Month: January 2021

Trying to choose between Codecademy vs Pluralsight vs Treehouse to up your skills? With so much on offer, it can get overwhelming trying to decide which platform is the right one for you.

The good news is that, because there’s so much choice, you’re sure to find the solution best suited to you. All it takes is a little digging to see which platform has the features you need to take your first steps into coding, or to give your career a boost.

In this article, we’ll compare three popular platforms for learning professional web development skills. Along the way we’ll share advice on what type of student each is best suited to. Let’s get started!

Introducing the platforms

The three platforms we’ll discuss all provide online courses for people wishing to learn skills related to web development, and adjacent industries in some cases. However, each has unique features to make it ideal in certain circumstances.

For example, Codecademy is highly accessible, with free beginner’s courses and an easy-to-use interface. Many of its features are appealing to learners just starting out, and to those who are pursuing coding as more of a hobby than a full-time career:

On the other hand, Pluralsight markets itself largely to those who are already working web professionals and want to expand their skills. Freelance developers and agency employees alike can improve their careers:

Meanwhile, Treehouse offers courses for those who know they want a career in web development, but may not have any relevant experience. Their platform provides opportunities to build your portfolio and network with other students and teachers:

No matter which platform you choose, you’ll have access to hands-on learning opportunities that can get you where you want to go in your web development education. It’s just a matter of narrowing down which has the more useful features for you.

Codecademy vs Pluralsight vs Treehouse: Which platform is right for you? (4 key aspects to consider)

While all of these platforms have valuable lessons to learn about web development, each is geared towards different types of students. Considering the aspects listed below will help you determine which is right for you.

1. What types of courses do you hope to take?

One of the most important things to think about when choosing your online education platform is what you’re hoping to learn. While Codecademy, Pluralsight, and Treehouse all have valuable courses, their catalogs have a few key differences.

Firstly, if you want to learn skills adjacent to development – such as cyber security or data and computer science – Treehouse probably isn’t the solution for you. Its five ‘Techdegrees’ focus specifically on different areas of development.

Web Development is also one of four paths you can choose to follow at Codecademy. However, you can also learn Data Science, Computer Science, or just stick to your Coding Foundations. This provides a little more variety and could help you create a more well-rounded resume.

That said, Pluralsight has by far the most extensive course catalog of these platforms, with lessons in a variety of coding languages, mobile development, cyber security, and IT ops. You can choose certain paths to become well versed in a specific area, or pick and choose courses to learn individual skills.

2. Which learning mediums suit you best?

Every student learns a little differently, so considering your preferred learning style might help you decide which platform is best for you. The last thing you want is to waste your time (and money) on video courses when you need a more hands-on approach, or vice versa.

If you choose Codecademy, you’ll gain access to their self-guided, hands-on beginner classes. You’ll get to practice skills as you go, and you can progress at your own pace. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can also look into their advanced classes, which offer personalized support from experienced professionals.

Pluralsight’s most unique offering is their assessments, which enables students to test their skills and can provide helpful information on what you need to work on. Expert-led video courses will help you fill in the gaps, and you can practice your skills with hands-on projects.

Finally, Treehouse offers a more traditional learning experience, with assigned projects and in-house teachers with regular office hours. Their online chat community provides a classroom-like experience, and enables you to interact with other students while working on projects for your portfolio.

3. What kind of student are you?

All types of people can benefit from learning web development skills. Whether you’re a hobbyist, an experienced professional, or someone in between makes a big difference to which platform is best for you.

For example, Codecademy provides an easy-to-use platform for complete coding beginners. Its structure and pricing also make it ideal for students learning on their own, or hobbyists who just want to dabble in code but aren’t planning to make a living on it.

Pluralsight is on the exact opposite end of the spectrum. While beginners and hobbyists could pick it up, it’s designed for those who are already working web professionals. Their team packages enable entire agencies to bring their employees up to speed. Though they offer beginner courses, these lessons still tend to build off of prior knowledge.

If you fall somewhere in between those two descriptions, you might try one of Treehouse’s Techdegree programs. These are ideal for students who know they want to pursue a career in web development, but have little experience with coding. By building your portfolio, these courses can help you break into the industry.

4. How much are you willing to spend?

Of course, price is also an important factor to consider when choosing a platform. The cost of these platform varies widely, so you can almost certainly find something to fit your budget.

If you want to start your development education for free, you’ll definitely want to try Codecademy. Their self-guided beginner courses are available at no cost. More experienced students might prefer their affordable advanced projects and classes at $15.99 per month, or their 6–10 week intensives at $199 each.

Pluralsight personal plans start at $29 per month or $299 per year. Depending on what you want to learn, the price may be worth it. Their team plans – $579 per user, per year – are pricey, but include access to additional features and the ability to collaborate with team members.

Last but not least, you can earn a Treehouse Techdegree for $199 per month. It’s quite an investment, but considering the extra guidance and networking opportunities for new professionals, it makes sense. They also offer self-guided courses for $25 per month.

Overall, you get what you pay for with these platforms. If you’re not sure if you want to dedicate money to learning development skills, we’d recommend trying out Codecademy’s free courses, then moving to another platform if you want to expand your knowledge beyond what you can learn there.

Codecademy vs Pluralsight vs Treehouse: Which platform is right for you?

The decision is ultimately up to you, but based on the criteria we explored above, we’d recommend Codecademy for hobbyists and anyone who wants to dip their toes into the water before diving headfirst into a development career. Their free self-guided courses are great for those just starting out.

If you’re a professional developer working for an agency and want to work with your team to improve your skills, Pluralsight is definitely the way to go. Additionally, freelancers looking to expand their skills and increase their rates could also benefit from Pluralsight’s personal plans.

With their relatively high prices, Treehouse probably isn’t for casual coders or those who aren’t fully committed to a future career in web development. That said, their portfolio-based classes and the chance to network with teachers and other students are ideal for those breaking into the industry.

Conclusion

You may be interested in learning code as a hobby, or have hopes of launching a web development career. Regardless, online technology education platforms are a useful place for beginners to start learning, and for experienced professionals to brush up on their skills.

When comparing Codecademy vs Pluralsight vs Treehouse, consider these important questions:

1. What types of courses do you hope to take?
2. Which learning mediums suit you best?
3. What kind of student are you?
4. How much are you willing to spend?

If you are on the internet, you are very much vulnerable to security attacks, hackers, and threats no matter what. The Internet is filled with all sorts of people, and to make sure you are safe on the internet and your information remains with you only, you need to take specific steps. A very prominent step in one of them is getting a reliable VPN service.

What is a VPN?

A VPN or a Virtual Private Network is an encrypted connection built over the internet from a device to an entire network. In simple terms, VPN adds an extra layer of security via encryption to an insecure or less secure public network. This means that your web browsing and surfing experience is more secure and safe.

Just saying “an extra layer of security” is only a fraction of what VPN is capable of. If you are a frequent user of a public network like a coffee shop or a co-working space, a reliable VPN service can protect you from many security problems and data leaking possibilities. On top of this, since a VPN is a private network hosted elsewhere, it can also help you in the viewing country, or area restricted content quickly.

How Does VPN Work?

When you browse the internet, a query is generated and sent to the resources you are requesting. This query travels through numerous servers, physically spread over the world. The thing with these servers is that you cannot rely on them when it comes to security and protection of your data. If somebody wants to hack into what you are entering, they can tap into your network and gain access to all your data. Hackers and even government can easily tap into what you are sending and receiving and can easily exploit that data to harm you or your business. A VPN creates a private network that works as a middleman and acts as a point to point network connection between you and the VPN server.  When a Virtual Private Network is in place, your search request is encrypted and then gets sent to the VPN server. Then the VPN server requests the data from the source website or address and encrypts it before sending it back to your device. This way, your internet connection remains secure and far away from hackers, malware, your internet service provider, and even the government.

Why WordPress Users Require a VPN service?

So, we now know what VPNs are used for and how they can help you in maintaining a secure network over the internet. Let’s take a look at why you need a VPN service. Why don’t we look at this with the help of an example? Let’s say you are working on your website or your client’s website from a coffee shop and minding your own business. Since you are on a public network like a coffee shop, you are vulnerable to attacks and data breaches since literally anybody can get access to the wifi network quickly. I mean, how hard it is to ask the barista for the wifi password?

Once a hacker gets the wifi access, they can tap into what you are sending and requesting from your system. For example, you enter the details of your WordPress admin dashboard, your details and credentials can be stolen. If you are accessing through an HTTPS, you are much more secure. This is because the traffic is already encrypted, but this is not always the case. For example, if you are working on a client website without SSL certification, your only reliable way to deal with this is by using a virtual private network or VPN.So, if you, too, are a WordPress user, you can log into any website and from any network, private or public, without worrying about data theft or any hacking attack. With a VPN, you can also boost the security for your website. For example, if you have a VPN service that comes with a dedicated IP Address, you can create a VPN with static IP, that way, you will be able to safely access your website no matter where you are in the world. You can restrict some sensitive parts of your website to only accessible from a specific IP address with this, making your data more secure.

How to Choose the Best VPN as a WordPress User?

There are quite a few good VPNs out there, and if you are going to buy one of those, you need to make sure that you know the things you should be looking for. If you are not aware of what VPNs are, I would strongly recommend that you go through these points before making a purchase. If you do not want to do that, you can go through our list of top 3 VPNs for WordPress users and can choose the one you like. But before we get there, let’s discuss what features make a VPN service worth going for.

Here are the things that you must look at before selecting a VPN service.

Easy Setting Up

Nothing is worth going after if it only complicates things, and this applies to VPN service providers as well. You need to go with a provider, which makes your jobs more effortless and secure. Ideally, you can select a provider with an easy setup and getting started guide and can be set up without any technical assistance requirement.

Performance & Bandwidth

You do not want a slow bandwidth VPN. It can be pretty annoying in your daily usage and can kill your productivity as well. If the VPNs do not have the infrastructure to support faster connections, it will reflect in your daily productivity. This is something you do not want.

Dedicated IP

Not all, but some VPNs allow you to pay a little more, and for that extra amount, you get a dedicated IP address. This address can be beneficial if you want to restrict some parts of your website. Parts like super admin controls, or any other sensitive side of your website which you do not want to be accessible from anywhere in the world. For such scenarios, a dedicated IP address is perfect.

Servers and Physical Locations

The more servers the VPN provider has, the more options you get to choose from. Having more servers will allow you to get access to content which is locked based on the geographical locations, and you always get the option to jump from a slower location server to a faster one.

Data Security and Privacy

After all, you are doing this to add an extra layer of security. Why leave this out now? You need to make sure that your VPN service provider comes with the best layer of added security to protect you from any potential issues and attacks. 

Price

Last but not the least cared about. Do not directly go ahead with the cheapest option out there but see and compare the features and return you get for the price you pay. Also, you can take a look at the prices for more extended periods. You will see a significant difference in the price you pay for monthly plans vs. the price you pay for the yearly rates. With these things to keep in mind, you can now take a look at the top 3 VPNs for WordPress users out there. You should do an individual check and see if the VPN clears the requirement or not. Let’s have a look at the top 3 VPNs for WordPress.

Top 2 VPN Services for WordPress Users

Here are the top three WordPress VPN services that you can go with. All these services are excellent, and you can choose any of these VPNs, and you will get one of the best deals out there.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a very popular option when it comes to VPN service. Moreover, ExpressVPN has a strong network of servers with over 145 locations in 94 countries. Not just standard encryption, they offer industry level encryption. It is super useful in keeping your identity secure and protecting you from any targeted malicious attack. Coming to ease of use, it comes with a fleet of apps compatible with all platforms and devices. While the download and surfing speed is awe-inspiring with ExpressVPN, the user-friendly apps make up most of the USP of the VPN service provider. Even If you have no experience with VPNs, ExpressVPN is one of the best services you can get. Any beginner with minimal knowledge with a VPN will be able to set it up quickly.

Key features of ExpressVPN:

Ease of Connectivity

So far, one of the best features of ExpressVPN is that it is super easy to get started. No matter what device or platform you are using, ExpressVPN will have a solution for that.ExpressVPN comes with a dedicated app for almost every device.

• macOS
• Windows
• iOS
• Linux
• Android

On top of these platforms, if you are surfing the internet and looking for encryption help on your browser, they have extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and even Safari. Other than WordPress usage, if you want to stream Netflix from another or wish to join a server in another country using PlayStation, you can do that too with ExpressVPN. You can connect to AppleTV, Fire TV, Smart TV, Playstation, and loads of other devices. If you can configure the router yourself, great! But if you do not know how to configure your router, ExpressVPN sells pre-configured routers that require no setup.

Server Locations

The ExpressVPN is spread over 160 locations in 94 countries with unlimited server switches and speed. This makes it possible for you to connect from anywhere in the world.

Privacy

ExpressVPN is equipped with top-notch privacy protection practices, which is sure to protect you from any malicious attack. The service comes with hacking and surveillance protection with 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch, DNS/IPv6leak protection, and split tunneling.

Pricing

ExpressVPN allows you to use the VPN on three servers simultaneously with a single subscription. Regarding plans, they range depending on the duration of the billing. Here are the details of the three plans: For the monthly billing, price is $12.95 per month. For six months plan, the price comes to $9.99 per month. And, for the yearly plan, the monthly cost comes down to $6.67 per month, with a total of 99.95 billed annually. You also get a bonus of 3 months with the yearly plan.

SurfShark VPN

While other companies listed here are considered the big players, and someone might say they are a popular option. But other reliable and stable VPNs are entering the market recently. And SurfShark VPN is one of those emerging companies.SurfShark is a trustworthy VPN company with secure infrastructure and fast servers. While it might have fewer servers and locations, it does have some unique features that set it apart from others.SurfShark offers the best plans and pricing options that will fit even the tightest budgets. This feature does make SurfShark one of the most affordable VPN services out there.

Features of SurfShark VPN:

Reliable Security

SafeShark does a great job of keeping your data and information secure, so it does not land in the wrong hands. With the encryption techniques and protocols (OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec) being used are the best in the industry.

Anonymity

SurfShark can easily cloak your IP address and redirect it through a secure VPN tunnel. This allows you to stay anonymous no matter what you do online. Also, like other VPNs, SurfShark comes with a kill switch, as well.

Privacy First policy

SurfShark is based in the British Virgin Islands, as well. This helps SurfShark in keeping away from strict data retention laws. With the no-logs policy, SurfShark does not have anything to give up, which is a big plus in case the government ever requests the logs in the jurisdiction they are in.

Unlimited Devices

You can connect with as many devices you want with SurfShark. Since you can connect all your devices like computers, mobiles, TVs, routers, tablets, etc. with SurfShark, it makes it possible for you to browse privately entirely.

Other Notable Features:

Whitelist

With the split tunneling feature, you will be able to create separate tunnels. This makes it possible for you to whitelist websites that go through the natural passageways and a different tunnel to direct all the other traffic through the encrypted passageway.

MultiHop

MultiHop makes it possible for you to connect from different countries at once, making it possible for you to take your ID protection and footprint masking to a different level.

Camouflage Mode

Camouflage mode adds an additional mask on your encryption, which assures that even your ISP can’t tell if you are using a VPN.

Pricing

The price of SurfShark starts at $1.99 per month if you go for the two-year plan, and for the 12-month plan, it costs $5.99 per month. If you want a single month plan, you can get it for 11.95 per month.

Winding Up – What is the VPN of your choice?

The VPNs listed above are the best in the industry. You can choose from any of the 2 VPNs, and you will do just fine. If you have specific requirements, so make sure to check them before purchasing the VPN of your choice.

Fact: I do not like spending a lot of money on clothes. While I understand the “quality over quantity” argument, I’ll take my $10 pair of jean shorts from Forever 21 or $7 dress from Shein any day. Why? Mostly because I fall in and out of love with my clothes faster than contestants on the Bachelor and so I’m constantly wanting to buy new things—i.e. the cheaper the pieces, the better for my budget.

My spend-as-little-as-possible philosophy applies to bathing suits, too. So when I started seeing some of my favorite influencers on Instagram start posting about their wildly inexpensive—and wildly cute—bikinis from Zaful last summer, it took me all of two seconds to head to the site and order a few for myself. I was skeptical, sure, especially after reading some reviews about sizing nightmares and poor quality. But I was willing to risk that—after all, if one of my purchases didn’t work out, I’d only be out $10 max.

Now, a year later, what do I think of my Zaful bikinis? Are they worth buying? (Spoiler alert: It depends.) Below are my thoughts on Zaful swimwear, from how it fits to how it feels to, most importantly, how it looks.ADVERTISEMENT

What is Zaful?

Zaful is one of a handful of brands that have recently gained Instagram fame for its trendy apparel sold at ridiculously low prices. While the retailer sells everything from women’s apparel to men’s apparel to accessories, it’s best known for its inexpensive swimsuits that you’ve likely seen popping up all over social media. Zaful’s mission says it all: “To become the leading online fast fashion brand and empower everyone’s dream.”

How do Zaful bikinis fit?

Rumor has it that Zaful bikinis run small—and to be honest, they do. Or at least the two that I bought did. I typically wear a small but decided to order a medium in both bikinis and they fit perfectly (normally mediums are too big so this confirmed the small sizing fear). That being said, though, they fit great—the cups of the top were just the right size and the bottoms provided enough coverage (no thongs here!) without looking like granny panties. And any woman who has shopped for bikini bottoms recently knows that combination is almost impossible to find.

Plus, Zaful has a whole collection of plus size swimwear, too, along with all different swimsuit styles that fit and flatter any body type. Whether you want a size S one-piece or a size XXXXL high-waisted bikini (and anything in between), Zaful has a wide variety to choose from.

Is Zaful swimwear good quality?

The first summer I owned my Zaful bikinis (i.e. last summer), I had zero issues. I wore them at least 15 times each, including at the beach, the pool, and the river. I didn’t notice any pilling or fading—until this year. The bottoms of the black bikini have a little bit of pilling while the top has noticeably faded to a much less deeper shade of black. The cheetah bikini, however, is holding up just fine.

I also noticed that some of the elastic is starting to become a lot less stretchy, especially in the bottoms. That’s not a problem when I’m just laying out but can cause some near wardrobe mishaps when I’m up playing volleyball or swimming in the ocean. Fortunately it’s not too bad yet but I can’t imagine that the black bottoms will make it to next summer at this rate.ADVERTISEMENT

That being said, there have been zero issues with the cheetah swimsuit which leads me to believe that, like the clothes from similar brand Shein, Zaful swimwear can be hit or miss. Certain bathing suits are better quality than others—so I definitely recommend reading reviews before you purchase a suit just to see what others have experienced with that particular piece. Also, while the black bathing suit is likely going to have to be tossed after this year, that still means it lasted for two full summers. And for just $10, I can’t really complain. That’s a great value buy in my book!

Should you buy a Zaful bikini?

If you’re looking for a high-quality bathing suit that will last you for years and years to come, probably not. But if you just want a few inexpensive, fun swimsuits to add to your current collection (and understand that they won’t last more than a season or two), then yes. I’m a big fan of Zaful swimwear because I like switching up my bikinis every year and Zaful is a cheap way to do that.

They may not be the highest quality bathing suits and sizing can be hit or miss but in this case, you get what you pay for. (Not to mention they have plus sizes and styles for any and every body type.) And even if your bathing suit only makes it through two summers, that’s more than worth the measly $10 you spent on the entire set. I.e. I give Zaful a big thumbs up for those of us who don’t want to spend a lot on swimwear and still get a bikini that you can wear for a few months.

Shop all women’s swimwear at Zaful