PyBites Reviews 32

After completing the PDM program, I noticed a huge shift in myself. My speed in developing projects increased, and I became much more confident in using tools like GitHub. I also learned how to plan out projects effectively and gained more control over my time. One of the biggest changes was learning to say no when people asked me to do things that I didn’t have time for. That was something I had always struggled with. On top of that, I learned so many new tools and techniques that I feel like I can tackle any challenge if I really put my mind to it.

As for my favorite part of PDM, I loved all of it—the mindset meetings, the code clinics, and especially my coach Robin. The biggest takeaway for me, though, was the mindset shift. Knowing where I stood amongst other developers gave me a sense of confidence I had never had before. It was such a relief to no longer feel lost or stuck.

When I first started the program, I was absolutely terrified. There was so much fear and uncertainty. But as I progressed, I started gaining confidence. After just a week or so, I knew I could do it. Finishing Julian’s productivity course was a game changer for me. After that, I was good to go, and I knew I had what it took.

If someone is considering joining PDM, I’d say, go for it. Book the call, meet Bob or Julian, and see what you think. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It’ll change your life if you’re willing to put in the work. And if you’re already in the program but feeling stuck, just remember that the process works. Trust it, lean into the support, and you’ll get where you want to go.

Date of experience: 08 October 2024

Where our technical culture thrives on self-learning, PDM stands out by providing essential mentorship. Without mentorship, it's challenging to grow your skills. PDM combines a self-taught approach with mentoring, guiding you on the journey of building complex projects.

The program I enrolled in is called the PyBites Developer Mindset (PDM) and growth is directly proportional to the time and effort invested in the program. When I first started comparing the PDI or PDM programs, I was impressed by how well both programs adapted to my career goals compared to traditional coding boot camps.

In the PDM program, you have the opportunity to earn a certificate that validates the advanced competency in what you learned throughout the program. As someone with prior experience in the software engineering industry, a PCPD-P certificate has added credibility and seriousness to my professional background.

In addition to the technical focus, there's a strong emphasis on mindset. Its unique and beneficial approach improves your soft skills as a developer. What I got out of the PDM experience proves that a developer can not go at it alone. They benefit from a community and an enhanced focus on soft skills, not just hard skills.

I couldn't recommend the PDM program enough and the value that it'll add to your career.

Date of experience: 22 August 2024

The rigorous training and comprehensive curriculum provided by PyBites have equipped me with advanced skills and knowledge in Python development. I have gained invaluable experience in problem-solving, code optimization, and best practices, which I am eager to apply in my professional endeavors.

I am grateful to the PyBites community and my instructor. This achievement not only enhances my technical capabilities but also motivates me to continue learning and growing in the field of software development. I would recommend this course to everyone in their Python-journey!

Date of experience: 01 July 2024

Last year, I made the decision to change careers, from K-12 education into the tech industry. I knew some foundational Python, and had designed some simple digital tools for the school where I had worked, but wanted to learn more about what I could do with a bigger set of software tools. Earlier this year, I enrolled in Pybites’ Python Developer Mindset (PDM) program, with the goal of learning more about software development, and building three web apps.

I worked with Bob Belderbos, whose coaching and mentorship were invaluable to my progress. We met each week through a combination of videochats and GitHub issues & pull requests. Each morning, he would give me feedback on my code, sharing new topics and techniques for me to research, and highlighting pieces of code for me to work on. I’d work on these tasks throughout the day, and send a GitHub pull request to him each evening with updated code and questions. My participation in this program helped me learn a comprehensive new set of software skills, including advanced Python techniques; Streamlit and Django (including an introduction to HTTP protocols & communication); fundamental concepts in HTML, CSS, Javascript/HTMX, databases and foundational PSQL; debugging (including using a server log to debug code); terminal commands (on Windows PowerShell, Git Bash, and MacOS), and Git/Git branching. In the process, I became much more comfortable troubleshooting problems with my code, and learning new software concepts on my own.

I also benefitted substantially from two weekly videocalls that Pybites hosts: a Code Clinic, and a Mindset Hacking call. When I enrolled, I had trouble following my first several Code Clinics; but as I progressed, I found that I understood more and more each week. The Mindset Hacking calls were incredibly helpful as well: they taught me a lot, and I even had the opportunity to give a presentation about organizational systems on of the weekly calls, where I was able to share a digital organizing tool I made for myself toward the end of PDM.

Now that I’ve graduated from PDM, I’m pursuing Pybites’ PCPD-P Certification - something I could not have done before I enrolled - and applying for my first job in my new career. The training and coaching in this program helped me gain a much more comprehensive understanding of software design; and as I apply for job opportunities, am excited to apply that knowledge in my new career.

Date of experience: 17 July 2024

My name is Oliver Then and I currently work as a Risk Engineer in the insurance industry. Coding has become a passion of mine and Python, with its easy to understand syntax and vibrant community, became the language I most wanted to get familiar with. Before joining the PDM program, I had spent several months learning about Python. I understood the basic concepts, went through many tutorials/exercises, but I was lacking the knowledge and guidance on creating my first project on my own. I felt as though I could not call myself a Python developer yet.
 
By joining the PDM program, I was paired with a coach who was able to guide me through the process of creating applications that I wanted to build. Me and my coach Hugh, had weekly calls on which we discussed code review comments, project planning, and important next steps. As a result, I was able to create two projects using frameworks such as FastAPI and Django, became better acquainted with best practices such as refactoring and testing, and was able to incorporate tools such as Poetry (a package and dependency manager).

A highlight of my experience was joining the Pybites community on the circle platform. This community is a vibrant one consisting of past PDM graduates, current PDM students, and PDM coaches. I love the exchange of knowledge that occurs on the platform and on the weekly code review calls that take place.

I am now much more confident in my Python skills and I would recommend the PDM program to those who would like to create 1 to 3 applications, improve their developer skillset and toolset, and join a positive community of Python developers where one can make lifelong connections.

Date of experience: 26 September 2023

I've been a UNIX/Linux Systems Administrator for over 20 years in various academic
settings. I took this job because I thought it would be a great way for me to
accomplish my ultimate goal which was to learn how to code and obtain a career
as a programmer while still earning a living. Over the past 20 years, I've taken
courses both in a university classroom setting and an online self-study setting
in programming and computer science. All of them had their benefits, but none
worked for me. The university courses were designed to teach some aspect of
computer science (say, for example, data structures or algorithms). As a result,
most of the code was provided with the assignment and I was only required to
setup the data structure or algorithm and then use it. I never really had the
opportunity to design the structure of the program or start to write it. I then
moved to online, self-study classes which I'm sure were great but after
listening to 30-60 mins of introductory materials, I usually got bored and
never returned to them. With self-study, I never really knew where or how to start.

I've been drawn to the PyBites educational paradigms ever since I heard Bob and
Julian on the Talk Python To Me podcast back in 2017. I liked the idea of "100
days of code challenges" but even in that case it seemed like just starting was
a major task. Every so often I did try doing some of the pybites which led me to
the PyBites Developer Initialization. My initial conversations, first with
Julian and then with Bob were fantastic. They wanted to know how they could help
and whether their program would be the right fit for me. Once I joined the PDI
program, Erik was assigned as my coach. He wanted to know what I wished to
accomplish. He also wanted to know where I was on my coding "journey" since this
wasn't a "one size fits all" program: a big part of this program is setting up a
git repo, installing a python virtual environment and becoming comfortable with
a coding environment. Since I already knew how to do those things he spent
almost no time discussing them but did spend a significant amount of time
talking about poetry which I had never heard of. For the first time, ever, the
introductory material was both challenging and kept me engaged! From this point
on, my coaching sessions with Erik only got better. He pushed me to think of
projects that aligned with my current interests; he took my code that I wrote
and showed how I could make it better; and he showed how I could continue
learning long after our sessions were concluded. He's a fantastic teacher and I
got a ton of great information from him. But most importantly, I now feel
comfrotable reading articles about python and how to use it to accomplish my
tasks. I also picked up some great habits from this program like keeping track
of weekly "wins": not only do they help keep track of your progress, but I
discovered that if you commit to them you stay on track toward achieving your
goals.

In short, the PDI program was a "game changer" for me. Because of it, I believe
I will eventually become a programmer and may even make a living doing it.

Date of experience: 11 December 2023

Before joining PyBites’ PDM program, I had already worked hard on my software engineering and Python skills, but my knowledge remained largely theoretical, lacking the experience of building real applications. Reaching out to Bob was a great game-changer. What I found at PyBites and specifically in the PDM program was exactly what I was looking for, but so much more on top!

I found a welcoming and inspiring community of other technology and Python enthusiasts that immediately felt like a big family.

The weekly code clinics and mindset calls offered by Bob and Julian (and the team) were not only a great opportunity to connect but also provided a perfect mix of showcasing fundamentals, high-level programming, new and innovative frameworks, and fostering growth, developer mindset and confidence.

In just three months, I developed three software projects, applying and deepening my knowledge of various Python frameworks and gaining the PyBites Professional Python Developer Certificate. An article I wrote was even published on the official blog of a cutting-edge framework I utilized. For a detail-loving perfectionist that I am, that's a pretty good outcome given the time available.

My coach Robin and, of course, Bob and Julian in the background have been great catalysts to my progress and have helped me develop professional software habits. Robin has found just the right way to push and inspire me and has greatly enriched me and my way of developing software. He familiarized me with state-of-the-art tools and working methods and integrated them into my daily work with him, which felt very professional and prepared me perfectly for my future work as a software engineer.

In summary, the PDM program was a great experience that inspired me to excel. My gratitude extends to the entire coaching team for all their advice, opportunities, and support!

To anyone considering the program, I wholeheartedly recommend PyBites PDM as one of the best ways to master Python, boost developer confidence, and significantly enhance productivity and proficiency in building real software applications - all at once.

Thank you, PyBites, for an enriching experience that far exceeded my expectations.

Date of experience: 15 December 2023

I enjoyed the one-on-one mentoring I experienced in PyBites PDM program. Everyone was really helpful and gave amazing insight I was not able to find elsewhere. Having the hands on experience was so useful for increasing my confidence in starting code from scratch, and helped spice up my portfolio for the industry. I love how there is also an extension program to help further develop my coding skills. Another huge plus is the vast amount of networking you can do with other passionate coders!

As far as things I think the PDM program can improve on in future sessions, would be perhaps providing more tips on software design best practices/refactoring strategies and more project idea/general career guidance. For instance, I think for the more beginner to intermediate coders who might not be as experienced in software engineering in general, it would be helpful to receive high level overviews on concepts such as database design, what it means to deploy an app, software design best practices/design patterns, laying out examples of the kinds of apps to build (i.e. data-focused or web based focused), and what the varying scope of work can include for software engineers (i.e. what kind of work a data scientist works on vs a web developer). I think having this knowledge upfront can help a new member get a better idea of how he/she can craft a high quality product before they start coding, and what area of work he/she wants to tackle.

All in all, I have had a great experience finding out about Pybites and PDM, and really appreciate that the coaches have worked with me on areas for which I want to beef up my coding skills. I highly recommend the experience for passionate coders that want expertise insight into their code and increase their confidence!

Date of experience: 20 December 2023

As a DevOps professional, I knew it was important to improve my software development skills. However, before starting PDM, I felt my Python education was fragmented from learning bits and pieces in various online courses and tutorials.

While I enjoyed aspects of DevOps work with IaC and infrastructure automation, I wanted a stronger foundation in application development. I hoped PDM could help reconnect the disparate parts of my Python knowledge.

PDM was just what I needed to overcome that fragmented background. PDM systematically built upon each skill and concept to develop a holistic understanding of Python and the entire development process.

Completing PDM has transformed me from feeling like I had just pieces of Python knowledge to feeling fully competent as both a developer and DevOps engineer. I'm grateful it took my fragmented learning and shaped it into the strong foundation I needed for my career.

Date of experience: 20 August 2023

Pybites is a great place to learn and be part of a community. They teach programming with python and are extremely helpful and willing.

Date of experience: 20 December 2023

The Pybites PDM program was transformative for me. It provided the boost I needed to enhance my skills and knowledge with Python development. Before joining PDM I was having difficulty finding the necessary resources for the applications I wanted to create. PDM cut through all the noise and showed me the way forward. The coaching and mentorship allowed me to develop two applications that I required for work whilst also giving me the skills and knowledge to take on more ambitious projects myself.
Pair programming with my coach and attending the weekly Code Clinics showed me the problem solving and development workflows of experienced Python developers. I came away from the 12 week program with a clear approach to my own development workflow including a thorough understanding of the command line, code quality tools, PDB, Git and using GitHub for project collaboration.
The weekly Mindset Hacking calls opened my eyes to the important non-technical skills in development and offered a supportive community. Having an community which went beyond just technical expertise helped during the challenges and struggles associated with developing my two applications.
I would highly recommend the Pybites PDm program and would do it all again myself.

Date of experience: 14 December 2022

When I first started learning Python, I found it pretty easy to find decent (and free) learning resources to help increase my knowledge. But once I started building my own apps, encountering my own problems to solve - I was never quite sure how much trust to put into Google search results. Was the author credible? Was the information current? And more importantly, I was worried about the unknown unknowns. Were there critical omissions in my design/build/delivery process that my lack of experience was causing?

What I really yearned for was someone I trusted, with experience, that I could turn to when I wanted to make sure I was staying on track or needed technical advice. I found this, and much more, with the Pybites PDM program.

Pybites is a truly unique mentorship program, founded by two of the nicest humans you could hope to meet - who also happen to be brilliant coaches.

The PDM ethos of "just in time learning" helped me out of my tutorial paralysis and I learned a huge amount in a short space of time by building a Django-based webapp for UK VAT processing.

I'm hugely grateful to the whole Pybites team, but in particular to Bob and Julian for not only their vast knowledge but also their patience, kindness and humour.

I also got to know a bunch of other great people who were in the program at the same time as me, and one of the massive bonuses of the program is that even though I've completed my course, I'm still part of the growing and thriving Python community that Pybites host on Circle. So my journey continues...

I can't praise the Pybites PDM program enough, and recommend it to anyone, whatever your current Python level.

Date of experience: 12 December 2022

Working with Bob and PDM has been a transformative experience that greatly influenced my progress in Python programming.

Bob's coaching style strikes a perfect balance between guidance, support, and empowerment. His profound understanding of Python is translated into practical insights and knowledge. Under his guidance, I learned to harness Python's capabilities for large dataset processing, comprehensive data analysis, and meaningful visualizations.

What makes Bob an exceptional coach is his unwavering commitment to my development. He consistently challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, fostering a learning environment that embraced new concepts and techniques. Bob's well-structured coaching sessions ensured a progressive and engaging learning experience, making complex topics both enjoyable and effective.

Beyond technical expertise, Bob's mentorship extended to broader aspects of professional growth. He encouraged critical thinking, shared valuable career insights, and provided guidance for industry challenges. Bob's extensive experience and genuine interest in my success made him an invaluable resource throughout my PDM journey.

I wholeheartedly recommend Bob (and PDM) to anyone looking to enhance their Python skills and excel in their professional endeavors. His exceptional knowledge, dedication, and supportive approach significantly contributed to my success, providing the tools needed for excellence. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Bob, confident that he will continue inspiring and empowering others on their Python journeys.

Date of experience: 11 December 2023

Pybites is excellent because its real world exercises that you are solving. It is great to have a platform that is solely dedicated to Python real world exercises and gets me from good to great very quickly.

Date of experience: 12 December 2023

Pybites is the most amazing technology community I have been a part of. The PDM program not only helped take my coding skills to the next level, but the mindset shifts I had were life- and career-changing. This isn't a bootcamp, it's an immersive program where you learn how to better your technology skills and yourself. It's a welcome respite and haven from the often unpleasant "forums" on the Internet; it's a place where you can feel free to talk and ask questions and learn.

Date of experience: 19 November 2023

I can't thank the team at Pybites enough for what PDM has allowed me to achieve.

I started with the bite challenges on the Pybites codechalleng.es website back in 2020 after getting some credits in a Humblebundle deal.

I never really considered myself a Python programmer, yes I could code and hack programs together but I was self taught and looking for ways to improve my coding knowledge.

That deal turned out to be the 2nd best investment in my career I have ever made because it introduced me to Julian and Bob, the founders of Pybites, two incredibly amazing coaches who you will come to know very well.

The best investment in my career was to start on the Pybites PDM course about a year later in 2021, and this changed my mindset and skills in ways I couldn't have predicted, it opened many new doors and opportunities for me.

The PDM program helped me push my skills and mindset to places I'd never dreamed of going and I am still reaping the benefits of that to this day.

It wasn't easy, required a lot of work and investment in my time and focus, but the skills I learned and community I came away being part of after PDM are something I will cherish until the day I retire.

Everyone is always friendly, always helpful, and there is always something new to learn or teach.

Mindset is everything, and if you are on the fence, take the first step and get yourself enrolled.

I found it life changing!

Date of experience: 07 December 2022

I’ve tried learning to code for years. Books, classes, online tutorials, sandboxes…nothing ever stuck. Frankly, I felt coding just wasn’t for me.

Everything changed when I found the PyBites PDM program - an absolute revelation! Through stellar 1-1 mentorship via PDM, I learned every aspect of development - environments, Git, coding, debugging, testing…et al - while pursuing a passion project.

Gone were the boring examples that didn’t apply or exercises that never mapped to the real world. I actually made something and learned the nuts of bolts of being a true developer along the way.

At the end of the PDM program, I had a fully functioning web app up and running. I’m still in awe! More important, that web app has been running for over two years averaging over 1,500 unique users a month. Amazing!!

I’m proud to say I've become a true developer, and grateful for the PyBites mentors and community that got me there. A truly remarkable experience that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ANYONE SERIOUS ABOUT LEARNING TO CODE OR UPING YOUR CODING GAME.

Thanks to Bob and Julian for truly making a difference. Cheers.

Date of experience: 06 December 2023

I went through PDM two years ago, and looking back, the impact it had on both my technical skills and growth was tremendous. PDM, and my mentor Bob, were particularly effective in helping break down psychological barriers that were holding me back- such as the fear of working with open source for the first time, or the daunting feeling of trying a new library or framework that uses terminology so unfamiliar to you that they make you question your ability to speak English.

One of the standout features of the program were the weekly PDM mindset calls, which were very effective in putting my challenges and obstacles into perspective. Sometimes other people are able to articulate the problems you're going through and feeling better than you are, and you benefit a lot from being able to talk about those fears and insecurities openly and respectfully. Julian led all of these sessions for my cohort and was absolutely terrific.

I also remember PDM for the exceptional community it cultivated- my cohort had professors, CEOs, senior engineers, and not to mention lots of outstanding alumni who came in to give technical talks. These people were tremendously compassionate, curious and supportive, and became an invaluable support system.

I think the true value of something is only revealed when you go through tough times; for PDM, my tough times occurred during the program itself.
While I was there PDM, the startup I had co-founded and had been working intensely on for the past two years or so had imploded spectacularly, with the kind of emotionally-charged drama that could rival any Netflix TV show. It was really, really challenging for me, but Bob and Julian were nothing short of amazing. Their genuine concern for my well-being and commitment to my growth stood out, and I couldn't possibly thank them enough.

I'd highly recommend PDM to anyone interested in taking the next step in their career. :)

Date of experience: 15 December 2022

Maybe you are like me, and you have been hacking around for years while doing data analysis and the likes connected to a research job. You have written thousands of lines of code with close deadlines in mind and no real plan other than getting it done soon.

Well, at some point I felt like I was pretty decent at problem-solving with code, but I was missing some important skills that I did not know how to learn—skills that “real” developers had. That felt so clear while attending Python conferences. The plenary talks were great, the parallel sessions and training a bit challenging but mostly fine. And yet there was an ecosystem of tools and praxis that I was hearing about but couldn’t figure out how to learn.

The PyBites Developer Mindset (PDM) program did that for me, and it did so much more! I thought the program had to do mostly with coding. Not even close! Think of it: in most jobs today, you need some coding skills if you want to get anything done. And what is the number one programming language for everyday people today? Python! That is why a coaching program that focuses on Python developer tools and mindset just becomes a great coaching program for taking your career—whatever it might be—to the next level.

Technically, the big thing this program did for me is the ability to do software development as a daily routine that you can chunk down to manageable, feasible units of work. Before PDM, I was hesitant to start a coding session because I told myself I would need hours of free time in a row to get something done. So most of the time, I just delayed, and it kept getting worse. Now I know that if I have some little microscopic time available, I can code something meaningful, commit it, be done with it, and move on to doing something else. Because I know that next time I can start coding right where I left without much of an overhead. That feels good, believe me. Also, you feel a lot more independent as a developer once you have developed a real app or two end to end.

In short, I simply think it was the perfect time in my life to enroll in PDM—it resounded in so many ways. I sleep more, I code more, I work more, and I have more time to do other things! It sounds incredible, but that’s the way it works.

And you know what? Once the program was over, I missed the community more than anything else!

Looking back, when I enrolled in PDM, I was unsure whether to start in a particular week or the following one. Then I started right away, and it was the right choice. Don’t look back—jump right into it—you won’t regret it!

For the records, I took the 10-week PDM program between March and May 2021, then continued through December 2021 on a less-intensive monthly plan, and am still part of the PyBites community.

Date of experience: 29 November 2023

I was a fan of Pybites for a long time and completed a lot of the python challenges. They are really well organized and vary between a lot of useful subjects. Then the Pybites founders started a program to individually help developers with the technical and non-technical skills. This program was called PBDM (PyBites Developer Mindset) and was worth every penny. It's meant for Software Developers or people wanting to get into development (which was me) and I use their technical advice a lot, but use their mindset training even more. Julian and Bob are great and their coaches have been a huge help. Along with the program, there is a wonderful community to back it where me and other cohorts still connect on a regular basis.

Date of experience: 27 November 2022