What is Hacktiv8 ?

Hacktiv8 is an Programming / Coding Bootcamp situated in Jakarta, with 4 branches spreading across the city. Here, their programmes varies from Full Stack Javascript Course, Part-Time Courses ranging from Front End with HTML, CSS and Javascript to Python for Data Science and also Online Programmes as provided here.

When I applied to this particular Bootcamp, I took the Full Stack Javascript programme, It states that upon graduation, we will have sufficient knowledge to develop, test and deploy websites. What intrigued me to join was the fact that they also claimed that we have a guranteed salary of at least US$730 per month! To me, that was very eye-catching, and also that they do not look at your background of any sort.

So, let me share an overview of the whole Full Stack Javascript programme. The programme has been split into 4 Phases, Phase 0, 1, 2 and 3. Each Phase was focused on a specific range of subjects. Let me explain.

PHASE 0

During this phase, which lasted for 6 weeks, we were educated the basics of Javascript, this included learning about syntax, loops, functions, objects (called dictionaries in Python), arrays (also called lists in Python), recursive and also Regular Expressions.

I would say that when I first started, this was overwhelming for me. I had no prior experience to programming whatsover, and they went at a faster pace than I expected. As a result, I tend to stay up late, and use my time during the weekends to catch up with the current subjects taught.

During our 3rd, and 4th week, on Monday we had Live Code. This was an assessment that lasted for an hour, and was aimed to test our understanding of previously taught materials. It consisted of 3 questions and an extra optional question that if you got everything right, may accumulate to a total of over 100%. To me, this was okay, I managed to keep my composure during the limited time and was able to deliver good results under pressure, But apparently this was a PRACTICE.

The real deal was during our last week. This was when our FINAL LIVE CODE was happening. This was it. It was the one that determined if we got to continue to our next Phase, or we had to repeat the whole process, lasting another 6 weeks. Luckily, with a lot of practice and a pinch of luck, I was able to pass this assessment, and I got to continue to the next Phase! This made me believe that maybe coding was for me, just MAYBE.

PHASE 1

Now, with our basic knowledge of Javascript, we were taken to another level. During this Phase, which lasted for 4 weeks, we were introduced to Object-Oriented Programming(OOP), Callbacks, Promises, MVC Architecture, Database Modelling, SQL and Express.js(Back-end).

To me, during this time was what I felt the MOST stressful. From basics, we were brought to this level of difficulty, with an even faster learning pace than before. Luckily, with the support of my fellow colleagues, we managed to survive and proceed to the next Phase.

PHASE 2

Here is where the fun begins. As we proceed to Phase 2, with our knowledge of successfully developing a fully-functional server, it was time to make the website itself.

During this Phase, which lasted for another 4 weeks, we learnt about 3rd-party APIs, jQuery, OAuth, NoSQL, and REST APIs. To me, this went at a slower pace than last month.

Other than that, we had more time to explore the frameworks for styling, types of 3rd Party Sign-ins, and also more towards UI / UX. Beside our mandatory tasks, during this Phase, for every Thursday, we had a Group Project, in which we were split into Groups of 4.

Given 24 hours, develop a fully-functional app that is both clean, and visually-appealing. This was the stressful part of this Phase, for me. We had to work under pressure, with the constant worry of being chased by the deadline.

Thankfully, during all 4 weeks, I always delivered adequate results. If you're wondering where those applications are right now? I am currently trying to refactor the code, and clean it up. Once that is done, it should be under the "Projects" Page.

PHASE 3

Now, this was the last Phase. During our last 4 weeks, I was both thrilled and frightened. We were about to graduate, but we also had an upcoming Final Project, in which our "Hiring Partners" are going to judge us upon.

To summarize, we dove into another Front-end Framework called React.js and mobile apps with React Native and Expo. As a Front-end wannabe (wasn't that good back then), I was delighted when we got into React Native. We could finally build mobile applications! So I went all out, processing every information I could get and make my best out of it.

A few weeks go by and this was it, 5 days to make a fully functional app that we are going to present to the "Hiring Partners". If you're curious about what my app was about, feel free to click here.

SUMMARY

Now looking back, I never thought I could go this far. After all, I went from playing computer games all day with no purpose of life, to finally be able to do what I love, and getting paid for it!

Sure, I may not be the best, but I try to maximize my efforts in everything I do. So, this was a great journey for me as it was a stepping stone for my growth.

Glad I could share my experiences with you! Hope you enjoyed my story and feel free to read my other articles! If you want to connect, feel free to head back to my Homepage! Thanks for spending your time in reading my article! Please share my story if you enjoyed it and I will highly appreciate it! See ya!