Are you ready to dive into the world of coding but don’t know where to start? You’re in luck! There are plenty of free resources available that can help you kickstart your programming career. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 free coding lessons that will set you on the right path. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to brush up on your skills, these platforms offer something for everyone. Let’s explore the best free coding courses you can start today!
Key Takeaways
- Explore free coding courses from top platforms like freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, and Coursera.
- Learn a variety of programming languages including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and more.
- Many courses offer hands-on projects to help you apply what you’ve learned.
- Some platforms provide free certifications to showcase your skills to potential employers.
- These resources are perfect for beginners and those looking to expand their coding knowledge.
freeCodeCamp
freeCodeCamp offers a comprehensive, self-paced learning experience for those eager to learn coding. With a well-structured curriculum, you’ll dive into web development and software engineering at your own pace. This community-driven platform provides a wide range of coding skills, from HTML and CSS to JavaScript, Python, and more.
Key Features
- Self-paced, community-driven learning
- Comprehensive curriculum covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and more
- Free verified certifications available
- Extensive library of free books, courses, and coding guides
- Thousands of freeCodeCamp study groups worldwide
- Donor-supported, tax-exempt charitable organization
Support
- Coding interview prep
Thousands of freeCodeCamp learners have successfully transitioned into software developer roles, making this online learning platform an excellent choice for anyone aspiring to code.
Codecademy
Codecademy offers a wide range of free courses with its basic membership. While free courses don’t include quizzes and projects, they’re still valuable resources for independent study. For example, the Java programming course gives members an introduction to a versatile language widely used in software development and web and mobile app creation.
With approximately 25 hours of content, beginners can acquire essential Java coding skills. The course covers core programming concepts, object-oriented programming, and Java project creation. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to use multiple operating systems and develop large systems, software, and Android mobile apps. It is perfect for those with no programming background who want to learn more without committing to a paid plan.
Coursera
Coursera offers a wide range of coding courses suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, there’s something for everyone. Here are some key features:
- Multiple courses catering to diverse skill levels
- Specialized follow-up programming courses for advanced learners
- Coding language-specific courses covering Python, Julia, MATLAB, Java, and C/C++
- Self-paced learning with extensive course materials
One standout course is the University of Michigan’s Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python). This beginner-friendly course covers fundamental programming concepts with Python, including syntax, variables, functions, and loops. The course is self-paced, requiring about 19 hours to complete, and offers a shareable certificate upon completion.
Coursera’s flexible learning schedule and comprehensive course materials make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to start or advance their programming career.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers a free online coding course that covers many aspects of computer programming and front-end web development. The course is designed to provide a comprehensive education in computer programming, web design, and data management. It spans multiple units, starting with an introduction to JavaScript for drawing and animation, progressing to HTML/CSS for web page creation, SQL for data querying, and advanced JavaScript for games, visualizations, and natural simulations. You can also delve into making webpages interactive with jQuery. The curriculum empowers learners to develop practical programming skills and explore the exciting world of coding and web development.
Features
- Comprehensive curriculum covering JavaScript, HTML, CSS, SQL, and advanced JavaScript
- Focus on drawing, animation, webpage creation, data management, game development, and simulations
- Self-paced learning for students of all skill levels
- Free access to high-quality educational content
- Interactive projects and lessons for hands-on learning
With Khan Academy, you can plan lessons, develop exit tickets, and so much more with our AI teaching assistant, Khanmigo. Get it now!
HarvardX
HarvardX offers CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science, a self-paced online coding course. This course is perfect for both beginners and those with some experience. Taught by Professor David J. Malan, it focuses on developing algorithmic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Key Features
- Self-paced learning
- Covers various computer science concepts
- Real-world problem sets
- Certificate upon completion
- Accessible to all students
Topics Covered
- Abstraction
- Data structures
- Security
- Software engineering
- Web development
Programming Languages
- C
- Python
- SQL
- JavaScript
- CSS
- HTML
This course is designed for flexible, self-paced learning, making it accessible to all.
Completing the problem sets and a final project will earn you a certificate. The course includes real-world problem sets from fields like biology, finance, and cryptography, making it a comprehensive learning experience.
edX
edX offers a wide range of free courses that can help you elevate your skills with free computer science courses. These courses cover various topics, including programming languages, algorithms, and data structures. Here are some key features of edX:
- Self-paced learning
- Courses from top universities
- Certificates upon completion
- Real-world problem sets
edX provides learning pathways to delve into programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and so much more. Use your newfound knowledge as a stepping stone to a successful programming career.
Udacity
Udacity offers a variety of free courses that cater to different skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners. These courses cover a wide range of programming languages, including Python, Julia, MATLAB, Java, and C/C++. The platform provides self-paced learning with extensive course materials, making it easy for students to learn at their own pace.
Key Features
- Multiple courses catering to diverse skill levels
- Specialized follow-up programming courses for advanced learners
- Coding language-specific courses covering Python, Julia, MATLAB, Java, and C/C++
- Self-paced learning with extensive course materials
Udacity’s free courses are a great way to start your programming journey, offering flexibility and a wide range of topics to explore.
Rating
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| MoocLab | 3/5 |
Support
Unfortunately, Udacity does not offer direct support for its free courses. However, the comprehensive materials and community forums can be very helpful for learners.
MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare offers a variety of free programming courses for students with different skill levels. These courses cover basic computer science ideas and programming skills, mainly using Python. Students can learn at their own pace and access full course materials, making it a great resource for new programmers.
Some of the available courses include:
- Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python (6.0001)
- Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science (6.0002)
- Programming for the Puzzled (6.S095)
MIT’s commitment to unlocking knowledge allows learners worldwide to explore programming and computer science.
Features
- Multiple courses for different skill levels
- Advanced programming courses for experienced learners
- Courses in Python, Julia, MATLAB, Java, and C/C++
- Self-paced learning with extensive materials
The Odin Project
The Odin Project offers a comprehensive and free full-stack web development curriculum. It’s perfect for self-learners who want to dive into web development. The program combines online tutorials, blog posts, and coding courses to help you build a solid foundation. You’ll work on various projects, from simple scripts to fully deployed websites.
Key Features
- Free full-stack web development curriculum
- Curated online tutorials and resources
- Hands-on projects, from scripts to deployed websites
- A friendly and supportive community of learners
- Coverage of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more
The Odin Project stands out because of its supportive community of both beginner and experienced developers who are eager to help you along your learning journey.
SoloLearn
SoloLearn is a fantastic platform for anyone looking to start their coding journey. It offers a wide range of courses that cater to different skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners. One of the standout features of SoloLearn is its code playground, where you can practice coding in real-time and see immediate results.
Key Features
- Multiple courses for various skill levels
- Specialized courses for advanced learners
- Courses in popular programming languages like Python, Java, and C++
- Self-paced learning with extensive materials
SoloLearn’s code playground is a great place to experiment and learn by doing. It makes coding fun and interactive, helping you grasp concepts more effectively.
W3Schools
W3Schools is one of the most popular websites for learning web technologies online. It offers a wide range of tutorials, examples, and references for various web technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more. W3Schools focuses on easy and interactive learning, with a "Try it Yourself" editor that allows users to experiment with code directly in their web browser.
Features
- Tutorials and references for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more
- Interactive "Try it Yourself" code editor
- A vast library of code examples and illustrations
- Covers web design, front-end and back-end development, and database management
- Simple and easy-to-understand learning materials
W3Schools is a comprehensive platform for individuals looking to learn web development. It’s a free resource trusted by millions for acquiring or refreshing web development knowledge.
Mozilla Developer Network
The Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) is an interactive site with tutorials and projects to learn web development. It features a free and open-source full-stack curriculum, from beginner to advanced.
Features
- Tutorials and references for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more
- Interactive “Try it Yourself” code editor
- A vast library of code examples and illustrations
- Covers web design, front-end and back-end development, and database management
- Simple and easy-to-understand learning materials
MDN is a great resource for anyone looking to learn web development, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly platform.
Support
No
Codewars
Codewars is a great website for mastering coding skills. It lets users practice coding through fun and challenging exercises called "kata." These exercises cover a wide range of programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, and Ruby.
Key Features
- Wide variety of programming languages supported
- Community-driven platform with user-generated content
- Challenges range from beginner to advanced levels
- Immediate feedback on code submissions
Codewars provides both free and paid courses containing simple lessons with in-browser coding. This makes it easy for learners to practice and improve their skills without needing to set up a development environment.
Benefits
- Interactive Learning: Engage with coding challenges that are both fun and educational.
- Community Support: Collaborate and learn from a community of fellow coders.
- Skill Improvement: Regular practice helps in honing coding skills and preparing for coding interviews.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced coder, Codewars offers a valuable platform to practice and enhance your coding abilities.
LeetCode
LeetCode is a popular platform for practicing coding problems and preparing for technical interviews. It offers a wide range of problems that cover various topics in computer science.
Key Features
- Diverse Problem Sets: LeetCode provides problems in different categories like arrays, strings, and dynamic programming.
- Contest Participation: Users can participate in weekly and biweekly contests to test their skills against others.
- Discussion Forums: Engage with a community of programmers to discuss solutions and strategies.
- Interview Preparation Kits: LeetCode offers curated lists of problems to help you prepare for job interviews.
LeetCode is one of the best free online resources for honing your coding skills and preparing for job interviews.
Benefits
- Hands-on Practice: Solve real-world problems to improve your coding skills.
- Community Support: Get help and feedback from a large community of programmers.
- Regular Updates: New problems and features are added regularly to keep the content fresh.
LeetCode is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their coding skills and prepare for technical interviews. With its diverse problem sets and active community, it’s a must-visit for aspiring programmers.
HackerRank
HackerRank is a well-known coding challenge platform that helps developers improve their coding skills through practice and competition. This approach encourages a disciplined coding practice and helps developers build robust, error-free code.
Key Features
- Wide range of coding challenges in various programming languages
- Real-world problem-solving scenarios
- Leaderboards and competitions to motivate learners
- Community discussions and solutions
Benefits
- Enhances problem-solving skills
- Prepares for coding interviews
- Builds a portfolio of coding solutions
HackerRank is an excellent resource for anyone looking to sharpen their coding skills and prepare for technical interviews.
Code.org
Code.org is a well-known nonprofit organization focused on making computer science education available to every K-12 student. Their free online coding course introduces students to computer science, programming, and computational thinking. The course aims to broaden access to computer science education, especially among underrepresented groups, including young women.
Features
- Comprehensive curriculum covering various programming topics
- Focus on increasing diversity in computer science
- Free educational resources for students and educators
Code.org’s mission is to inspire students to explore computer science and develop fundamental coding skills. By promoting diversity and providing free resources, they empower students to build a brighter tomorrow.
CodeCombat
CodeCombat offers a variety of free online coding courses for learners of all ages, from students to educators and parents. Using a game-based learning approach, students can learn coding skills in Python, JavaScript, C++, Java, and Lua. The platform has made computer science education accessible to over 20 million learners worldwide. It provides structured lessons and in-depth materials for educators, online coding classes with personalized instruction for parents, and resources for libraries. Additionally, it offers competitive coding through the Code Combat Artificial Intelligence League and the opportunity to explore 3D coding in Roblox’s Code Combat Worlds.
General Assembly
General Assembly’s Dash Course is an engaging and cost-free online course focused on introducing web development fundamentals through hands-on browser-based projects. The course is an excellent starting point for beginners, covering the essential building blocks of web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. With HTML, students learn to structure web content effectively. In the CSS section, they design fully styled landing pages with modern layouts and responsive design. The JavaScript component equips learners to create interactive interfaces, handle user events, and add animations, making their websites dynamic and engaging.
Springboard
Springboard offers a variety of free courses to help you start your coding journey. Their Free Front-End Developer Course covers the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You’ll learn how to structure web pages, add layouts and styles, and use Chrome Developer tools for debugging. The course also teaches object-oriented programming in JavaScript and how to create interactive websites using the jQuery library. This course is perfect for beginners but also suitable for those with some experience who are new to front-end programming.
Key Features
- Comprehensive introduction to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Hands-on projects to apply what you learn
- Teaches web page structure, layout, and styling
- Covers debugging and object-oriented programming
- Uses the jQuery library for simplifying scripting
Springboard’s Free Front-End Developer Course is designed to be accessible for everyone, making it a great starting point for your coding career.
Pluralsight
Pluralsight is a fantastic platform for those looking to dive deep into coding. It offers a wide range of courses that cater to both beginners and advanced learners. One standout course is "Secure Coding with C#," which teaches secure coding practices using .NET 6.0 and C#, following OWASP recommended security best practices.
Key Features
- Extensive library of coding courses
- Courses for all skill levels
- Focus on practical, real-world skills
Why Choose Pluralsight?
Pluralsight is known for its high-quality content and expert instructors. The platform’s courses are designed to help you gain the skills needed to excel in the tech industry. Whether you’re interested in web development, data science, or cybersecurity, Pluralsight has something for you.
Pluralsight’s commitment to quality education makes it a top choice for aspiring programmers.
Popular Courses
- Secure Coding with C#
- Python for Data Science
- JavaScript Fundamentals
- Introduction to Machine Learning
Conclusion
If you’re serious about kickstarting your programming career, Pluralsight is a resource you shouldn’t overlook. With its comprehensive courses and expert guidance, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient coder.
Pluralsight is your gateway to mastering coding skills and landing your dream job. Our interactive tutorials and AI-assisted learning tools are designed to help you solve problems and ace coding interviews. Ready to start your journey? Visit our website and begin coding for free today!
Conclusion
Diving into the world of coding can be a thrilling adventure, and with so many free resources available, there’s no reason to hold back. From building your first website to creating complex applications, these top 20 free coding lessons offer a fantastic starting point. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, these courses provide the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Remember, the key to mastering coding is practice and persistence. So, pick a course, stay committed, and watch your programming career take off. Happy coding!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult to learn coding?
Learning to code can be challenging at first, but with regular practice and dedication, it gets easier. Starting with the basics makes it manageable, and as you progress, you’ll find it more rewarding.
Which programming language should I start with?
Python is a great choice for beginners because it’s easy to read and understand. JavaScript is also good for web development, and Java is versatile for many applications.
Are free coding classes worth it?
Yes, free coding classes are a great way to start learning without spending money. They provide a solid foundation and help you decide if coding is something you want to pursue further.
How do coding classes work?
Coding classes usually include lessons, exercises, and projects. They teach you programming concepts step-by-step and often let you practice by building real projects.
Can I get a job with skills learned from free coding courses?
Yes, many people have started their careers with skills from free coding courses. Building a portfolio of projects can help you show potential employers what you can do.
Do companies value free coding certificates?
Companies value the skills you have more than the certificates. While certificates can show your commitment, having a portfolio of projects is often more important.
What is the difference between coding and programming?
Coding is writing the instructions for a computer to follow, while programming includes coding but also involves planning and designing the entire software or application.
How long does it take to learn coding?
The time it takes to learn coding depends on how much time you can dedicate to it. Some people can get the basics down in a few months, while becoming proficient can take a year or more.