Is The Complete Web Developer Course Worth It? An Honest Review for New Developers
If you’ve ever wanted to learn web development but didn’t know where to begin, you’re not alone. With hundreds of coding bootcamps and online courses out there, deciding where to invest your time and money feels overwhelming. One of the most talked-about beginner coding courses online is The Complete Web Developer Course by Rob Percival on Udemy. But the big question is: Is it actually worth it?
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this course — from curriculum depth and learning style to pricing, student reviews, and how it compares to alternatives. Whether you’re switching careers or looking to build your first website from scratch, this in-depth review has the answers.
What Is The Complete Web Developer Course?
The Complete Web Developer Course, hosted on Udemy and created by Rob Percival, is one of the most popular entry-level web development courses available. It’s a project-based program that aims to take complete beginners from zero experience to building full-stack web applications.
With over 60 hours of video content, 14 detailed course sections, and real-world projects, this course is designed to provide a solid foundation in full-stack development — including front-end languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and back-end technologies like PHP and MySQL.
Who Is This Course Best For?
The Complete Web Developer Course is ideal for:
- Complete beginners to programming and web development
- Self-learners who want structure without the high cost of a coding bootcamp
- Designers looking to add development skills to their toolbox
- Career-changers seeking affordable, portfolio-driven training
If you’re someone who learns best by doing, you’ll love that this course is structured around hands-on projects rather than dry theory.
Course Breakdown: What Will You Learn?
This course teaches you the core skills needed to build actual websites and apps. Here’s a quick glance at what’s covered:
- HTML5 and CSS3 basics
- JavaScript fundamentals
- jQuery
- PHP and MySQL integration
- APIs (how to pull data from services like Twitter or weather data)
- WordPress site creation
- Responsive design and deployment using real servers
In addition to lectures, students complete practical projects such as a Twitter clone, blog platform, and interactive maps — which you can showcase in your portfolio.
This “learn by building” approach is a standout feature and mentioned frequently in student reviews.
Real Student Feedback: Is It as Good As It Sounds?
If course ratings and reviews are anything to go by, this course delivers. On Udemy, it boasts a 4.3/5 star average from over 100,000 real students.
Here’s what some reviewers had to say:
“Wow! There is a TON of information here. … I already know this course is exactly what I was looking for. … Highly recommend to anyone just starting out in Web Development.” — Peter Burt (source: Udemy Review)
“Great course for beginners. If you want to supplement your knowledge in any particular topic, try out resources specifically meant for that topic.” — FreeCodeCamp forum contributor
Pros mentioned in dozens of reviews include:
- Great value, especially on sale for around $15–$25
- Engaging and clear instruction from Rob
- Practical, resume-ready projects
- Active student forums and responsive Q&A section
Reviews also highlight that Percival updates the course regularly, currently at version 3.0, to keep content aligned with newer standards.
Pros and Cons: Breaking It Down
Let’s face it — no online course is perfect. Here are the key pros and cons:
✅ Pros
- Beginner-friendly and easy to follow
- Tons of real-world, project-based learning
- Covers both front-end and back-end technologies
- Affordable pricing (often on sale)
- Includes bonuses like free hosting and eBooks
❌ Cons
- Advanced developers may find it too basic
- Some content (like HTML/CSS) feels a bit too introductory
- Doesn’t dive deep into modern frameworks like React or TypeScript
- Some sections may be slightly outdated — a common issue in fast-changing tech fields
Rob and his team seem to make a strong effort to update content when needed, but it’s worth being aware that online tech moves fast. If you plan to move beyond the fundamentals, pairing this course with additional learning is a smart idea.
How Does It Compare to Other Courses?
There’s no shortage of web development courses online, but The Complete Web Developer Course still stands out thanks to its affordability and beginner-friendly approach.
Here’s how it stacks up:
| Course | Best For | Price | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Complete Web Developer (Percival) | True beginners | $15–$30 | Project-driven learning |
| Zero to Mastery (Neagoie) | Beginners to Intermediate | $50–$150 | Modern stack, React/TypeScript |
| Colt Steele’s Bootcamp | Beginners | $15–$30 | Deep fundamentals |
| FreeCodeCamp | Motivated Self-Learners | Free | In-depth, text-based learning |
If your goal is to learn React or modern front-end frameworks specifically, you might lean toward Zero to Mastery or Colt Steele’s Bootcamp. But if you need a well-rounded intro and want to get started quickly without burning a hole in your wallet, this course might be your best bet.
Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
Yes — for beginners looking for an affordable and comprehensive entry point into web development, The Complete Web Developer Course delivers real value.
You won’t become a senior dev by the end of it (no course will do that). But you’ll absolutely walk away with:
- A clear understanding of web development fundamentals
- Confidence in building and launching websites
- A portfolio of projects you can show employers or clients
- Resources and direction for your next steps
For most learners, that outcome more than justifies the small investment — especially when Udemy runs regular sales.
Keep in mind: this course doesn’t go deep into popular libraries like React or tools like Webpack. If you’re aiming for a job in a modern front-end role, consider using this course as a strong foundation, then continue learning more modern JavaScript through other resources.
Final Verdict
You’re not just buying a course — you’re buying structure, support, and a clear learning path toward becoming a capable web developer. If you’re on the fence, it’s tough to go wrong at a sub-$30 price point, with a 30-day refund window to boot.
If you’re looking for a “learn-by-doing” foundation in web dev, The Complete Web Developer Course is a solid pick.