While many software developers are proactive in learning new technologies on their own time, relying solely on this approach can leave gaps in their knowledge and skills. In a more direct nutshell, they might not be learning what you need them to learn.
Whether you are developing a software product or providing software services to clients, it is important for your team to have the right skills at the right time.
There are many eLearning and video training sites out there, such as Pluralsight and Udemy, that offer a variety of technology courses. And while these courses can provide a wealth of information, developers learn best through hands-on experience, therefore, video-based courses alone may not suffice in helping learners fully grasp new concepts and techniques.
Some platforms attempt to remedy this issue by including homework assignments. However, these assignments are often too short, too simple, and not graded, limiting their effectiveness and resulting in superficial knowledge that is quickly lost.
While video course training sites provide a useful starting point for learning new programming skills, it’s crucial to reinforce the acquired knowledge through practical application. By engaging in a comprehensive coding test immediately after completing a video course, developers can put their newfound skills into practice. This hands-on experience helps solidify their understanding and reinforces the concepts learned in the course.
The coding test should be at least 10 hours long and perhaps as much as 20 or 30 hours in length. A substantial test like this allows developers to dive deep into real-world programming challenges, and this extended practice helps hone their problem-solving skills.
Testing platforms using automatic grading and feedback also enables developers to address any shortcomings and resubmit their work. This two-step process, referred to as “Feedback & Fix” in Codeaid, allows developers to reinforce their knowledge and understand how to apply it in on-the-job situations.
Don’t underestimate the importance of the learning environment itself. Allowing developers to use their own tools and environment enables them to concentrate on the technology being learned. This helps eliminate any distractions caused by the eccentricities and limitations of unfamiliar toolsets – essentially creating a more conducive learning experience.
The pace of learning is equally important. Every developer marches to the beat of their own drum; some may burn the midnight oil in a coding frenzy, while others may be the slow and steady kind, spreading their learning across several days. While working within a timeline is important in general, timed coding tests and artificial programming environments can create unnecessary stress for developers, which can affect their learning progress. By offering a more flexible learning environment, developers can focus on the task at hand and better understand the concepts being taught.
Codeaid stands out as a robust and versatile coding assessment platform that serves a dual purpose: evaluating potential candidates during the hiring process and reinforcing technical training for employees. This comprehensive approach ensures that businesses not only find the best talent for their teams but also support their existing staff in their skill development and growth. With our newest AI Interview functionality and existing coding assessment platform, Codeaid empowers organizations to unlock the full potential of their developers, Codeaid stands as a crucial catalyst for progress, ensuring that companies can confidently rely on their developers to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
For more information, visit www.codeaid.io
