Coding Bootcamps Are Dead — AI Killed Them Faster Than Expected
Mike Smith
Spicy Level
The Take
Why spend $15K and 12 weeks learning to code when Claude Code can teach you faster, cheaper, and with more relevant, up-to-date instruction? Bootcamps taught commodity skills. AI commoditized them further.
+Why I'm Right
AI coding assistants make entry-level coding skills table stakes
The bootcamp curriculum is outdated by the time students graduate
Self-directed learning with AI is more personalized than any classroom
Bootcamp job placement rates have declined significantly since 2024
?The Counter-Argument
“Structure, accountability, and community have value beyond the technical curriculum. Not everyone can self-direct their learning. And career services and networks that bootcamps provide have real value for career changers.”
Agree? Disagree? Tell me.
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