[dotBen]

At one level, I can't see any downside (I mean, short of loosing a hundred bucks and your time).

But at another level there are other compelling arguments... Like you said, understanding technology and the way web sites and web apps are put together is useful.

But here's another thought: if you keep learning after the course ends and can put some Ruby on Rails code together you'll always be able to find work as a junior developer (or better, if you are good) somewhere - the industry is desperate for more bodies.

Now I'm sure my fellow co-founders and startup entrepreneurs will comment that we really need highly talented engineers, but realistically we just need more people across the board right now who can code well and so that means a much lesser chance of being out of work for those who have these skills.

From the individual's perspective I think that is valuable in this economy, esp if the area you really want to work in is suffering job wise.

[acpigeon]

Interesting... I had never thought of doing this as a way to develop a marketable skill. And as you say, even if I'm just able to put some basic code together, that would be a very useful ability to have in a startup environment where everyone has to wear multiple hats.

Thanks for the perspective!