These days, coding is just for developers or software engineers. Although you may need this type of skillset to further a career in a technical field, coding can be taught to anyone with an interest in the area.
There are nearly endless reasons to learn how to code. Whether it’s to impress your friends or even a hiring manager. However, it can be confusing as to know where to start, especially for a beginner such as yourself. Below, are the best online coding courses we can recommend to get your feet wet in the coding community and see what’s in store for your future.
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1. Code School: HTML/CSS Learning Path
Code School is owned by Pluralsight and offers a great educational program for coders. Plus, the site has a comfortable UI and students can choose their own path of what they want to learn. There are even elective online coding courses that can be added onto your current program to further your educational experience.
Website: CodeSchool.com.
Certificate: No, but they do offer school reports.
Exam: Yes.
Cost: $29/month.
2. MIT OpenCourseware: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming
MIT OpenCourseware offers self-guided courses ranging from programming to mathematics and computer engineering. Their Intro to Computer Science and Programming is one of their best online coding courses that can help you get started with programming/coding basics. However, some of the coursework that MIT has to offer can be a little too challenging or hard to follow for beginners.
Website: Ocw.MIT.edu.
Certificate: No.
Exam: No.
Cost: Free.
3. Skillcrush: All-Access Career Blueprint
Skillcrush is one of the only courses that have a curriculum that resembles what would actually be taught in a classroom setting. Students can choose to either enroll in a one-off three-week course or a three-month straight course. If you’re ever having trouble, you can also sign up for one-on-one sessions with your instructor. Currently, Skillcrush also offers a free 10-day coding boot camp for beginners.
Unfortunately, due to large sign-ups, you may be in a class too big to reach out to your instructor if you’re having trouble, rather than smaller-sizes classes that focus on the individual learner.
Website: SkillCrush.com.
Certificate: Yes.
Exam: Yes.
Cost: Free, $199/month for the All-Access Career Blueprint program.
4. Coursera: Web Design for Everybody
Coursera is similar to MIT OpenCourseware, but they offer a variety of courses from universities around the world. Their online coding courses specialize in the development, programming, and computer science for beginners, intermediate, or advanced learners. One of their best programs is the Programming for Everyone course from the University of Michigan. This course goes over the basics of programming/coding and Python.
However, in order to get a certificate that you completed the course, you’ll need to pay up $50.
Website: Coursera.org.
Certificate: Yes.
Exam: Yes, if getting a certificate.
Cost: Free, $49/month.
5. Coding Dojo: Algorithm Platform
Coding Dojo Algorithm Prep is the best online coding courses for new developers or coders and goes over programming algorithms in great detail. The Coding Dojo even has a free Algorithm Training Platform to help beginners improve their coding fundamentals before embarking on more challenging classes. However, the courses require you to put in a lengthy amount of work and their student support is lacking in strides.
Website: Algorithm.CodingDojo.com.
Certificate: No.
Exam: No.
Cost: Free.
6. Hack Design: What is design? Why is it important?
Hack Design offers weekly lessons sent to your email, which you can use to learn the coding language. This website focuses on the design side of coding. There are also a variety of online tools you can use with personal recommendations from people who have already used them. This is a great way for beginners to learn how to code or program, no matter your learning pace. Start with the “What is design? Why is it important?” course. Unfortunately, a downside to Hack Design is that their lessons are just a collection of content that can be occasionally hard to process.
Website: HackDesign.org.
Certificate: No.
Exam: No.
Cost: Free.
7. Khan Academy: Hour of Code
On Khan Academy, you can learn about everything from personal finance to mathematics, and of course coding. Each class is self-guided and is comprised of tutorials, videos, audio, and interactive modules. Learn all the basics of coding from HTML to Java and beyond. For comprehensive and quick lessons, begin with the “Hour of Code” program.
Website: KhanAcademy.org.
Certificate: No.
Exam: Yes, and practice quizzes.
Cost: Free.
8. Tuts+: Learn to Code With Ruby
Tuts+ holds a ton of useful information for beginners. Plus, even more info for those non-beginners who simply want to learn more. The site has a wide selection of courses on different specifics within the industry, much like the intro to Ruby on Rails. In addition, Tuts+ also provides written tutorials and downloadable eBooks so you can tailor your learning experience to your needs.
Website: Code.Tutsplus.com.
Certificate: No.
Exam: No.
Cost: $29/month.
9. Codeacademy: Learn CSS
Whether you are learning to code for personal reasons or professional ones, Codeacademy is a great place to begin. The website lets you set goals and helps you find the courses you will need to meet those goals. Learn how to complete tasks like building a portfolio website, coding basics, or even something as fun as animating your name.
Website: Codecademy.com.
Certificate: No.
Exam: No.
Cost: Free, $19.99/month for Codeacademy Pro.
10. Treehouse: Build a Website
If you are looking for up to date information on every topic that involves coding, you will definitely want to check out Treehouse. It offers a huge variety of coding classes, many of which are suited for beginners. In addition to courses, the site also provides videos of chats with pros in the field and workspaces that allow you to try new projects at your own pace.
Website: TeamTreeHouse.com.
Certificate: No, earn badges for each course completed.
Exam: Yes, quizzes.
Cost: $25/month.
Summing Up
If you are a coding beginner, there are tons of resources out there to help you grow your knowledge. No matter what your budget, skill level, or learning style is, there will be an online course for you. Choose any of the best online coding courses and get started today!
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