Coding Labs: Hands-on secure code training for Developers 

Upskilling is challenging without Interactive Learning 

In a recent industry survey (The State of Developer-Driven Security Report 2022), 40% of developers stated their training wasn’t hands-on enough. Companies invest in security and secure code training but see little evidence in the results i.e. seeing a reduction in insecure code and a reduction in code rework. More times than not, boring and static secure code training modules disengage developers and yield lackluster results.

Developers won’t have a positive impact on vulnerability reduction without a foundational understanding of key concepts, as well as offensive and defensive strategies. Instead, they are often met with a one-sided, static approach that only explains “how to fix” the code in question. In order to truly grasp critical security concepts, developers need to know how the vulnerabilities work, understand their impact, illustrate what patterns cause them, and be shown how to fix them in a context that makes sense to them. 

There are many developers who are motivated to learn but lack the time to invest in a secure code training program - often feeling frustrated by the lack of hands-on experience. They need a go-to source that supports their varied learning styles and delivers realistic training in an environment they are familiar with. However, most trainings require a lengthy virtual desktop setup or lack the content and scenarios that are relevant to their experiences.

It’s unfair to measure their performance or center developer KPIs to include an emphasis on secure coding when they don’t have the skills built up from interactive and relevant learning opportunities. However, the importance of secure software development cannot be overstated, and getting developers on-board is crucial. 

Enter Coding Labs to bring next-level coaching to developer-driven secure coding with interactive modules all within a convenient in-browser IDE. 

Provide the hands-on training developers want  

Coding Labs is a part of Secure Code Warrior’s flexible, tiered approach to learning and improving developer security maturity. Developers can start with the simpler guided walk-throughs and videos, then advance to Missions and our new Coding Labs. 

Instead of being met with unclear and frustrating “right or wrong” guidance, developers can also be confident they’re learning the right way and improve their comprehension with real-time, contextual feedback. 

Developers can choose between self-paced learning paths, or test their skills in courses assigned by their program administrator. Coding Labs is like a personal trainer, with interactive, hands-on modules with real coding and intuitive feedback, developers can go from learning to doing faster and improve their secure coding skills. 
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Coding Labs: 

• Provides intuitive feedback and contextual hints to ensure developers know “why is this important” in addition to the “how to fix it”
• Facilitates learning through short-form labs that maximize learning outcomes without eating up productivity
• Does not require spinning up virtual desktops or setups - and is simple to deploy to all developers 
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Build Strong Skills and Practice Secure Coding in Real-Time 

Coding Labs enables developers to learn in an IDE-like environment that simulates the way they work, helping them hone their skills by better engaging with the subject matter without distractions. Developers will learn as they code with intuitive guidance that provides context around the ins and outs of avoiding security vulnerabilities.

As part of the SCW platform, this new experience brings a fresh perspective to developer enablement. Developers can train through a variety of training types built on tiered learning – from explanation videos to hands-on challenges, ranging from easy to fiendishly hard. 

Program admins can choose between self-paced learning or creating customized curriculums with Coding Labs as a learning activity. Developers will build up their skills over time -starting with strong foundations by recognizing core principles and increasing their knowledge over time with real-world practice in writing secure code. 

Coding Labs is like a personal coach for developers to work through a new vulnerability with approachable, guided training - eventually working their way up to more challenging and hands-on experience. Leaders can be confident that developers will find the training more engaging, easier to retain, and ultimately apply to the code base to reduce vulnerabilities and rework.

Curious to Learn more? Book a Demo 

Try Secure Code Warrior for Free

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