Welcome to your first step at 42 Berlin. The Discovery Piscine (also known as the Bootcamp) is your introduction to learning tech in a bold, hands-on way. Each of those courses is designed to help you explore the fundamentals of programming and discover how learning works at 42. Whether you’re diving into Python, AI, or web development, this experience will give you a realistic taste of problem-solving, collaboration, and self-directed learning in a supportive, in-person environment.
This handbook will help you prepare for the journey ahead. Inside, you’ll find what to expect during the bootcamp, how learning at 42 differs from traditional education, and which tools and habits will help you get the most out of the experience.
Remember: this is not about being perfect or knowing everything in advance. Learning at 42 is built on curiosity, experimentation, and peer-to-peer exchange. You’ll learn by trying, by asking questions, and by working together.
So take a breath, stay open-minded, and get ready to explore coding, collaboration, and creativity one project at a time.
The Discovery Piscine is your introduction to learning at 42 Berlin. You may have seen it referred to as a “Bootcamp” a term we sometimes use to differentiate it from our regular “Piscines.” It is a short, immersive experience that gives you a firsthand look at how we learn, solve problems, and collaborate. Depending on the topic, the bootcamp lasts between three days and two weeks.
There are no set classes. The campus is open 24/7, so you can work on projects whenever you want. You will have the chance to explore programming, AI, or web development at your own pace. At the end of the bootcamp, you can choose to present your projects during the closing ceremony and share what you have built.
During the bootcamp, challenges and moments of confusion are part of the process. You will not face them alone. Your peers and the 42 Berlin team are there to support you, exchange ideas, and help you move forward. The focus is on curiosity, growth, and discovering how you learn best.
The 42 Berlin campus will be your second home for the duration of the course.
Address: Harzer Str. 42, 12059 Berlin
Access: Open 24/7 for Discovery Piscine participants with your badge. Guests must be signed in at the front desk and are allowed between 09:00 and 18:00.
Taking part in the Discovery Piscine gives you a fast track to 42 Berlin. By completing at least six projects during the bootcamp, you can skip all other application steps (Logic Challenge + Introduction) before the 42 Piscine.
At the end of the bootcamp, you will have the opportunity to sign up for any of the 2026 Piscines. Registration takes place on the last Friday of the Discovery Piscine, immediately following the closing ceremony at 4:20 PM.
This is your chance to continue your journey at 42 Berlin without extra applications. Focus on learning, experimenting, and completing projects, and you will be ready to take the next step in your tech adventure.
Before your Discovery Piscine (Bootcamp) you will need to come in, present your ID, sign the Terms & Conditions and receive your Pisciner badge. This can be done either on a Friday before your Bootcamp between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. or on the day of your Kick off – between 9 a.m. -10 a.m.
Your Discovery Piscine starts with 1h presentation on the first Monday of your course. It will start at 10:10 a.m. and take place on our campus by Harzerstr. 39-42 in Berlin.
Unlike during the actual Piscine and our Core Curriculum there are no exams during the Discovery Piscine and your learning will be structured by you, your pace, commitment and availability. Our campus is open 24/7 and each project you get will take from a few hours to a couple of days depending on your pace.
To check in and help you go through your questions we organise daily (Mon-Fri) stand ups at 2:10pm. Make sure to be there and connect with our staff members/other students and other discovery pisciners who will help you navigate your learning.
At 42 Berlin, the Discovery Piscine and the Bootcamp are the same experience. We often call it a bootcamp because it’s easier to grasp – it’s a short, hands-on introduction to how we learn at 42. You’ll get to try out coding basics, explore our learning methodology, and see what working in a peer-to-peer, project-based environment feels like. There’s no pressure, no grading, just a chance to discover how you learn.
The Piscine, on the other hand, is part of the admission process. It’s an intensive, multi-week challenge designed to test your problem-solving skills, persistence, and ability to work with others. Unlike the Discovery Piscine/Bootcamp, it’s selective – completing it is required to join 42 as a student.
In short:
Discovery Piscine / Bootcamp: Explore, experiment, and learn the basics – no pressure, no selection – 3-14 days
Piscine: Intensive, selective, and part of getting into the school – 26 days
There are no set requirements, but the more time you spend on campus, the further you’ll progress. We are open 24/7, since there are no classes, you shape your learning by yourself.
You manage your own time. However, being on campus often allows you to benefit from peer support, real-time feedback, and a focused learning environment.
During the Piscine working full time or even part time will be extremely difficult as that 26day programme is incredibly intense. Later once you become a 42 Student it gets a bit less intense but while some students manage to work part-time, the curriculum is a full-time commitment. It’s advisable to focus primarily on your studies, especially during the more intense initial phases. Some students start part-time work after their first internship so they can continue studying while sustaining themselves.
There’s always someone around to help. Your peers are your first go-to. You’re also encouraged to help others, as teaching is one of the best ways to reinforce your learning.
Yes, but use them wisely. All tools can help when you’re stuck, but they should not be a crutch. Avoid copy-pasting solutions and instead focus on understanding the underlying concepts. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited.
There are no exams during the Discovery Piscine. Nothing happens if you fail a project – you can resubmit it as many times as you’d like. Later failure is part of the learning process at 42. You’ll always have the chance to redo or improve on your work. Projects and exams are designed to be challenging, so don’t get discouraged.
If you encounter personal challenges or issues, you can always reach out to the Ops, Tech, Admissions or Pedagogy Team or any staff member for support. Peer support is also an essential part of the 42 experience.
