Top Free Resources for Learning How to Code
by Eric Karkovack on Nov 18, 2020 Cover photo by Christina Truong via StockSnap.io.
There has never been a better time to learn how to code. For one, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects software development jobs to grow by 22% within the next decade – and that was before COVID-19.
Speaking of which, the pandemic has forced a number of us to begin working from home. And coding is a skill that can be performed from just about anywhere. Therefore, it’s a career path that will remain necessary and relevant. That’s quite reassuring in such uncertain times.
But what if you don’t know how to code? Or maybe you have some coding knowledge and want to level up your skills? You don’t have to miss out on the available opportunities.
There are tons of great resources online that will help you learn various programming languages. Whether you’re interested in web technologies (CSS, HTML, JavaScript, PHP) or focus more on desktop (C#, C++, Java) and mobile app (Kotlin, Swift) development – it’s all out there.
Today, we’ll share some of the top online resources for learning how to code. Our focus here is on free options. This will enable you to learn a valuable skill without busting your budget. Let’s get started!
Codeacademy
Codeacademy is one of the most well-established resources for learning to code. It features a great selection of languages and subject matter, such as: web development, data science, computer science and machine learning. You can even take courses for game development.
There’s a free tier of “basic” courses, along with paid memberships that come packed with extras. You’ll find enough here to learn the fundamentals and expand your depth of knowledge.
MIT Open Courseware
MIT, yes – that MIT, offers over 2,400 free online courses. In fact, they’re the very same ones that students of the famed institution have access to.
Thankfully, that includes a wide array of introductory and advanced programming courses. Whatever skillset you’re hoping to attain, you’ll likely find it here. The courses are top-quality and you simply can’t beat the price.
Khan Academy
You may be tempted to associate Khan Academy with courses for school-aged children – and that’s accurate. But the online educational powerhouse also offers free courses that will get you coding as well.
Learn CSS, HTML, JavaScript, SQL and more to get your web development career off the ground. In addition, courses on advanced subjects like algorithms and cryptography are also available. No matter your age, you’ll find something of interest here.
Google Web Fundamentals
Google knows a thing or two about web development. And they’ve launched the Web Fundamentals reference to share their vast knowledge. This free guide will help you learn how to build web experiences the Google way. That means a focus on tools and technologies championed by the massively-influential company.
It’s not a traditional course, per se, but more like a set of principles to rely on. You’ll learn about key concepts such as user experience and accessibility, while trying your hand at several demo projects. This is a destination you’ll come back to time and again.
freeCodeCamp
Are you a beginner? freeCodeCamp has a number of offerings to that will get you on the path to becoming a software developer. Certifications are available in areas such as responsive web design, JavaScript, data visualization and quality assurance.
There are a whopping 6,000+ tutorials available, along with forums to help you connect with other learners. If you’re starting from ground zero and are ready to learn, this free resource can’t be beat.
Skillcrush
If you’re on a budget and want to learn the basics of web design and development, Skillcrush has you covered. Their free coding camp will fill you in on HTML, CSS, UX and even WordPress. Aimed at beginners, the camp is a nice way to ease yourself into coding.
There are also plenty of in-depth courses, which are available for a small fee. But try out the freebie first to gauge your comfort level. Once you master the basics, you can always move on to that next level.
W3Schools
Web developers searching out a specific concept likely know all about W3Schools. It seems to always show up in search results – and for good reason. This massive reference site will teach you the fundamentals of the web, with code examples to show you how things work.
Inside you’ll find plenty of info on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python and more. Note that these aren’t traditional classes. Therefore, a basic understanding of whatever language you’re studying does help. But the site is wonderful for helping you find your way while debugging a project.
edX
edX is a non-profit organization supported by over 120 international learning institutions – including Harvard, MIT and Australian National University. Some of the biggest names in education have combined to bring over 2,800 free courses online.
When it comes to coding, you’ll want to check out the computer science section. There are a number of relevant courses available, as well as certification programs.
Learn How to Code for Free
Whether you’re looking for work or just interested in learning something new, coding is a great choice. It’s a high-level skill that is both in demand and future friendly.
What’s more, it’s one of the few professional skills you can pick up without having to invest a fortune. The resources above will get you on your way for free and allow you to work at your own pace. How many career paths can you say that about?
All told, it’s a golden opportunity. Find the resource that fits your needs and take advantage. You might find yourself on your way to a whole new career.