[manfredo]

I think as far as learning to code, bootcamps aren't much better than following tutorials online. I do, however, think that bootcamps are good at getting people who already know how to code to learn how to code well, and code in a job environment. There's probably a good market for classes aimed at people who have already learned basic coding through online tutorials but now want to refine their skills to the point that they are viable in the job market.

[ammanley]

There are exceptions, I think, when the boot camp instructors are able and willing to impart significant industry knowledge, war stories, and personal teaching time to students. You don't get this at the vast majority of boot camps (not even Hack Reactor these days), but they do exist. That kind of experience isn't the kind that's easy to pick up, and getting it in a highly condensed time frame to facilitate a career change can be a worthwhile investment.

Source: graduate from one of said rare boot camps, and gainfully employed (not on the frontend, though many from my cohort chose that route as well)