It equates to (more or less) the method of teaching to swim by throwing them in a pool: swim or drown. In 42's case, it's code something or fail your class, but

It equates to (more or less) the method of teaching to swim by throwing them in a pool: swim or drown. In 42's case, it's code something or fail your class, but without any (or much) guidance, mostly in self-taught way.