[trey_swann]

Would you hire someone who learned to code on Codecademy?

I'm interested to hear what everyone thinks. Will Codecademy be able to "connect people learning on the site with opportunities that fit their skill sets?"

[ruttiger]

I wouldn't hire anyone based on where they learned. I want to see what they've made, and see how they answer some coding questions -- not "why are manhole covers round", but questions about software design, and anything to give a hint about how much experience they have solving coding issues.

I'd ask if they had a blog, or a website they built, or a hobby they're working on. I'd prefer to see a candidate that's passionate about software - that turns on her computer when everyone else is sleeping because she heard about a new framework or language or service on Amazon that she wants to play with.

There are uninspired graduates of good computer science programs, and there are hidden superstars that taught themselves, with no idea how good they are.

Bottom line - experience and passion matter more than where they studied.

[mp3jeep01]

Short answer? Yes. It has nothing to do with Codecademy though, it has to do with the fact that they were ambitious enough and had the drive to learn to code, and pursue it via some means (in this case, Codecademy). That speaks volumes. Of course they'd be put through the same screening as anyone else applying for the role, so it's not like you're hiring someone that does not have the appropriate skillset for the job.

[enry_straker]

Why would you care where people learned programming from?

If you know how to spot a good programmer with a real interest in programming, what does it matter where he started?

Only people who don't know how to spot or attract a good programmer fall back to big school names, and years of experience and all the rest of the fake stuff.

[mr_luc]

Do I care where someone learned English?

Even if the work involves written or spoken output, if they clearly dominate the language and can express themselves fluently, I'd quickly move on to something more relevant, like talking shop, and their past work.