Melissa So, do you want to learn to code without breaking the bank? Whether it’s to add a skill to your CV, create your own website, or simply out of curiosity, there are tons of free resources online today to get started. But with so many options, it can be hard to find your way. So I suggest taking a look at the best free online coding courses for beginners in 2024. The goal? To guide you toward the most practical and suitable platforms, while giving you some tips to make the most of these resources.
Why learn to code?
Today, coding is much more than a skill reserved for geeks. Whether you work in marketing, design, or even finance, knowing how to code gives you a huge advantage. Imagine: you could automate tasks, customize a website, or create advanced data visualizations. Plus, in a world where digital technology keeps growing, coding gives you direct access to the backstage of the internet!
How to choose a good free coding course?
Don’t panic; we’re not going to dive into boring theory. But before you dive in headfirst, think about checking a few criteria. Choosing the right course will save you a ton of time and help you stay motivated.
- Beginner-friendly: make sure the course is well-designed for novices. You don’t need to be a math or computer expert to start.
- Programming languages: some courses focus on web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), while others cover Python or even C++. Think about what you want to do with coding.
- Varied formats: between videos, practical exercises, and quizzes, there’s something to satisfy all learning styles.
- Community and support: it’s often motivating to join platforms with forums or groups to ask your questions.
Alright, now that we have that in mind, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the top 10 platforms to learn to code for free!
Top 10 platforms to learn coding for free
1. Codecademy
If you’re looking for a platform that really holds your hand, Codecademy is an excellent starting point. With interactive courses, you can dive straight into code, line by line. The courses are suited for beginners and cover several languages like Python, JavaScript, and even SQL. For beginners, it’s ideal: you type your code directly into the platform and see the result in real-time!
2. Coursera
Coursera offers a series of free courses from the best universities and companies. In addition to the basics of coding, you’ll find specializations in areas like artificial intelligence or web development. Most courses are very well-structured and include quizzes and practical exercises to help you assess your progress.
3. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a bit like the friendly teacher you always wished you had. The courses are educational and super interactive, with progressive exercises and very clear explanations. Plus, you get an introduction to programming in JavaScript, perfect for getting your hands dirty by drawing shapes and creating animations. Fun and educational!
4. OpenClassrooms
For French speakers, OpenClassrooms remains a reference. Their “Learn to Code” pathway is specifically designed for beginners and offers a learning method based on practical projects. Each course is illustrated with videos, quizzes, and resources to deepen your knowledge.
5. freeCodeCamp
If you enjoy learning by doing, freeCodeCamp is for you! This platform offers a comprehensive training program in web development, from HTML/CSS to advanced JavaScript. What’s great? After each theoretical step, you have a practical project to complete. As a bonus, you can even earn a free certification.
| Advantages of freeCodeCamp | What you’ll learn |
|---|---|
| Free and complete access | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git |
| Active community | Full stack development |
6. BitDegree
BitDegree is another interesting option, especially for those who want to learn in a fun way. The platform offers free courses, but also rewards (in the form of tokens) for users who progress in their courses. An extra motivation to advance in learning, right?
7. SoloLearn
If you’re looking for a way to learn on the go, SoloLearn is the perfect app. It offers short interactive courses on many languages: Python, Java, C++, etc. You can learn at your own pace and challenge other users in quizzes. Perfect for progressing while having fun.
8. edX
With edX, you have access to free coding courses from top universities like Harvard or MIT. Be careful, however, some courses require a bit more time and focus, but if you’re ready to invest yourself, edX can be an excellent choice. Plus, you have the option of paying for a certification, which can be useful for your CV.
9. The Odin Project
The Odin Project is a free training platform specializing in web development. Here, there are no videos, but tons of practical exercises and projects to apply what you learn. Ideal for those who want to dive seriously into the world of web development.
10. MIT OpenCourseWare
Finally, if you want to tackle courses from the prestigious MIT, MIT OpenCourseWare is the platform for you. Although the courses are more academic, they offer a wealth of resources in programming, mathematics, and computer science. Perfect for the curious who want to delve deeper.
What are the most useful programming languages to learn?
The world of programming is vast, but some languages stand out for their popularity and usefulness. Here’s a quick overview:
| Language | Main use |
|---|---|
| Python | Data science, AI, back-end development |
| JavaScript | Web development, front-end, Node.js |
| Java | Application development, mobile (Android) |
| HTML/CSS | Basics of web development, front-end |
| SQL | Database management |
You’ll see, the choice of language really depends on your goals. For example, if you want to create websites, then the trio HTML/CSS/JavaScript is perfect. On the other hand, for data analysis or artificial intelligence, lean more towards Python.
Tips for starting coding
- Practice regularly: coding is like learning a language. The more you practice, the more you improve.
- Work on concrete projects: even small ones, projects allow you to apply what you learn and stay motivated.
- Join a community: forums, Facebook groups, or even Reddit are full of developers ready to help you.
So there you have it, you have all the tools in hand to start your adventure in the world of coding. Whether you choose a guided path on Codecademy or dive into the concrete projects of freeCodeCamp, don’t forget to have fun and stay curious. The journey may be long, but with perseverance, the results will be there!
