Ask HN: A less-expensive (or free?) alternative to codementor.io?

5 points

11 years ago

I can code, but only in the sense that I can cobble things together until it basically works. I took an intro course sequence, but am almost entirely self taught beyond that point. I know from watching other, more professional programmers working, that my process is inefficient and often results in less-than-optimal solution. I make a lot of mistakes. It takes me a long time to figure a problem out, while it seems to take other people way less time to solve similar problems. I think I am probably that dreaded "bad programmer" everyone talks about.

I really want to be better.

But, I think I have hit the wall with self-teaching, and what would really help me improve at this point (going back to school is not an option) is some regular hours every week for a few months doing pair programming. I heard about codementor and thought this sounded like a great idea until I realized how much you have to pay for these sessions.

I also know that there are a lot of people out there that would probably be willing to help out someone who is genuinely interested in improving their skillset, either on a volunteer basis, or for less than $40/hour (the apparently minimum rate on codementor...)

I know about the Recurse Center too, which actually sounds perfect. But, I am not in a position in my life to drop everything for 3 months and do that. So, I guess I am looking for some kind of hybrid between codementor and the Recurse Center. Does such an animal exist?

Thanks in advance.

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