on the fence about how useful it would be, but I know I would enjoy the process. I'm hoping to get a feel from anyone here, who is interested in doing the same thing, what they would want to read about in particular.

I think it may be useful or interesting to that very specific group. Put it out for free or charge like a token $5.

California last week threatened those programming bootcamps with fines and the banhammer unless they meet the state requirements for being schools quick:
http://venturebeat.com/2014/01/29/ca...ode-bootcamps/

Parents of young adults might be interested in your book.

I have been trying to teach myself to code and to make eBooks, so I certainly have some interest in the topic.

In fact, after figuring out how to manually make ePubs, the next step in my plan is basically to learn how to code by writing some scripts to automate as much of the ePub creation process as possible.

What I've found from doing a fair amount of research over the past month is that there is no shortage of information available online, but it is hard to gauge the quality of it, and much of the 'good stuff' is technical and requires some background knowledge/vocabulary that beginners lack.

It would certainly be helpful to people to have a guide to sort out the good from the bad and the ugly as far as online resources go. Whether or not your book would have commercial appeal would depend on how interesting/well written it is.

On the other hand, publishing your own eBook doesn't have to cost you much, so if you think you would enjoy the process and having written the book, go for it.

My background is publishing, fwiw.

This is an interesting angle. I'm not sure there are going to be people banging down your door to buy it, but I haven't seen this type of story everywhere in the same way you see "learn to code" tutorials and books (although there are still a lot of those that make decent money).

It may be more interesting if rather than just focus on your own story you were able to find a handful of other people and get 5 or 6 different stories in there together. Each one would show a different path of going from A-to-B, document the different types of struggles they faced, and how they got past it.

That breadth of information and experience may make the book more relevant to more people.

What you want to make is called a blog, not an ebook. If you first learn how to be a good writer - you are not - and you want to make a blog about learning to code, sure, that might not be a terrible idea, and some people may find it compelling to read.

Good luck

I like that idea. Thanks. I'll give it some more thought.

I already have a blog. Thanks for the kind words about my writing skills though.

What language should I learn on code academy? I did the first level of html, mostly stuff I know from like 15 years ago. Doesnt seem that practical as there's apps to do that.

Please provide pros of various languages.

That link died a while back. Here's the new one, and I'm back to writing the book after a brief hiatus.

Commonsware has a book for android called The Busy Coders Guide.
https://commonsware.com/Android/

They have an interesting ebook subscription model. The platform changes so much that keeping up with printed versions is basically impossible. Take a look.