There’s any number of reasons to learn programming from an online course. Some people use it as a way to prepare for official certification. Many online programming courses are set up specifically to prepare people for academic certifications.
Others might have experience in one programming language and want to branch out. Learning additional programming languages is a proven method to add value to one’s resume. We’ll examine options for the best online programming courses which will fit any need.
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1. Coding Dojo Algorithm Prep
The Coding Dojo Algorithm Prep course doesn’t end in an official certification or exam. This is in line with the fact that it teaches the very fundamentals of programming. People outside the industry don’t use the term very often. But programming is also known as software engineering.
Most courses which focus on a specific programming language don’t cover the engineering aspects of the subject. One doesn’t always need the fundamentals of algorithm design for the basics of any given language. But it’s a vital part of moving from beginner or intermediate status to the top.
The Coding Dojo Algorithm Prep courses take new students through the process of algorithm design. It earns a high place in large part because it will enrich every other course experience.
Website: Codingdojo.com.
Certificate: No.
Exam: No.
Cost: Free.
2. Coding Dojo Bootcamp
The Coding Dojo Bootcamp is best used as a followup to their free algorithm course. Bootcamp builds on top of that foundation by teaching a single programming language. This is enough to take someone from beginner to expert status. The program doesn’t simply teach the basics of a language. It instead puts heavy emphasis on proper utilization of what makes each language unique.
There’s no official certification when one has finished the course. However, one will usually be quite prepared to test for various certificates related to the course focus. Most courses don’t feature official exams. It does however have continual code review of a student’s work.
Website: Codingdojo.com.
Certificate: No.
Exam: No.
Cost: $7,500 in full or through monthly payments.
3. MIT OpenCourseware
MIT Open Courseware is an extensive collection of courses. They hasn’t simply collected some of their best material and opened it up for the public. The university has also carefully curated the material to ensure it can properly guide students.
The coursework also offers a chance to pick options based on real world interests. It will often present students with information about how they can use new skills. The course format is quite similar to what one would find on campus. It presents lectures as a video series. Lectures will often have additional assignments paired with them. And students will even have exams ready for them when they’re ready.
The informal nature of the course means that there’s no official certification at the end. However, students should have the skills needed to easily pass certification tests by the time they finish.
Website: MIT.edu.
Certificate: No.
Exam: Yes.
Cost: Free.
4. Codecademy
Codecademy earns a place as one of the best online programming courses due to a unique focus. Backend development is one of the most important tech fields. Many other courses touch on the subject. But Codecademy fully immerses students in that worldview from the very start.
The course focuses on the basic web technologies which form the foundation of frontend development. But it’s quite distinct from most courses which focus on HTML or CSS as a goal unto themselves. Students learn web technologies on the user facing side so that they can then leverage that into backend development.
Website: Codecademy.com.
Certificate: No.
Exam: Yes.
Cost: Free.
5. Google’s Python Class
Google has always been a big fan of python. It’s one of the companies which really gave python a push when it was still considered somewhat niche. As such, one can put a lot of trust in Google to build a solid course around python.
Having a big name teaching the language is important for another reason. It’s one of the best online programming courses due to both teacher and content. There’s been quite a bit of demand for python programmers in recent years. But the amount of people out there who can work with it is surprisingly low.
Google’s program provides a chance to learn an in demand language from the people who know it best. The course consists of a series of video lectures and practical exercises. There’s no tests or certification involved. But at the same time, the course is also offered totally free of charge.
Website: Developers.google.com.
Certificate: No.
Exam: No.
Cost: Free.
6. Web Fundamentals
Web Fundamentals was once known as HTML5 Rocks. The change in name showcases why it’s one of the best online programming courses. Web Fundamental’s focus isn’t on what most would consider the fundamentals of modern development. It instead places heavy emphasis on emerging technologies. These are platforms and languages which have only just started to roll out for mainstream use.
It’s a bit like getting started with HTML5 before webapps became a part of everyday life. The course presents material somewhat differently than most others. It’s less formally structured than most other options.
Instead students are able to pursue their own path through the material. There’s no tests or assigned homework. However, there are case studies and many examples of how to create real world implementations.
Website: Developers.google.com.
Certificate: No.
Exam: No.
Cost: Free.
7. Khan Academy
The Khan Academy has a great reputation for most academic subjects. They’re often considered among the best online programming courses. In fact, they’re often considered one of the best free sources of education in general. They’re particularly noteworthy for the scope of their curriculum. Almost every programming language and platform has an extensive course.
The structure for each subject is uniquely crafted. However, in general they follow a somewhat similar format. Students work their way through a formally structured series of lessons. Along the way they’re guided in terms of both how and why certain decisions are made. The course also provides students with additional resources to continue their education.
Most programming topics aren’t specifically tailored to the needs of any one certification program. However, they are set up in a way that one should feel confident testing for it after completing a course.
Website: Khanacademy.org.
Certificate: No.
Exam: No.
Cost: Free.
Summing Up
In conclusion, there’s a lot to consider when looking at the best online programming courses. Different styles of learning will find benefits in different teaching methods. Some people might prefer a formal structure where they work along a set pace. Others might enjoy taking things at their own speed.
This emphasises the importance of studying various options. Users can comment on the courses in order to help decide which is the best fit for them. Real world experience and ideas can help everyone in a variety of different ways.
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