People who have completed PDM have worked for or gone on to work for the following companies and institutions.
NASA
Amazon Web Services
Cartoon Network
Capital One
Uber
Google
Twilio
Netflix
Splunk
GitHub
Having projects to show managers is a game-changer. I have been able to skip 1 round of tech interview questions at one company and a live coding session at another just because I had projects to share and show. It makes interviewing so much easier and makes me feel more confident.
Heather G (USA) PDM Program Client
Key Skills and Deliverables
Over the course of the program, participants will learn a range of practical skills that can benefit them both in the workplace and in their day-to-day lives.
Develop 1-3 applications of your own choice end-to-end
Use of Python and relevant developer tools and techniques
Understanding of complex software development techniques
Firm grasp of application design (patterns)
Deepening of Python skills, from fundamental to a more advanced level
Debugging skills
Properly structuring code in modules and packages
Writing clean / maintainable code
Add test coverage and learn how to refactor your code
Git, GitHub (or GitLab) and code reviewing by experienced developers
Agile planning as a software team
Web / API development (using common frameworks like Django / FastAPI)
Introduction to databases and ORMs
Packaging and hosting of applications (in the cloud / PyPI)
Tooling: linters and type checkers
CI / CD pipelines to automate code quality
Evaluating and rapid adopting new frameworks and technologies
Communication and other crucial developer related soft skills
Hello everyone, just wanted to share that I am shipping my first command line program this week! Last November I knew nothing about coding, now I am shipping, I still can’t believe it.
Dabrien S (USA) PDM Program Client
I enjoyed building my self confidence with Bob, Julian, and the other coaches in PDM. I started the program after some confidence shaking events in my life. Working on discrete Python projects with guidance from senior coaches really helped me get my mojo back.
Bernie L (USA) PDM Program Client
As a data engineer and already using Python for data tasks, PDM has been a catalyst to escape the tutorial hell and building my first Django project / business idea. The whole process from app ideation to building a prototype was very practical.
People that join PDM are typically have an end beginner / intermediate level with their Python + developer skills. If you are unsure if your current level is sufficient to do PDM at this time, reach out to us and we’ll happily assess your skills together. Reach out to us via email. If you are brand new to Python + development, check out our Pybites Developer Initialization (PDI) program first.
The confidence, skills and coaching to build and deploy two or more Python-based applications of your design end-to-end. You gain insight into the intricacies of what real-world software development is all about. Additionally, you’ll also come out of the program with a network of highly empowering Python Developers and Entrepreneurs, and the growth mindset to solve bigger and more complex problems.
We always say ~10 hours a week. As the effort will be so focused (working on apps, dedicated coach with targeted feedback) ~2 hours a day will give you favourable results.
Yes! You’ll learn the skills with us that will make you successful as a developer. PDM also includes a review of your resume and LinkedIn. Landing a developer job is also highly dependent on the amount of job applications you put in during and after the program. We cannot control this, but it will be easier given the skills and confidence you’ll earn working with us.
We pride ourselves on providing an inclusive and respectful environment where everyone is welcome. Pybites, Bob and Julian, and all of our coaches recognise that we’re all unique, have had unique experiences, and come from all walks of life. Psychological safety to share and be open is something we pride ourselves on. So, yes!
People typically build two apps end-to-end. We try to keep them varied to teach you a broad skill set. A lot of people divide the apps over areas like web development, data and DevOps, but it depends on your career. Some people do a very large web app that has eventually become their business.
No worries, we’ll have you run through preparatory docs and training as part of the onboarding sequence, but we’re happy to flesh out some app ideas before joining as this is critical to your success in the program. We usually schedule one follow up call after the first strategy session to work on this with you so we can hit the ground running.
Let’s be clear: PDM is not a bootcamp. Where bootcamps have you sit in a classroom following the same curriculum and working on the same “projects” and exercises as everyone else, PDM is highly customised to you, your current level, your career goals and the Python stack you want to work with.
The price of the program varies based on whether you’re an individual or a corporation. The individual price is highly subsidised to support individual learners without the privilege of a company backing them. Please inquire for specific prices.
The price of the program is paid in 2 halves or over 6 or 12 monthly instalments. We also offer a discount for paying for the program in full, up-front.
I went from being unsure about my skills and feeling like an imposter to launching an MVP (Minimal Viable Product); a cloud based video trans-coding solution. At the outset of the program they gave me a survey of my goals and desired outcomes and molded my time with them to suit me and those goals.
Aaron J (Canada) PDM Program Client
I chose PDM over attending a developer bootcamp and I was not disappointed. Bob, Erik and Julian taught me crucial skills like building projects start to finish and the proper mindset to ward off imposter syndrome. Not only will my experience in PDM stay with me into my Web Development career, but I’ll also have an amazing community and pool of resources to come back to in the future!
Co-Founders. We started Pybites in 2016 as a tech blog to teach Python. We both come from a support background, having growing into software developers by building applications inside and outside of the job.
Throughout the following years we built our own coding platform which has taught over 30K people worldwide. We also produced two successful 100 Days of Code courses with Talk Python, presented at Pycon and built a thriving Python community (reaching 3K members).
We discovered that the best results come from building Apps, applying holistic Developer skills and being Marketable (our ADM formula).
In 2020 we pivoted to coaching as our main occupation building out the PDM program you’re viewing here. Working with people 1:1 has given them extraordinary growth, both from a developer (Bob’s jam) and mindset (Julian’s thing) perspective (latter is often underestimated and where most work is needed!).
A new central Pybites motto was born: we lift people up. That’s what we are passionate about: teaching people the Python, developer and mindset skills to better their careers and lives.
Since 2020 we have grown ateam of amazing coaches, which we proudly introduce to you now …
Christo
Location: UK
Christo has been a data architect and engineer delivering data platforms and solutions for 16 years. Long before Python arrived in the data world, he started seeing its potential and taught himself how to use the language and apply it to data projects.
Python now plays a significant role in his work, and he has gained extensive experience in how to apply it in real-world projects.
Throughout his career, teaching and presenting training has been an important part. He is excited to share his knowledge and industry experience with students to help them with their Python projects.
Erik
Location: USA
Erik O’Shaughnessy is an opinionated and friendly Unix system programmer living the good life in Texas.
Over the last thirty-plus years he has worked for IBM, Sun Microsystems, Oracle, and most recently, Intel.
Erik is married to Tracy and has two kids; Tim and Frankie. He is; a mechanical keyboard aficionado, a gamer, a father, a husband, student of karate, and not worth a damn in the morning before coffee.
Michael
Location: USA
After studying computer science, Michael began using Python to bring an injury prevention product to market. The product uses biomechanical data from motion capture systems to predict injuries. In the process, he became a full-stack developer using Python, Django, and Flask.
Michael continues to build products using Python and contributes to multiple open-source projects in the Python ecosystem.
Robin
Location: Germany (and/ or nomad)
Human made in 🇩🇪, recently husband ❤️
Digital Nomad, Energy Data Scientist and Entrepreneur 👨💻
Studied physics at RWTH Aachen with electrochemistry internship at Collège de France 🔋
Previously Senior Python Developer and Co-Founder at ACCURE Battery Intelligence GmbH 🕴️
Currently Entrepreneur leveraging hybrid intelligence to battle climate change 💪
Well-rounded Pythonista with 8 years of Python experience in data science, software development and cloud engineering, basic webdev experience 🐍
Hugh
Location: USA
Hugh has nearly 30 years experience in the technology industry from the early days of the Internet all the way to the latest practices in Cloud engineering, and holds a degree in Computer Science. In addition, he had originally been a student in the Pybites PDM program.
As a proponent of automation, Infrastructure as Code, Test Driven Development and CI/CD software development workflows, Hugh believes in making computers work for people rather than the other way around.
In the realm of Python, Hugh is a fan of FastAPI, Pytest, and Django, and uses Python to build tooling for AWS (Amazon Web Services) via boto3.
His hobbies include poetry, fiction writing and local theatre.
“Security shouldn’t be an afterthought.”
Ryan
Location: The Bahamas
Ryan enjoys lounging on the beach with his wife, a good book and his two daughters – busy at play.
You know what else Ryan loves? Coding! Especially coding in Python. He enjoys teaching it, talking about it, reading about it, the podcasts… one might say it’s a bit much. A lot of Ryan’s day is spent either developing new tools, or maintaining the codebase for his Django SaaS app.
Other than beaching or coding, Ryan does manage several businesses, plays a bit of pickle ball, and teaches robotics and coding to kids all over The Bahamas.
Will
Location: South Korea
Will is a machine learning engineer who has been working with Python since 2015. As a generalist, Will has experience using Python to leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence to problems across many domains.
In recent years, Will has taken a keen interest in Python’s typing system, recognizing its potential to make a great programming language even better.
Will currently is located in Seoul with his wife, two dogs, and cat.
Gijs
Location: Netherlands
Gijs Mos has over 45 years of experience, primarily working as a IT consultant for cell phone operators.
After retiring, he ventured into the IoT sector, focusing on hardware design and programming in (Micro)Python, and began teaching in the local IoT community.
Currently, Gijs teaches the Python programming course to freshman Digital Transformation Management students. His approach blends practical experience with theoretical knowledge, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world applications.
Outside of teaching and technology, Gijs enjoys his grandchildren, exploring new tech trends, electronics, photography and walking.
And looking after all admin related PDM work is our incredible Executive Assistant:
Georgia
Location: Sydney Star Sign: Virgo
Georgia is our admin powerhouse! With significant experience in administration, coordination and customer experience from global tech and entertainment brands, she rounds out the team by bringing a fresh perspective and funky ideas.
Astrologically inclined towards organisation with a hyper-awareness of every detail, Georgia is a perfectionist at heart that isn’t afraid to improve skills through consistent practice, and challenges others to do the same.
Georgia spends her downtime walking the Sydney Harbour foreshore with her dog Hugo, or at home catching up on the latest reality tv drama with her bird Bilbo, who is featured on this website if you look closely.
What people build in PDM
The Payroll App
Payroll is a SAAS application that simplifies payroll for small businesses. It offers full-service payroll, with automated tax forms, pay stubs and bank upload files. Payroll is built using Django / Python.
COLCA (Cost Optimizator and Low Carbon Accountability) is a Python App for optimizing operation costs of industrial processes powered with a mixture of renewable / non renewable energy. The App also performs an accountability of Carbon Emissions for each project and forecasting its cost. Technologies used: Scrapy, MongoDB, FastAPI, skforecast, pytest and Sphinx.
Search over 25,000 research articles on the effects of noise and benefits of quiet, making this extensive body of research accessible to journalists, researchers, government officials, students, and enthusiasts. New research articles are added daily, so you can expect to find the latest research here.
Stack: Flask, SQLAlchemy, htmx, Tailwind CSS, and a lot of API and data wrangling 🙂
I’m Tanner, a full-stack software developer and a passionate skateboarder. I’ve also been a PyBites listener for over a year now, and I’ve always enjoyed exploring mycology. My Python journey started several years ago, but I was coding in isolation, mostly on my own. About a year ago, I began working with Python full-time, but I found myself feeling lost, unsure where I stood compared to other developers. I had no coding / development support network aside from my supervisors at work and was struggling with anxiety and depression. It wasn’t just technical challenges like deploying projects to the cloud that held me back; it was also the mindset. I had a poor view of myself as a developer and constantly felt stuck in my growth. I didn’t see myself becoming much of anything, and that feeling weighed heavily on me.
Why I Joined PDM
I first heard about PDM through a PyBites episode. When I looked into the program and saw the assessment criteria, it stood out to me right away. It offered so much more than any other certification or course I had come across. What really drew me in was the focus on mindset. I knew that was an area where I needed to grow, and I felt like PDM could give me what I was missing, not just technically but personally as well.
The Transformation
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.
My Favorite Parts of PDM
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.
Emotional Journey
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.
Impact on My Professional Life
In terms of my professional life, PDM didn’t necessarily lead to new job opportunities right away, but it transformed the way I work. I’m able to develop things faster, and now I approach every task with confidence, knowing I can get it done. I don’t feel stuck anymore. If I hadn’t taken the plunge with PDM, I’m not sure where I’d be now, but I know I wouldn’t be as confident or capable as I am today.
Advice to Others
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.
Closing Thoughts
For me, the most unexpected part was how confident I felt toward the end of the program. I honestly didn’t expect to feel this good about my skills and my future. Now, I truly believe I can take on any challenge and accomplish whatever I set my mind to.
Tanner M (USA) PDM Program Client
Where our technical culture thrives on self-learning, PDM stands out by providing essential mentorship. Without mentorship, it’s challenging to grow your skills.
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.
Kevin C (USA) PDM Program Client
I am an information security engineer with a strong background on Digital Forensics and Incident Response. My experience is mostly related to analysis of security events, analysis of system events to determine root cause of incidents while traversing Big Data and analyzing a big amount of logs.
The reason for going into the PDM journey came down to the realization of missing engineering skills such as development and deployment of real world application under an actual development environment (Code reviews, version control, deployment and containerization)
Before PDM I was missing valuable engineering skills which I slowly started to get as I went through the program. I was able to come up and materialize new ideas in my job at a software development company. This has made me more valuable to my team and my organization.
My personal highlights were building and deploying applications that were accessible on the web, as well as realizing my long time dream of building a functional game. Coaching was incredibly valuable and was a huge drive for me to exceed expectations for my coach.
The emotional journey. I felt incredibly overwhelmed at the start. There were a lot of mistakes and a lot of things that I was not getting, but experience and slowly going through errors and mistakes allowed me to easily understand what I was missing.
Talking career impact, I am currently on the road of having a promotion, for which I require to have strong engineering skills. This program makes me feel a lot more prepared for the next promotion cycle and me being able to develop more useful stuff for my team.
My advice to prospective members … if you feel tired of going through thousands of tutorials, you are able to take most of the Python challenges on LeetCode or Pybites, but still feel somehow unable to build actual useful stuff, this is for you.
This program is incredible. Coaching is not an easy path and most of the work is coming from you, but a great idea can be developed with the help of the right people (coaches) and mindset.
Gerardo C (USA) PDM Program Client
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.
Anschel B (USA) PDM Program Client
I joined the PDM program as an airline scheduling and network planning professional with some Python skills acquired through online courses. I could create small projects in Jupyter notebooks, but I wanted to take my abilities to the next level. I aspired to manage larger projects, and deploy them for team use. The PDM program was a great steps in the right direction for me. Thanks to the guidance of my tutor Robin, who helped me overcome obstacles arising from knowledge gaps. Interacting with professional developers who regularly manage large codebases accelerated my learning in ways that would have taken much longer to achieve independently.
The program significantly boosted my confidence in creating prototypes and learning new concepts on a just-in-time basis when faced with challenges. It liberated me from tutorial paralysis and equipped me with the skills to transform ideas that previously existed only in individual Jupyter notebooks into fully-fledged web apps. I now feel that I possess the confidence to develop Streamlit apps as MVPs, enabling me to explore numerous solutions at work that were previously beyond my reach.
To maximise the benefits of the course, I advise new joiners to strive to code daily, even if only for a short time, and to break down issues into manageable tasks. Break down issues into manageable tasks that can be tackled within short time frames. Initially, my issues resembled milestones, which felt overwhelming, but with my coach’s guidance, I learned to split them into smaller, more executable tasks, which proved highly beneficial.
In closing, I enrolled in this program driven by frustration over my inability to transform ideas into finished products. Although I could have invested more effort into the course, I am currently writing this review after returning from a trip where I presented my MVP to a customer and received highly positive feedback. This fact alone, in my opinion, eclipses everything else and makes this program a resounding success. I believe that coupling niche domain expertise with software engineering skills can be incredibly powerful for those at a career stage where they are experts in their field. It enables them to build potentially scalable and monetizable applications and effectively communicate with the technical teams they will inevitably encounter when developing products at work.
Luca S (Saudi Arabia) PDM Program Client
As a linguist transitioning into tech, I knew I wanted to get deeper into Python, but wasn’t sure exactly how. I was also apprehensive about presenting myself in the tech space, having never built something I felt I could truly be proud of, something that really represented me.
Pybites connected me with experienced professionals who provided key input over the entire app development process, from the concept/planning stage and choice of a tech stack all the way through deployment.
The highlight for me was daily code review: having all my commits looked at, commented on, and critiqued when necessary. This review went beyond simply finding bugs, or even ensuring best practices and offering tricks of the trade. Because of the coaches’ deep well of background knowledge, they were able to push me to write more idiomatic — Pythonic — code.
Another important concept for me was “JIT learning,” that is, the approach of not trying to master the entirety of a subject before you start to build but rather learning as you build. This approach helps to counter the uncertainty and paralysis that kills so many projects before they even begin, and is something I continue to rely on even after finishing the program.
I’ve emerged from PDM much more confident, chiefly because I can now point to something concrete that I built. There it is, on the web, you use it and look at it! Though I haven’t yet achieved my goal of landing a full-time dev role, I feel much closer to that goal than when I started. Even better, I know what to do to keep growing, and that I’ll continue to have the PDM and Pybites community for support on my journey.
To anyone considering PDM, I say jump in and start building! You won’t regret it!
Jeff J (USA) PDM Program Client
I’m astonished at how far I’ve come in my career after PDM.
I went from writing my very first Pull Request in the program to leading (by example) several seasoned engineers in the field of Data Engineering.
I now give demos during office hours every week where I provide “bites” of helpful refactoring ideas and showing how we can leverage more of the Standard Library.
This is all in no small part due to the lessons I learned through Pybites and the PDM program. What may seem like just little nuggets of info become an invaluable tool set.
Ryan B (USA) PDM Program Client
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.
Oliver T (USA) PDM Program Client
Pybites PDM Program: A Great Experience, Community, and Outcome!
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.
Mira T (Germany) PDM Program Client
I had found PyBites on a whim when I was looking to learn how to code. The exercises were challenging enough to make me grow, but not so overwhelming. The community around PyBites was really supportive as well.
After about a year of doing the challenges on the site, I learned more about PDM, as I was starting to consider a career in software. I had never actually built anything, and by the end of PyBites I had built three solid projects of my own choosing.
The “just in time” learning approach, where you learn by doing and figuring things out as you go, proved to be an essential part of the experience. I have carried it with me to the present, where I now work as a software engineer.
In PDM, you are guided, but you ultimately do the work. This means ultimately figuring out bugs, determining which libraries to use, etc., as you go. This was again a crucial part of the experience, as it is also a big part of the job (figuring out how to get unblocked).
These experiences could be frustrating (who likes errors?), but served as valuable learning experiences. Of course, all of that said, you can certainly ask for help.
One other major difference between PyBites and many of the more publicized bootcamps is the code reviews. Your coach reviews your code thoroughly and helps you to make it cleaner, and catch potential errors before they happen. I remember back then reading some of the code review comments and thinking “…why does that matter??”. Now I know why, and I’m glad I got that experience.
The other big part of the experience is the focus on mindset and the community of coaches and students. You get the shared experience of both people who have worked in the field for years and have been where you are, and where you are trying to go, but also students who are where you are at present. The weekly mindset and code clinic calls reinforce this. If you can’t make a call, they are typically recorded so you can watch later.
Finally, I mentioned above that you are getting the experience of people who have been coding Python professionally for quite some time. At a typical bootcamp, you would learn basic Python. In PDM, you are pushed to learn more about the language and hold yourself to a higher standard.
If you want to learn Python really well, I’ve not come across a better resource than PyBites and PDM. My experience with PDM was transformative. I went from someone who had never built anything, to someone who had built multiple applications, and now had the confidence to do so on his own, from scratch.
Lastly, I should say that with PDM, you get out what you put in. I gained a lot from the experience because I worked really hard. You will have support, but this is not an experience filled with hand holding. That is ultimately a good thing, though, for the reasons I stated above.
Jesse B (USA) PDM Program Client
The time with my tutor Ryan was invaluable to me. Direct access to a subject expert in Django on a 1 to 1 basis makes Pybites stand out as different.
Over a few years I had tried to revive my hobby project without success. Ryan and Pybites have helped get me back on the road and equipped me with a much greater understanding of modern Django.
David M (UK) PDM Program Client
I work as a Data Engineer and already considered myself quite proficient in Python and Software Engineering before embarking on the PDM journey. I joined the program primarily as I was longing a) for a mentor who could help me identify blindspots and support me in further growing my confidence as a developer, and b) for a community of fellow technology enthusiasts to learn, inspire, share and grow with. I also was in the fortunate position that my employer agreed to cover the bulk of the program fees.
And, holy cow, the PDM journey definitely did miracles for me. I can’t pinpoint what aspect of the program exactly it was, but looking back at myself half a year ago, and comparing to now, it is very clear how much I have grown in confidence, ability to stay focused on the immediate task at hand (as opposed to getting side-tracked by perfectionism/tutorials/books), as well as my capacity to think through and develop applications end-to-end in a systematic way.
In regards to the community I was longing to find: Not only did I find a welcoming digital community at PyBites. I also found a group of like-minded people to form a Python-centered reading club with, that inspires me to keep growing a little further each day. And I recently launched a monthly in-person Python meetup in my current hometown that is off to a good start and gives me a lot of joy and energy. PDM certainly played a big role in growing my confidence to take that step.
A lot of people say this about Python as a language, but I feel it applies equally well to PDM: “Come for the program, stay for the community.” I am truly grateful to be part of this diverse network that shares a common vision of becoming ever more well-rounded developers. Thank you, Bob, Julian, Robin, and to all the other coaches for pouring your heart into this. I am looking forward to many more code clinics to come! 😀
Arno A (Netherlands) PDM Program Client
I recently graduated from Pybites’ 12-week PDM program, and the experience was transformative. Under the guidance of my coach, Robin, my Python skills improved.
I worked on three projects:
CRM: A Django-based tool, implemented using cookiecutter and hosted on GitHub, for managing a company’s relationships and interactions with customers and potential customers.
Support Everyday: A platform on GitLab, integrated with OpenAI, Marvin AI, and Streamlit, that offers chat-based emotional support and even allows for voice recording. It’s enhanced with CI/CD testing.
Sales Performance: An app hosted on GitHub that employs Streamlit, SQLModel, and FastAPI to provide accessible sales reports, used pytest for testing.
The Pybites community is vibrant, fostering growth and collaboration among Python enthusiasts. This experience helped me overcome my impostor syndrome, and I owe much gratitude to Bob, Julian, and Robin.
I highly recommend Pybites’ PDM program to anyone looking to elevate their Python skills and join an uplifting developer community.
Iuliana F (Romania) PDM Program Client
As someone who has always been passionate about programming, but often felt overwhelmed and confused of the next steps, I always have been on the lookout for an immersive and practical approach to learning and this is exactly how. This is exactly what I found in the Pybites PDM Program.
I have tried multiple various tutorials and courses and often times I was struggling with tutorial paralysis not knowing what I should be doing next. This was definitely not the case during the PDM Program. I had clear goals that were set by myself and my coach (big thanks to you Robin!) that we discussed and updated during our weekly sessions, and the best part of the program was the hands-on approach to learning.
Unlike other courses that rely heavily on passive learning, Pybites’ ‘learning through doing’ philosophy really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had the opportunity to work on real projects, debug live code, and solve complex problems – these experiences have been invaluable in building my confidence and skills as a programmer.
Another highlight was the personalized feedback I received. Robin was always available for consultation and provided thoughtful feedback on my work. This, coupled with the myriad of learning resources available, helped me to continually improve.
I also cannot praise the Mindset coaching enough – the calls with Julian were invaluable in fighting my imposter syndrome (and increasing confidence), learning how to set my goals better, and were a huge motivation to improve myself more.
I highly recommend the Program to anybody who wants to improve their Python skills!
Kinga F (Australia) PDM Program Client
When I was growing up as a programmer, I used to listen to Bob and the Pybites podcasts. Python, the programming language, is really wonderful. Whenever I face challenges or reach a limit in my career, I always turn back to Python programming. Usually, I work with React, but it’s Python, my first and favorite programming language, that helps me progress to the next level.
I approached Bob and Julian, and they accepted me into the PDM program. During the program, we spent many weeks together on a weekly basis. I had one-on-one sessions with Bob and occasional meetings with Julian, where they treated me as an individual. There were other people going through the program too, and it was an amazing experience being surrounded by individuals who were overcoming different challenges. I finished the PDM program in August 2021 (two years ago).
After graduating from the PDM program, I gained the perspective of a professional and senior programmer. This allowed me to accelerate my own project, and I have been working on it full time for some time now. I am confident that without the PDM program, I wouldn’t have acquired the necessary knowledge to graduate to a more senior programmer. As a result, I wouldn’t be able to effectively work with and manage the programmers I currently collaborate with.
David K (France) PDM Program Client
As a criminal defence lawyer with a long-standing interest in programming, I believe technology has untapped potential to revolutionize my field. When I discovered the PDM (Python Developer Mindset) program, I was optimistic it may help me to better understand and meaningfully contribute to legal technology. I was unsure what to expect, but looking back now, PDM has exceeded my expectations and opened up a new landscape of opportunities.
I had some programming experience when I joined the program, but I never completed a proper Python project. PDM’s Pybites approach, focusing on just-in-time learning, overcoming imposter syndrome, and iterative improvement, was transformative for me. I completed two ambitious projects and gained newfound confidence in my programming abilities.
PDM encouraged me to think big when developing project ideas and to break those big ideas down into small, manageable tasks. My first project idea was for a relatively straightforward, rules-based program that generated correctly-formatted citations from legal cases reported online. The second project idea was for an application that could summarize those decisions into readable case briefs. While I initially thought the latter was in the realm of science fiction, the PDM approach allowed me to make steady progress and ultimately exceed my expectations. I eventually completed both projects, turning both ideas into minimally viable products I hope to continue developing.
The PDM program offered a great support system, including weekly code clinics, regular mentoring, and a community of resources for asking questions and receiving help. This structure and the PDM team’s mastery of setting and encouraging realistic expectations were invaluable.
Looking back, I am more confident coding, discussing and studying subjects like NLP, AI and expert systems, and developing programming projects. PDM motivated me to undertake these projects and made me realize that my big programming ideas are achievable. If you’re considering PDM, be prepared for an intense but enriching experience that will help you develop essential programming skills and perhaps accomplish more than you thought possible.
Daniel B (Canada) PDM Program Client
In my previous role, I taught statistics, machine learning, and discrete modelling in R and used functional Excel extensively. To transition to an industry position – I am currently looking for a position as data scientist/ data analyst – I wanted to improve my Python programming and gain some experience with devops.
This made me sign up to PDM and now at the end of this journey I successfully completed two demonstration projects which improved my portfolio and really rounded out my programming experience.
My first project creates a digital mockup of a temperature quilt and a downloadable pdf pattern. This project showcases my experience with pandas, a key data science skill and Streamlit, a dashboarding package. My second project explores the use of GANS and diffusers. I built a front-end with Streamlit, used FastAPI for the back-end, and PyTorch for Deep Learning.
I really enjoyed the Pybites approach, because it is project based, I learned so much from the personalized approach. I learned so much from the live Code Clinic sessions. They brought in some really amazing people (like Simon Willison and Antonio Melé) to live code for us. I also enjoyed the fact that they took into account program participant’s interests in planning these sessions.
Meeting weekly with my mentor helped my project stay on track and definitely helped me learn important tools (pre-commit, packaging, Conda, git, etc) that so many other programs skim by but are an intrinsic part of modern coding practices. My mentor also guided me towards packages and cloud services (like snowflake) that are part of Data Science. The Mindset Hacking sessions helped me rewrite and re-organize my resume as well as plan my career path.
I was originally interested in the Pybites program because of the organized tracks on their coding platform and the personalized contacts and help that I received through their community.
I loved the fact that I could focus on my projects, which I found really motivating. At the same time, Pybites is extremely organized: my mentor had definite skills for me to master in the context of my projects.
I was definitely excited to be part of the program! I was also excited to meet the other members of the program! It was great to be part of such a motivated group of people! Everyone was friendly and supportive during the program. If you asked a question, people were willing to share their experience and insight.
I’m really happy with my decision to join PDM. I was really able to meet my personalized, individual goals and complete my coding projects. My one word of advice is that there is a time commitment. I definitely recommend committing at least 10 hours per week to the program.
Heather D (USA) PDM Program Client
Tutorial paralysis or tutorial hell is a common problem among beginners learning to code. Julian and Bob talk about it in their inaugural Pybites podcast episode #001 – Tutorial Paralysis.
For me, tutorial hell is a desert I had been wandering for close to 2 years. I had a half-readable map, a compass that sort of worked, and I wasn’t sure about the direction I should go. I started to learn the basics of Python the spring of 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns when I was temporarily furloughed from my job as a research scientist. I went through some basic tutorials/lessons and learned how to solve leetcode problems, however, I wasn’t consistent with my studies and didn’t have a project in my github repo that demonstrated my abilities as a coder. I was lost in this tutorial desert.
I would consider myself a long-time listener to the Pybites podcast where Bob and Julian mentioned PDM many, many times. I didn’t think much of the program in the beginning and thought I could figure it out on my own, but I slowly came to realize I needed help. I am happy to say going through PDM was one of the better decisions I’ve made in a long time.
PDM is not a cookie-cutter project based program where everyone does the same project. You choose what you want to learn and make using Python and try things out with the help of your PDM coach. It is not only a technical program which helped me develop my programming skills, but it also changed my mindset on how to learn programming. Passively listening to a Pybites podcast on the developer’s mindset is quite different than discussing and implementing it during a mindset call (group zoom meeting) with Julian and others in the program.
I wrote out goals, tried to build new and good habits (still a little difficult, but getting there), and did a time audit of my weekly schedule. I consistently began to write code to build my own projects following examples and bits and pieces of various tutorials (tutorials are still useful to figure out how to do something. A carbon-copy of a tutorial project only goes so far). Code reviews and getting feedback from Bob, my PDM coach, made a big difference compared to learning on your own. Live debugging with him was a huge help and a good example on how to tackle them on your own.
By the end of the program, I had created a back-end read-only database using FastAPI with a front-end using Streamlit based on a project idea I attempted to build by myself (and never finished) a year and a half ago. More importantly, I learned how to get myself unstuck when faced with problems and error messages I didn’t understand by searching through documentations, forums, stackoverflow, github issues, etc.
I feel like I am finally at the boundaries of this tutorial desert and have a better idea of where I am and what is out there. My map has been updated with new info from code clinics conducted by Bob, other PDM coaches, and special guests. I am now better equipped from the one-on-one code reviews with Bob. I plotted a better course with confidence on my map to get out of the cycles of self-doubt, self-sabotage, imposter-syndrome, etc. with the help of the group mindset calls with Julian.
My time in PDM may have ended, but it’s only just the beginning to the long road of self-development and coding mastery. For anyone who felt the same as I did, lost in the tutorial desert, I hope you try the PDM program.
Chris S (USA) PDM Program Client
I had not coded at all but I wanted to so, I went to university and got a bachelor’s in computer science, then a master’s in information technology. I had a difficult time finding a job because I lacked experience coding. I struggled answering the questions at technical reviews and solving the coding challenges. I had the knowledge I gained in school but was reluctant to deep dive on my own.
Under Bob and Julian’s guidance in the Pybites Developer Mindset program, I was able to develop a couple of apps to Minimum Viable Product with one of them online @Render and got another one close to MVP. They also encourage starting a blog, which I am about to post my first article, and putting yourself out there on social media. I am still looking for a job but with the confidence and skill I gained through the program, I am sure it won’t take me long.
Jarrod N (USA) PDM Program Client
I am a network engineer, so coding has never been on my “radar.” I figured if I could automate some of the mundanity it would be less to worry about from day to day.
I discovered Pybites when searching the internet to understand python classes, I found the code challenge platform shortly after and dove in. As a beginner I can say that coding (in any language) has always seemed daunting so I made no effort to learn. The Pybites platform is structured so that you are coding from the first challenge and I quickly began to see how beneficial the Pybites platform could be, to say nothing of Python itself. I took the plunge and joined the Pybites Developer Mindset program (PDM) to further my growth. Fast forward 11 months and I now have 2 apps of my own creation. My confidence has increased exponentially and I have real world experience in testing, software best practices, deployment, performance, and design patterns.
For anyone wanting to learn Python I can’t recommend Pybites enough. Bob, Julian, & the entire community have all contributed to my development. You will be surprised at what Pybites can help you accomplish.
Thanks Bob, Julian, and all the other Pybites team members!!
Dabrien S (USA) PDM Program Client
What is something I can do, which will net me the results I’m after??
When I started looking at PDM and working with Bob, I was frustrated with a plethora of things.
Classes weren’t teaching me fast enough, and Bootcamps were too expensive. I knew myself well enough that I needed some accountability to succeed.
It could be argued, I “knew” the basics of Python, but I didn’t know to use return statements in functions. I was starving for more and thirsted for knowledge. Classes weren’t cutting it.
Luckily for me, Bob was willing to take a noob and mentor me towards success. One of the toughest and best decisions I’ve made was joining PDM.
SO … I’m challenging you. Invest in yourself, be disciplined with PDM and watch your life change not just from the influx of $$, but because this entire process, if you let it, will make you a better person in the end.
Wondering where my skills are today? I think the ability to produce the type of visuals below using Python sums it up nicely.
These images were obtained from the OASIS database.
Thanks, Bob and Julian. I am grateful.
Don’t let not knowing something stop you from succeeding in life.
Andrew F (USA) PDM Program Client
When I first started PDM, I had experience in the tech industry and even with programming, but still didn’t have the confidence to pursue my dream of becoming a software developer.
Working with Bob and others in the PDM program not only gave me additional programming skills and experience while building some bigger projects, but this program helped me to see that I was ready to go for a developer job and I hadn’t even finished the program when the offers started coming in.
PDM helped me get out of the endless cycle of tutorials and overcome the feeling that I was never going to be ready. I’ve been at my new developer job for almost 2 months and my confidence continues to increase.
I will always be grateful for the PDM program and the awesome people I met.
Heather G (USA) PDM Program Client
I am in the Information technology space for over 10 years mostly handling database and system operations in Datacenter world (now on Cloud platforms). Cloud Platforms open up opportunities for automation via SDK.
Before joining the PDM program, I was mostly struggling with projects that involved Python and started to shy away from taking up coding projects. I tried to level up my python skills by taking courses from Udemy / online platforms but mostly dropped in the middle of the course (as they get boring).
I had known PDM for over a year but didn’t sign up thinking it would only be for advanced python developers, but after listening to some video testimonials on PDM site I realized there are many people in the same boat as me who are beginner / intermediate level Python who leveled up their skill joining the PDM program.
I signed up PDM program intending to level up my Python skills, I learned not only Python but meta-learning skills like “Just in time learning” (before I was always stuck in Tutorial paralysis).
My favorite part of the program is the expert reviews and 1-1 video session with Bob. Bob encourages mentees not to wait for the code to be 100% ready (trust me it is never 100%) and to push iterative improvements rather than pushing more than one feature set, which is an essential skill set in an enterprise setup.
The other awesome aspect of PDM program is the emphasis on Mindset (thanks to Julian who is an excellent career coach and expert in shattering your self-doubts / misbeliefs ). You can find a ton of technical courses online but never a program like PDM which focus on both Python and mindset.
Two of the three apps I developed as part of the PDM program are now in my production environment and got good recognition among my peers and I no longer avoid coding projects 🙂
After completing the PDM program I am now more confident in relying on documentation / community help and keeping my coding projects moving.
If you are planning to join PDM, then don’t hesitate to talk to Bob / Julian / both, and be prepared to get some amazing results out of the program.
Bob and Julian, thanks for this amazing community you guys have built (PDM / Pybites / Podcast). See you soon.
Manoj K (USA) PDM Program Client
My time spent in the program was time well spent. I have nothing but good things to say about my experience during my ten weeks in the program.
The weekly clinics held by Bob and Julian are top-notch. Bob was great at keeping me going. If he had not heard from me in a couple of days, I would receive a message from him asking how things were going. If I was stuck on something, he was always available to hop on Zoom and do some pair-programming.
The cost of the program comes nowhere close to the amount of knowledge you will walk away with.
Michael Y (USA) PDM Program Client
During my 10 weeks of PyBites Developer Mindset, I was able to not only create an application that I had anticipated starting on for months but also rekindle my deep interest and confidence in software development as a career.
The welcoming learning environment was a huge plus for motivation and support, and Bob’s coaching helped greatly with making progress on my application. I have learned so much from this program including Django, Heroku, and AWS, which I had wanted to learn for a while now- Bob’s extensive knowledge and guidance made this easy.
I also gained plenty of great career advice from Julian, including how to drive career goal decisions with managers. Overall, I would definitely recommend this program to those who want to make something cool and also learn a lot alongside other Pythonistas! Thank you Bob and Julian!
Michelle L (USA) PDM Program Client
Participation in the PDM program absolutely advanced me in growing as a developer. There are different layers of improvement, which made my time spent developing feel much more productive.
The support I received in terms of mindset were crucial in my growth during my weeks in the program. I felt welcomed and held up by the PDM community – everyone is super nice, good humored and always helpful.
Learning how to wrap my brain around problems big and small. The collaborative/mentorship style of coaching is priceless. Having that accountability partner is so useful. Being able to learn and digest how my mentor approached development has expanded my skill set and my own approach to building out features and implementing design patterns in the applications I build.
There are major key words that come to mind when I reflect on my time in the PDM program: learning, expanding boundaries, community, growth.
Luis P (USA) PDM Program Client
My PDM journey started with a dream: I wanted to make a Snippets App. The Snippets App would become a place where I could store, organize my code snippets, and most importantly, run the snippets within the app.
I talked with Bob about the possibilities, my personal wishes, and how we could shape them. After I decided to join the program, I had a chat with Bob and Julian. I felt welcomed and respected for who I am. The following week I started immediately.
It was important to me that I had a mentor with whom I could communicate in Dutch during the coaching calls, and that is why Bob became my mentor. It also played a role that I had already spoken to Bob a few times to become a familiar face, which felt good to me.
The first weeks of the process were challenging and required a lot of energy, but I indicated what would work best for me each time, making it my project. I learned a lot when it came to programming in Python and working with GitHub. Until then, I hadn’t gotten any further than following tutorials and courses, but I never really got much return from that. It’s a form of passive learning that I wouldn’t be getting into any time soon.
Besides working with GitHub, I also learned to work with FastAPI, SQLModel, SQLite, Bootstrap, Pydantic, Pyodide, and Prism. Communicating online was done in English, and so I took steps in my development there too.
The whole project has brought me a lot. I have gained knowledge and skills and gained insights into setting up and developing a larger project. I have learned to act and think in a solution-oriented way, ask questions where necessary, and that failure experiences are part of it.
It was a very positive experience, which if I could do it again, I would grab it with both hands. With Bob as a mentor who explained everything to me with great patience and sometimes dragged me through difficult moments, my dream has come true.
Leonieke P (Netherlands) PDM Program Client
Python rekindled my love of programming and I was very keen to increase my skills and experience.
I decided that two things would really help me to move forward: collaborating on a real project with a mentor, and becoming part of a supportive and experienced community of Python developers.
The PyBites PDM Program gave me both of those things and so much more. A wonderful and unexpected bonus was the motivation, support and camaraderie gained by sharing the journey with other clients in the program. I learned many new skills (technical and mindset), built some cool apps, made some great friends and genuinely had a blast.
If you have the opportunity to take the program – just do it!
Craig R (UK) PDM Program Client
I’ve been working in IT since the early nineties, most of that time spent as an Oracle DBA and Unix/Linux Systems Administrator. I have spent the last 5 years working from home in a full-time position using PostgreSQL and Python on Linux platforms. Most of my python skills are self taught from watching YouTube tutorials or taking Udemy courses, and not from delivering any noteworthy apps of my own.
I decided to join PDM as I wanted to make some Python apps for use within my current company but didn’t have the confidence or knowledge on how to start or structure and app the right way, let alone be confident enough to build and release an app or call myself a Python Developer.
I’d been talking to Bob and Julian on and off for a year, starting coding on their CodeChalleng.es website, before finding the right time to ask my company for some training and in particular PDM.
Well I’m glad I did eventually get onto PDM as it has well and truly blown me away, far exceeding any expectations or notions I had of what this kind of programme can deliver, and probably being one of the most beneficial trainings I have ever undertaken.
From the initial introductions from Bob and Julian, right through to the final wrap-up call, they have been nothing but supportive, welcoming and non-judgemental. The programme is tailored to your specific needs, whilst introducing you to others who all have their own goals for PDM. At no point do you feel out of your depth, but at all times in good, like minded company.
The programme consists of you defining, at the start, two or three apps that you would like to build which will form the basis for your portfolio projects.
You then work on developing those apps supported by Bob and Julian. There are also two group zoom calls a week, one to discuss mindset with Julian and your fellow program participants, which is very inspiring when you realise everyone there is practically in the same boat as you, hearing the different stories and obstacles people have overcome in their careers and getting general advice of how others work and what you can take away from that into your own career. The second group zoom call is a code-clinic where we discuss different coding topics decided on by the group or Bob, where you learn some interesting stuff, and also have the opportunity to present something you are working on or are knowledgeable about.
There is also a weekly code checkin zoom call with Bob, where you discuss your code and any issues or problems you may need help with. Bob applies just enough pressure to motivate you and drive your project delivery forward, invoking you with confidence all along the journey.
My favourite part of the program were these weekly code checkins with Bob (sorry Julian!), keeping me on track and shipping code, even if it wasn’t 100% ready. I think that is when I finally realised that your code doesn’t have to be 100% before you ship it. It’s better to get it out there so that people can see it and provide constructive feedback, than it is to perfect your code before shipping (you will never achieve this, and you will never deliver anything with this approach!).
My biggest highlight of the whole programme was developing and shipping my first ever web app, which is out there for all to see and use. Something I would never have done with YouTube tutorials and Udemy courses alone. That one-to-one feedback and encouragement is invaluable.
Having gone with being completely nervous at the start of the course, not really knowing what to expect, and a fear of being judged, to ten weeks later having the confidence to add “Python Developer” to my resume, and realising that everyone else on the programme is in the same boat as you, regardless of skill level was probably one of the biggest epiphanies you could ever have career wise.
Having now completed the official PDM programme I feel I can continue moving forward releasing more and more apps and improving as I go, whilst also keeping in touch with everyone via the continued use of the Community. I think if I hadn’t joined PDM I would still be stuck going round and round on the tutorial merry go round for eternity!
If you are thinking of joining PDM, or have recently joined PDM, the one piece of advice I can offer is “you have to go all-in”. Be invested in what you are developing, take part in the mindset calls, take part in the code-clinics, don’t be afraid to ask questions, there are no such things as a stupid question and you may be surprised by the responses you get, often opening doors and providing insights you may not have even thought of. There is no other program out there like PDM and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
My crowning glory from PDM was being asked to write a guest blog post on the PyBites blog, something I would never have thought possible in all my years of blogging. And not only a guest post, but a guest post on Python Development, by me, a Python Developer thanks to PDM!
Bob, Julian, I cannot thank you enough for putting this programme together, I’ve gained so much more out of this than any traditional training course I have ever been on, met some wonderful people, and hope to continue those friendships after PDM. See you in the community (there’s no getting rid of me now!).
Lee C (UK) PDM Program Client
I came to PDM after years of working mostly with python’s data science and scientific computing stack. I knew there was so much more to learn about python and software development more generally but I wasn’t clear about how I could get to that next level. With some luck, I stumbled on this page. Yes, this page of testimonials. These testimonials resonated with me immediately and within a day I scheduled a call with Julian to learn more about PDM. Julian walked me through the program format and I decided to enroll on the spot.
PDM is not a bootcamp. I think of it more like a community. The work is self-directed but Bob makes sure you’re on a reasonable path. The weekly code reviews are incredibly helpful and having that one-on-one time to ask questions to an expert was extremely valuable to me.
But PDM also gives you the friendly support of all the other members and mentors. This was the best part of the program for me–being part of such a great, diverse group of people with a common interest. The PDM Community alone is an excellent resource for questions, new python libraries, trends, developer life, and life in general. I got so much out of PDM, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Sean S (USA) PDM Program Client
PDM helped me start transforming my knowledge of Python from an “occasionally and crudely used tool” into my main tool of choice.
The difference between learning by yourself and taking PDM is like the difference between navigating through an unknown town without a map vs. having a map. Both options can reach the goal, but with a map it’s way faster and a more efficient use of your time.
And the same applies to PDM: thanks to good mentoring and proper code reviews from an experienced developer, I was able to keep my focus on the important things. Shortly after PDM I even changed to a Python focused job, which is something I could not do with my previous knowledge of Python.
Josef P (Czech Republic) PDM Program Client
I am a longtime software and systems tester. I’ve been around a lot of technologies, and consider myself fairly well rounded, at least in terms of finding novel ways to break things. I even had a stint as a software programmer back in the early 2000s. But I went back to testing after a time, telling myself that I just wasn’t cut out to be a “real” developer.
I signed up for PDM after being hired into a new role as an SDET (software development engineer in test). I was looking for a way to hit the ground running at my new job, and PDM did not disappoint. Working weekly with Bob in personal mentoring sessions, I quickly found myself learning the mechanics of code reviews, refactoring, issuing and reviewing GH PRs (GitHub pull requests), setting up CI/CD pipelines, using the Python debugger, etc. You know, all that good technical stuff that makes nerds like me excited. It wasn’t long before I posted my first official code on PyPi, and then made my first official contribution to an open source GH repo (the awesome ‘faker’ module). It was very uplifting!
The two weekly video sessions with Bob, Julian and the other program participants were also highly valuable. Rubbing elbows with other “real programmers” really lifted my confidence, and helped me develop the mindset to grow into the role of Python developer (as opposed to hackish scripter). Often, when I was struggling with some technical detail, another of the PDM members would offer to help. Having access to such a wide variety of skillsets was amazing.
Bob and Julian were highly flexible with me, offering just the amount of guidance and “push” to get me to keep going when times were hard, but also giving me some breathing room when I needed it (like, when I moved across the country in the middle of the program). They were always available in the Community, too, which I really appreciated. No question I had ever went long without an answer.
Overall, I thought the program was excellent, and well worth the investment. I am now kicking arse at my new job; my boss even said to me after a few weeks that he was pleased with my progress, and I was the very last developer he was worried about on the team. I credit PDM for boosting me up to the technical level where I could not only “cut it” as a software developer, but also excel, and for giving me the confidence I needed to succeed.
Jeff W (USA) PDM Program Client
I joined PDM in December of 2020 and at the end of 10 weeks of working with Bob I had a fully fledged front end and back end for my app. Did PDM do this work for me? No, but it will give you the tools and processes to get you moving in the right direction and get you unstuck wherever you are with your coding journey. PDM is for beginners and experienced people alike.
My story before joining was a dabbler on the side after the day job and never fully committing because of the fear to be considered a Programmer. That’s for the smart people I would tell myself it’s not for you. It was also never commit because that would require you to do hard work and you will struggle. I had a working front end that was checked into a repo for 2 years. I mulled over what language to use for the back end and then I simply lost motivation and stopped as with most of my projects. I guess you can call it paralysis by analysis or just being lazy but sometimes you need a kick in the butt and that’s what PDM will give you. It will make you commit and do the work!
The accountability and help you get from PyBites is invaluable for the price paid. It’s not just a coding bootcamp, it’s a community of like minded individuals all trying to get better at the craft of coding and at the craft of mental barriers stopping you from getting there. Sitting on the weekly calls I have not met a single person without a wealth of worldly or professional experience willing to share. You’ll be inspired to work harder and be better.
If you are hesitating to join PDM I recommend to just go for it! You have nothing to lose but gain 10 weeks of valuable experience in project building with Python. Be forewarned it’s going to be a lot of work. The program is exactly what you make of it, be prepared to do the work. Bob isn’t going to write your program for you, that’s up to you! Do not join if you aren’t willing to make that commitment because you’ll be wasting your money.
Don K (USA) PDM Program Client
The PyBites Developer Mindset Program has been extremely useful to me.
Bob and Julian have each given me valuable one-on-one attention and advice. Bob has carefully reviewed the most important items in my portfolio, and helped me to upgrade them significantly. Julian has guided me towards important resources that are letting me make full use of my natural abilities.
The PyBites Developer Mindset Program has leveled up my programming skills, increased my value to employers, and raised my own expectations of myself.
I am now well prepared to re-enter the technological workforce after a long absence.
Andy J (USA) PDM Program Client
I’m an entrepreneur that operates physical businesses. I have a background in finance and engineering.
Prior to joining PDM I have been attempting to start a software business for the 4 years before that. I joined a software project as the business co-founder, but the software development never reached the point where actual customers can test use it so I tried to launch my own project.
I learned software development by taking computer science classes at the local university then taking web development classes online. But I found there was a knowledge gap between what I was learning and developing a MVP with Django. I started looking for tutors online, but that didn’t get me as far as I wanted.
Then I came across PyBites and PDM, after talking to Bob I realized this program was exactly what I was looking for. It’s created and run by people with real world development to launch experience that can help me take my project to completion.
At the start of the program I had downloaded some not really well thought out open source code and was trying to code my application into that. It wasn’t working, I kept on having fatal bugs and crashes – all before I even got to a single feature. I was going slower than snail speed… After the program, I have coded all of the core features for my app, figured out how to adapt the theme I had from the beginning into my app.
PDM exceeded my expectations. I was surprised by the amount my software development skills improved. Now I can work through most bugs I encounter and make design decisions.
The weekly coaching code/code review was my favorite part of the program. It was always great to have one-on-one coaching to help advance my project and growth as a software developer.
My “aha” moment came when I was listening to the training on how to debug and how to write better code. At that moment I realized how continuous learning, hands-on practice and individualized coaching would not only bring my coding skills to the next level but also enable it to continuously improve.
One of the highlights of the program happened at the end of the program when Bob asked me to improve the look and feel of the app before we wrap up. I had wanted to adapt a very aesthetically pleasing, professionally designed dashboard theme before the start of the program but didn’t know where to begin and it was taking a lot of time. So I purposely didn’t look at the theme during the whole program. When I went back to take a look, what was an impossible task took me weeks to get no where, took less than 90 minutes to integrate into my app. I was amazed by my new skill level.
My life as a developer has definitely changed. During the program I felt like the theory I learned from prior to the program was finally clicking and falling into places. Now I’m able to use everything I learned and move forward with confidence knowing I know how to start with any projects.
If you are looking to improve your skills, the best way to do it is to work with people who have done it and are doing it. Bob and Julian’s team are the real deal, they’ve been there, done that and are doing it! Not only that, they put together a structured program to guide you through the process.
Nancy L (Canada) PDM Program Client
When I started the PyBites Developer Mindset Program I was a total newbie. When I saw people programming “like pros” on YouTube, I felt I would never be able to code like them.
Throughout the program though, I got up-to-speed with Python in record time. More importantly I became a critical thinker, developing a 360º view of my coding skills and how I could become more valuable to my current employer and the market.
Daniel S (Germany) PDM Program Client
I seriously improved my coding and software design skills through the PyBites Developer Mindset Program.
My biggest win was building 2 real world Django web apps from scratch (I was new to this framework), getting them to work end-to-end, then deploying them to Heroku.
The way we collaborated on Github as developers gave me a constant push and motivation to up my game. Sometimes I got uncomfortable but that was when I actually learned the most.
The skills I learned through this program seriously boosted my confidence and put me on the map to land a software developer job, which is taking my career to the next level (I’m now interviewing!)
Piotr R (Poland) PDM Program Client
PyBites Developer Mindset has given me the technical knowledge, methodologies and confidence to pursue a career as a developer and contribute to open source.
This is something I always wanted to do but never knew where to start. The confidence I gained by building actual web applications allowed me to reach out to other developers and start contributing to an important open source project.
Punit J (India) PDM Program Client
PyBites Developer Mindset has made me grow quickly as a developer by building bigger projects. I created real estate and travel cost estimator web apps.
I also worked on my positioning and got better at job interviewing. I seriously brushed up my blog and portfolio too: the constant content creation sharpened my skills and resulted in somebody reaching out to me with a new gig.
Most importantly though, I got rid of my imposter syndrome and learned the hooks to be successful as a developer from here on out.
Maciej J (Poland) PDM Program Client
I had reached a point where I did not want to continue coding. I was faced with a choice: stay on the same level and go slow or get started on the bigger projects I always wanted to build.
I decided to do something bigger, but I did not know how to carry out the large parts of that project technically.
The PyBites Developer Mindset Program helped me push my experience to collaborate, choose the right custom framework and formulate my project drafts using real software design principles.
Julian and Bob not only guided me on what I needed to know but, as an unexpected bonus, taught me the skills and mindset I needed to be confident in myself and my coding ability.
The improvements to my Python and newfound self-confidence made in just a few weeks would have undoubtedly taken me 10 years to achieve without the coaching in this program.
Alex K (Sweden) PDM Program Client
Do you want to join PDM?
If you’re serious about taking your Python career to the next level, let’s start with telling us a bit more about your goals, struggles and motivation below …
