42 FR

42 (École 42), often referred to as 42 FR for its flagship Paris campus, is a tuition-free private coding school founded by Xavier Niel. It uses a peer-to-peer, project-based model with no traditional teachers or lectures; admission is through a selective intensive trial known as the Piscine. It is based in France, not the United States, and is part of the broader 42 Network of campuses worldwide. The curriculum focuses on software engineering through gamified projects, collaboration, and progressive skill tracks rather than conventional academic degrees. Students learn programming, system administration, networking, and related digital skills in an open campus environment designed for continuous, self-directed work. 42 Paris is widely known for accessibility (no tuition and no prior diploma requirement for entry selection) and for training developers for industry roles. It operates as a nonprofit educational institution within the 42 / Free Educational Organization ecosystem.