Boot.dev Blog
Python Assert Statement, How to Test a Condition
by Lane Wagner - Boot.dev co-founder and backend engineer
In Python, an assertion is a statement that confirms something about the state of your program. For example, if you write a createUser function and you are sure that the user needs to be older than 18, you assert that the age field is greater than or equal to 18. You can think of an assert statement like a unit test that is performed at runtime.
Removing Duplicates From a List in Python
by Lane Wagner - Boot.dev co-founder and backend engineer
Let's go over a few idiomatic ways to remove duplicates from lists in Python.
Complete Guide to Removing Elements From Lists in Python
by Lane Wagner - Boot.dev co-founder and backend engineer
While lists aren't the most efficient data structure if you'll be doing lots of deleting from the middle, there are definitely good ways to accomplish the task. The built-in remove() method should be your first option. Let's go over some examples.
How to Use the Ternary Operator in Python
by Lane Wagner - Boot.dev co-founder and backend engineer
Developers love concise code that's easy to read, and that's exactly what ternary operators are for. The ternary operator in Python lets you perform a small if/else statement in a single line. Let's take a look at a few examples.
Check If a File Exists in Python: pathlib and os.path
by Lane Wagner - Boot.dev co-founder and backend engineer
How to check if a file exists in Python with pathlib or os.path, plus when Path.exists(), Path.is_file(), and FileNotFoundError fit.
Generics in Go
by Lane Wagner - Boot.dev co-founder and backend engineer
Generics let Go code reuse the same logic with different underlying types. They reduce duplication without giving up compile-time type safety.
Your Code isn't Correct
by Lane Wagner - Boot.dev co-founder and backend engineer
There is a common trap that we fall into as developers, and it is believing that because some code "worked" that the code was written "correctly". In reality, for most technical problems, a good developer can likely point out several different solutions. Any of those solutions might be perfectly reasonable, while none of them is the single "correct way".
Coding Interviews - Why you shouldn't give homework
by Lane Wagner - Boot.dev co-founder and backend engineer
A while back I went through the interview process at a company I won't name here. The first interview was basically just a phone screen, where I was able to chat with my would-be manager about things like compensation range, tech stack, work duties, etc. It went well! The guy was delightful.
Python vs C++: Which Should You Learn First?
by Meghan Reichenbach
Python is easier for most beginners; C++ offers more speed and control. Compare their syntax, performance, use cases, and learning curves.
PHP vs JavaScript: Which is Best for Web Development?
by Meghan Reichenbach
When comparing programming languages, it's not often that you come across two that actually work well together, but that happens to be the case when it comes to PHP and JavaScript.
Node.js vs JavaScript: The Low-Down
by Zulie Rane - Data analysis and computer science techincal author
So you're a fan of web development? Great! You're probably already familiar with JavaScript (if not, check out our JavaScript course here) and may have heard of Node.js as well. But which one is better, and how are they different? When should you pick Node.js vs JavaScript?
Ruby vs JavaScript: Which Language Should You Learn First?
by Meghan Reichenbach
When broken down into core features – like programming style and code execution – JavaScript and Ruby seem deceivingly similar, but there are a few constitutional differences.
Python vs PHP: 9 Critical Differences Examined
by Zulie Rane - Data analysis and computer science techincal author
PHP famously claims to be the backend programming language for just under 80% of the Internet. However, if you look at the popularity rankings of programming languages, Python is consistently far ahead of PHP. How can that be? Both languages can be used for backend web development, and PHP was even specifically made for web development.
The Best Product Managers Have The Worst Ideas
by Lane Wagner - Boot.dev co-founder and backend engineer
It's hard finding good product people. That fact is really a tragedy because they are probably the most important part of any product-focused organization. I think there is a misconception in the software industry that product managers have a good sense of "what users want", "what the next feature should be" or "ux design". In reality, I've come to believe that the best product managers aren't good at any of that, and they know it.
Ruby vs Python: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Choose
by Zulie Rane - Data analysis and computer science techincal author
A ruby is a beautiful red gemstone; a python is a beautiful green snake. Aside from that, they're both very popular programming languages. They're popular for different reasons, and they're good at different things. Before you choose between Ruby vs. Python, make sure you ask yourself these 10 questions.
The Best Way to Learn Python: A 5-Step Roadmap
by Zulie Rane - Data analysis and computer science techincal author
The best way to learn Python is to write code in a structured order, then build projects. Follow this five-step roadmap from basics to independent work.
19 Simple JavaScript Projects for Beginners [Updated for 2026]
by Zulie Rane - Data analysis and computer science techincal author
Really good JavaScript projects for beginners can be tough to find. Sometimes they're too hard, or assume too much prior knowledge. Sometimes they're actually too easy, and don't push you to develop any solid JavaScript skills. (Cough cough, that tic-tac-toe game I know you've probably seen recommended about a thousand times by now.)
C# vs JavaScript: Choosing the Best Language for You
by Meghan Reichenbach
JavaScript (JS), once regarded as simply a "glue language", has gone on to become the most popular programming language in the world.
Four-Course Python Data Structures and Algorithms Track Released
by Lane Wagner - Boot.dev co-founder and backend engineer
We recently took a look at our course curriculum and felt that our current Learn Algorithms course, written in Go, would be better served if it covered Python instead. After much deliberation, we decided to rewrite the course, and we're super excited to have now released the course in Python!
HTML vs CSS vs JavaScript Explained
by Jamie Dunmore
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the most important tools in your arsenal for all your web design escapades. Rather than compete, they complement and augment each other, and their power expounds when they're combined -- like internet Power Rangers.
Well, We Might Have a Video Call for That!
by Lane Wagner - Boot.dev co-founder and backend engineer
This article contains some of my thoughts on communications for distributed teams and is a response to No, we won't have a video call for that! by Florian Hass. Read his article first if you haven't yet, he makes some great points!
Node.js vs Golang: Compared Over 6 Key Areas
by Meghan Reichenbach
In 2009, the computer science world was blessed with two powerful tools: Golang and Node.js.
Go vs C#: Compared Over 5 Key Areas
by Meghan Reichenbach
Golang and C# offer a unique mixture of similarities and differences, having both been inspired by the same language, C.
Rust vs Python in Data Science, Systems Development & More
by Meghan Reichenbach
Rust and Python contrast in a unique way because while they both provide back-end web support, Python thrives as a flexible and consistent language, while Rust makes a name for itself with raw power and speed.
9 Outstanding Reasons to Learn Python for Finance
by Zulie Rane - Data analysis and computer science techincal author
If you're thinking about dipping your toe into the finance sector for your career and you stumble across this article, you may be wondering, "How can Python help in finance?"
