When starting a career in tech, many learners face a common question: Should I go self-taught, attend a bootcamp, or pursue a Computer Science (CS) degree? Each path has pros and cons depending on your goals, budget, and learning style.

Self-Taught

• Pros: Flexible, inexpensive or free (YouTube, freeCodeCamp, docs).
• Cons: Requires high discipline, no formal structure, and may lack networking opportunities.
• Best for: Motivated learners who enjoy working independently and want to learn at their own pace.

Bootcamps

• Pros: Fast-paced (3–6 months), career-focused, often include job support.
• Cons: Can be expensive ($5,000–$20,000), not as deep as CS degrees.
• Best for: Career changers who want quick entry into software development or web design roles.

CS Degree

• Pros: Deep theoretical knowledge, broader job eligibility, structured learning.
• Cons: Time-consuming (3–4 years), expensive, not always practical.
• Best for: Those aiming for long-term roles in research, engineering, or top tech companies.

In today’s industry, all three paths can lead to success. What matters most is demonstrating your skills through real projects, problem-solving ability, and the drive to keep learning. Many employers care more about what you can do than where you learned it.