Learn How to Code Online with Free Coding Classes
Did you know there are free coding classes available online? That’s right, learning how to code has never been easier. Options vary depending on what exactly you want to learn, how much time you have to devote to learning and your current skill level.
In this article, we break down five options for free coding classes, and review how to pick the best option for your needs. Let’s dive in!
1. Code Academy
Code Academy offers courses that teach multiple coding languages, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript and SQL. The classes are also interactive, which means you get immediate feedback on questions and completed work.
All the courses are free, but if you want a certificate there are fees required. The free versions also do not include all the additional features, so it’s up to you if you want to pay for the additional investment.
Courses offered through Code Academy include "Learn HTML & CSS: Part I," "Learn Javascript," and "Learn SQL."
2. freeCodeCamp
freeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization that offers interactive online courses for free. Over 40,000 people have completed courses through them, which speaks to how great their platform is. Their courses also offer certifications for free, which sets them apart from other providers.
Courses offered through freeCodeCamp include Responsive Web Design, JavaScript, APIs, Python, Machine Learning and more.
3. Coursera
One of the most popular websites to take free online courses through is Coursera. There are Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in countless subjects, offered through colleges and universities around the world. You can easily find free coding courses by searching for “coding” on the site, and then looking through what’s offered to find something that interests you.
Some popular free classes for beginners include:
- Python for Everybody Specialization
- Coding for Everyone: C and C++ Specialization
- Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding
- Coding for Designers, Managers, and Entrepreneurs
- HTML and CSS in Depth
4. Udemy
Udemy is similar to Coursers in that it offers courses across multiple subjects. There are both free and paid options, so if you’re looking to save some money make sure to filter for “free” specifically. If you want an official certification, you will need to go the paid route; however, they often have sales on courses so it may be best to wait for a price drop.
Before enrolling, you can see ratings for each course from former students, as well as an outline of what exactly you’ll learn, course content and information on the specific course instructor. All of this information can help you determine if the class is a good fit for what you’re looking for.
Popular options for free coding classes through Udemy include:
- HTML for Everyone: Real World Coding in HTML5
- Code Your First Game: Arcade Classic in JavaScript on Canvas
- Bootstrap 4 Quick Start: Code Modern Responsive Websites
- What is Medical Billing and Coding?
- Practical PHP: Master the Basics and Code Dynamic Websites
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5. edX
edX was created by Harvard and MIT and offers over 3,000 online courses to users around the world. The courses are offered through different universities based in different countries, so there are plenty of options when it comes to learning opportunities.
Like other websites we’ve listed, there are both free and paid options, so make sure you filter your searches when looking at course offerings. Paying for a course unlocks all features, and often comes with a certificate as well. You can find general level courses, as well as boot camps, professional certificates and degree programs.
Some free options for coding courses include:
- Basics of Computing and Programming
- C++ Programming: Basic Skills
- HTML5 Coding Essentials and Best Practices
- AI Chatbots without Programming
Picking the Right Coding Course
It can be overwhelming while trying to decide which course to take, so we’ve put together some tips to help you pick what’s best for your needs.
- Seek credible programs. The quality of free coding classes varies. Select a course from a reputable source.
- Pick a course based on your skill level. All coding courses aren't for beginners, so do some research and pick one that matches your skill level.
- Look at the courses. Check that the course covers the topics you want to learn about and look at lesson plans if they’re available. Many sites also include reviews and feedback from past students, so you can see what others thought of the course as well.
- Take a free trial class first. Attend a free sample before enrolling in the full course. You can determine if the course fits you.
Final Notes
These six options should provide you a great basis for learning to code. Of course, this is only the starting point; once you've gotten started, you may look at a range of different paid and free coding courses.
The most important thing is to enroll in and attend a class that suits your needs and interests. Although learning to code can be challenging, the benefits are great.