>So I think while these courses won't take you from beginner to employable or experienced, they do serve their own purpose.
This has been the deceptive part to me (and maybe it's only me). They're a great way to get new syntax down, but as I've learned syntax from a few languages now (Python, JavaScript, C), I really don't need these programs to serve this purpose. I learned how to learn new syntax from learning syntax.
Determining when you're employable can be difficult (entry-level at Google vs. some LAMP web shop) and I'm sure that some portion of people trying these programs are looking to switch careers. I found it easy to get the notion that "If I learn through a bunch of courses and books and maybe do a few projects, I can put these languages on my resume and get hired". That, unfortunately, turned out to not be the case.
I agree with you, it is equally possible to learn syntax in other ways, whether that's from a book or tutorial etc but I think these programs reach people that may not otherwise have considered starting to code. They produce a zero barrier to entry, needing zero expense and minimum effort to get started.
They also make the initial stages of learning to code 'fun' (I'm aware that's a highly subjective term however) when learning syntax, often without having grander goal in mind e.g. an app, can be a dry subject at best.
On your second point, are you referring specifically to people who complete these courses or people who teach themselves to code and build a few projects?
This has been the deceptive part to me (and maybe it's only me). They're a great way to get new syntax down, but as I've learned syntax from a few languages now (Python, JavaScript, C), I really don't need these programs to serve this purpose. I learned how to learn new syntax from learning syntax.
Determining when you're employable can be difficult (entry-level at Google vs. some LAMP web shop) and I'm sure that some portion of people trying these programs are looking to switch careers. I found it easy to get the notion that "If I learn through a bunch of courses and books and maybe do a few projects, I can put these languages on my resume and get hired". That, unfortunately, turned out to not be the case.