The 7 Best Places to Learn to Code for Free (2019)
It’s becoming increasingly practical for kids and adults alike to learn coding skills. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that between 2016 and 2026, employment of software developers in the U.S. will increase by 24% to over 1.5 million jobs. “Computer” industry jobs are projected to grow at nearly twice the speed of occupations overall.
And yet, Code.org reports that only 35% of U.S. public high schools are teaching computer science. This lack of standardized education has contributed to a surge in online coding resources over the past several years, leaving students with a paralyzing array of extracurricular choices and little guidance on where to start.
That’s why we’ve gathered seven accessible websites that teach necessary programming languages in a way you’re more likely to remember down the road.
1. Codecademy
Since its start in 2011, Codecademy has maintained its focus on revolutionizing education for the modern and changing world. With over 30 free courses, including hundreds of hours of hands-on exercises, they offer a variety of introductions to the programming world.
Codecademy’s learning experience works fully within your web browser, further paving your way toward code ninja status.
Take your first step with their Introduction to JavaScript. After the newbie-friendly tutorials, dive into responsive environments like React and AngularJS.
2. freeCodeCamp
In a field crowded with boring explanations and cookie-cutter examples, freeCodeCamp offers an education based on a thorough, community-driven learning approach. Their projects have received extensive praise from experts and first-timers alike for their depth, attention to detail, and memorability.
If you’ve got the 300 hours they advise to set aside, you can achieve a freeCodeCamp certificate in one of six areas of development. These accomplishments make strong additions to a college application or resume.
Get your foot in the door of web design with their course on Basic HTML and HTML5.
3. Codewars
Gamers and competitors form up! Codewars, in conjunction with Qualified.io, has created a social platform with real-world coding challenges designed to motivate you to level up to mastery. This platform’s martial arts theme is a nod to their individualistic, challenge-based skill training.
Codewars supports practice in over 30 programming languages, with users adding and completing challenges daily. A one-question quiz is all that stands between you and a world of challenges and collaboration that pushes you to grow.
This isn’t the place to start if you’re not familiar with coding yet. But once you feel comfortable with the fundamentals of a language such as Java, come here to test your new skills.
4. Google’s Python Class
Trusted, straightforward, and thorough, Google’s Python Class includes walkthroughs, videos, exercises, and forums on the principles of programming in Python. The increasingly popular scripting language is behind many popular applications and programs we use today, which makes it a highly transferable skill in today’s job market.
This class will equip you with the software you need and let you put theory into practice. Best of all, you can complete this free intensive in as few as two days!
If you feel comfortable with general coding fundamentals, then you’re ready to start Google’s Python Class.
5. The Odin Project
Removing the outer letters from “coding” leaves you with the name of a mythological Norse deity whose storied shrewdness would surely make him a master coder. More than 80,000 users have taken on The Odin Project’s free, open-source web development curriculum. Their courses are accessible to novice programmers and experienced professionals alike, designed to push developers towards a more comprehensive skill set.
The curriculum starts with a course through the basics of HTML and CSS web design. From there, you can focus on tracks highlighting specific technologies, altogether encompassing over 200 hours of learning activities.
Their Full Stack Ruby on Rails track starts from the very basics and ends in full-stack web development.
6. Mozilla’s Javascript Guide
Tech giant Mozilla is known for Firefox, Thunderbird, and dozens of other industry-leading apps. Their community has also built an immense library of development knowledge. The Javascript Guide is an exhaustive collection, perfect for the student looking to take a deep dive into the fundamentals of this language.
Check out “Regular Expressions” for a fantastic overview of a pattern that has many professional applications.
7. Exercism.io
Not to be confused with demon-chasing practices, Exercism.io is a rapidly-growing community that creates peer-reviewed coding exercises. The open-source platform runs through the efforts of mentors, developers, and a growing base of contributors.
Created by Katrina Owen in 2013, Exercism.io features organized training in over 50 languages, all mentored by experts in their fields. For example, you’ll find nearly 50,000 students, 93 mentors, and over 100 unique exercises in their popular Python track.
Honorable mention: Hackr.io
Still looking for the perfect learning experience? Hackr.io probably has it. They crowdsource recommended tutorials on a wide variety of tech skills, from Arduino to Swift and lots in between.
Browse by programming language to see top picks according to user feedback. You can also filter to see courses for beginners, what sub-topics they include, and which are available for free.
Starting Your Coding Project
Once you start building your own software, you may find a new challenge in recalling the things you learned. Fortunately, there are some great online tools to keep you sharp.
For a quick reference to the function of a particular aspect of your code, head to W3Schools. There, you can read and practice in many languages. If you find something new and interesting, dive into their free tutorials on everything from HTML to jQuery.
For inspiration, and introductory coding tips and tricks, check out helpful articles on programming blogs like G2 and RS Web Solutions.
Stumped on a Computers and Technology homework question? Ask Brainly!
Looking for some feedback on a tricky code issue? Stack Overflow‘s coder forum of over 16.5 million questions is bound to include guidance for your programming obstacles. If you can’t find the answer, pose a new question to the community!
And lastly, for everything from development support to storage, head to GitHub. Here, you can host your projects, share with the world, and get help from other developers.
Starting Your Coding Project
From school classes to coding bootcamps to video tutorials, there are many ways you can learn the myriad languages of coding. The free programs listed above are just one path, but you’re sure to find some memorable ways to boost your skills among them.
Good luck, and don’t forget to include your experience on these sites when you’re applying to a school or job!
