As a new developer, you are just getting acquainted with programming fundamentals, and starting to learn how complex it is to create great websites and apps. As you dive deeper into programming, you will have the opportunity to focus more on the front-end, back-end, or think about becoming a full-stack developer. Towards the end of Code the Dream’s Intro To Programming class, you will need to decide which is the next class you apply for, a front-end or back-end class, but you want to make sure you are making an informed decision. Here are some resources to help you think it through.
Choosing a Back-End Class
If you have decided to become a back-end or full stack developer, Code the Dream has two back end classes, one on Ruby on Rails, and one on Node/Express. The following information is to help you choose between them.
Reasons to Choose Node/Express
- Node/Express is a very popular and growing technology with employers. It is much more widely used than Rails.
- Node/Express is based on JavaScript. You do not need to learn another language.
- In the Node/Express class, you also learn to use MongoDB, a very widely used noSQL database.
- The future direction for back-end applications at Code the Dream is to build them with Node/Express. Code the Dream needs Node/Express apprentices. Of course, CTD apprentice position openings are limited.
- CTD applications are also being built using Next.js. Next.js is based on React development patterns, but extends them by providing a built in back end. The Next.js back end is based on Node, and may integrate Express for the implementation of REST APIs.
Reasons to Choose Ruby on Rails
- Many potential employers have applications based on Ruby and Rails. You will have less competition for those jobs, as few bootcamps now teach Ruby and Rails.
- Most deployed Code the Dream applications use Ruby on Rails for a back end. Code the Dream needs Ruby on Rails apprentices. Of course, CTD apprentice position openings are limited.
- Although you will have to learn Ruby, the language is easy to learn and not that different in structure from JavaScript.
- The Ruby class begins with an introduction to the database language SQL. At present, we don’t teach SQL in our Node/Express course. SQL is a valuable skill that can help you get hired as a back-end developer.
- It is easier to build applications with Rails than Express. Rails does more for you, so you don’t have to do as much configuration or programming to create an application as you do with Express.