Do you want to learn to code but don’t know where to start? Do you want to find another way to learn to code without spending thousands of dollars to go to college or a coding bootcamp? Well there is definitely a solution for you!
I will list 10 great resources that will help kick-start your coding journey! Most of these resources are FREE! Some of these resources I will show you also include a premium level, which is still way cheaper than going to a university or a coding bootcamp. Read on if you want to learn to code now without paying a ton of money.
1. Learn to Code with Codecademy
Cost: Basic plan – free. Codecademy Pro – $239.88 per year
Codecademy is great for newbies who want to learn to code. It has two options: free and premium. The free option is a fantastic starting point, making coding easy for everyone. If you’re new to coding, Codecademy is perfect. The lessons are simple to understand and interactive.
It’s like playing a video game – you write the correct code to move to the next level. Plus there are a ton of practical projects that reinforce the things that you learned!
Codecademy covers many programming languages, like Javascript and Python, and even explores cool stuff like artificial intelligence and data science.
For those wanting more of a challenge, there’s Codecademy Pro, which costs $239.88 a year. Often times they offer 50% off for Codecademy Pro. That is $119.94!! Compared to an accredited U.S university with an annual average tuition of $35,720, and average tuition of bootcamps being at $13,500, the price I paid for Codecademy is a steal!
Codecademy Pro gives you more in-depth content, and access to more challenging projects that you can add to your portfolio. Plus you have access to a community where you can ask for help in forums and on Discord. Also, you have access to their career services which can help you land a job!
I tried Codecademy Pro and it was worth it!
Codecademy isn’t just about coding exercises. It helps you learn to use popular coding resources that are used in the industry, such as Git and GitHub for version control, and basically gets you ready to be a software engineer.
My experience with Codecademy was more than just learning. It felt like a supportive space preparing me for a career in software engineering.
2. Learn to Code with Frontend Mentor
Cost: Basic plan – free. Premium plan – cost varies depending on your country
Frontend Mentor helps improve your coding skills when by building realistic projects with html, css, and/or javascript.
This is how it works. Frontend mentor gives you a project with a prototype design. You goal is to make that design with html, css, and/ or javascript. You’re basically copying the design that you are given.
This is great way to learn to code because you may have clients that have sketched a user-interface design or layout and they want you to make it. And as you make these projects, you will practice using key concepts in html, css, and javascript.
There are some differences between the free plan and the premium plan. The premium plan offers a little more challenging projects. It also offers a Figma sketch, which shows the dimensions of the layout in detail.
Overall, with Frontend Mentor you will hone your frontend skills. And you will learn how to make trendy designs that are often seen in frontend development. You will be a digital artist.
In the words of famous artist Pablo Picasso, “Good artists imitate. Great artists steal.”
3. Learn to Code with Youtube
Cost: free. Some Youtubers offer premium courses in their channels
YouTube can help you learn to code because you can find a treasure trove of coding videos covering a wide range of languages, from C++ to Python. Personally, I focus on videos about JavaScript, CSS, React, and Node.js.
Some channels I find really helpful are WebDevSimplified for JavaScript and React, Kevin Powell for CSS, and DCode for CSS and JavaScript.
I recommend you use these YouTube coding videos as an extra tool alongside your structured learning plan. They’re like a helpful friend, especially when you’re looking for tips on a specific technology or need a clearer understanding of concepts like css flex-box or javascript event listeners.
4. Mozilla Developer Network (MDN)
Cost: free
MDN Web Docs stands out as a priceless resource in the world of software development, offering free and easily accessible documentation.
MDN is great if you new a quick refresher on key concepts regarding software programming. Forgot how to iterate through an Object? MDN is your friend. Forgot how to use CSS Grid? Look no further.
MDN provides concise and user-friendly content. You can even demo the particular concept you are learning. That way you will have no doubts about it.
MDN acts as a versatile quick reference guide for different technologies regarding software development. In a field that demands continual learning, MDN Web Docs shines as an indispensable, cost-free tool for developers worldwide.
5. Stack Overflow
Cost: free
Are you absolutely stuck on a coding problem? Stack Overflow is the go-to place to discover solutions. Stack Overflow is a free and widely renowned platform in the coding community. It serves as a lifeline for those grappling with challenging programming issues.
The platform not only houses a vast repository of previously answered questions but also allows users to seek personalized assistance. If your specific query isn’t already addressed, you can pose a question, and the community is quick to lend a helping hand, guiding you towards resolving your coding issues effectively.
6. Chat GPT
Cost: Chat GPT 3.5 is free. Chat GPT 4.0 costs $20 per month
Do you want your coding problems answered quickly? With Chat GPT, users can pose any coding question and receive accurate responses.
Also Chat GPT generates code solutions. This makes it very easy to solve your coding problem because all you have to do is just copy the code into your project.
When using Chat GPT, make sure you are asking the right questions to your problem. Also provide context to your coding problem. For example, make sure you tell Chat GPT what coding language you are using. If not, Chat GPT will sometimes give you code that is not relevant to you.
Chat GPT 3.5 is free to use. This gives you information up to 2022. Chat GPT 4.0 gives you the most current information. It also gives you access to additional tools like DALL·E, Browsing, Advanced Data Analysis and more.
7. Learn to Code with freeCodeCamp
Cost: free
FreeCodeCamp is similar to Codecademy. It is a valuable resource for individuals eager to learn about programming and web development for free.
This platform offers coding lessons through interactive challenges and projects, and thus creates a hands-on experience for users. The projects mirror real-world scenarios. FreeCodeCamp also engages learners with coding challenges. This is great because it tests how fluent your in coding
By fostering this immersive learning environment, FreeCodeCamp effectively reinforces programming concepts and equips learners with the skills necessary for practical implementation.
8. The Odin Project
Cost: free
The Odin Project, a free coding education resource, emerges as a valuable option for those eager to explore the realms of programming without incurring any costs.
Offering a self-paced learning path, it comprehensively covers key technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, and more.
What sets The Odin Project apart is its emphasis on a project-focused curriculum, motivating learners to construct real-world applications. This hands-on approach not only reinforces their understanding of various technologies but also equips them with practical skills essential for success in the coding world.
9. W3 Schools
Cost: free
W3Schools is a free online resource that helps you review coding concepts quickly. It is quite similar to MDN. You are able to view the code in action with their demo window.
W3 School also offers some coding tutorials and certificates when you complete a course. W3Schools provides concise and practical guidance, making it a go-to reference for coders seeking quick refreshers on various coding elements.
Whether you need a quick reminder or a deeper understanding, W3Schools offers a straightforward and accessible way to enhance your coding knowledge.
10. Udemy
Cost: Price ranges between $50 to $130 for courses
Do you prefer virtual classes? Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers a range of coding courses.
With prices ranging between $50 to $130, Udemy provides an affordable alternative for individuals looking to enhance their coding skills. Udemy’s courses offer a cost-effective solution compared to coding bootcamps or traditional university programs.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to specialize in a particular area, Udemy’s diverse course options make it a convenient and budget-friendly choice for anyone seeking to advance their coding knowledge.
Conclusion
Learning to code is really easy with all these resources available at your fingertips.
If you’re a fan of tutorials, consider exploring platforms like Codecademy, FreeCodeCamp, and The Odin Project.
For quick refreshers on specific coding concepts like JavaScript methods or CSS properties, look to resources like MDN and W3Schools are invaluable.
Seeking further clarification or in-depth examples? YouTube and ChatGPT are excellent options.
If a virtual classroom experience aligns with your learning style, Udemy is your friend. Udemy offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional education.
In today’s dynamic era, there are diverse pathways to acquire university-level knowledge. And considering the expensive cost, conventional colleges or coding bootcamps don’t seem like the best options anymore. If you have the motivation and discipline, you will learn to code guaranteed!
If you want to learn how to code and pay a fraction of the cost, or learn for free, then check out these 10 great resources!