The Best Places to Learn to Code For Free

 

If you’re brand new to the world of coding and web development, it makes sense to start by teaching yourself using all the free learn-to-code resources online.

By taking advantage of these resources as you learn to code for free, you can discover what you like and don’t like before investing money into a certain coding language or set of courses. Once you’ve gone through enough free coding lessons to find that direction, you’ll be able to channel your passion to continue learning how to code online most efficiently.

However, there are so many free coding resources and classes and books to choose from. How do you know which are the best places to learn coding online?

Will, I did some research to save you the time! Here are 101 of the best websites to learn how to code for free–from simple programming tutorials to full online coding courses. To make things easier, I broke these learn-to-code resources down based on topic. Use the table of contents below to jump around.

General Free Coding Websites & Course Platforms

1. Codecademy

Codecademy is one of the most popular free coding websites for beginners. On their platform, you can learn how to program among other technical skills. Its reputation as one of the best free coding websites is well-deserved. Codecademy revolves around interactive learning; that is, you read a little, type your code right into the browser, and see results immediately.

What free coding lessons they offer: HTML & CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, Angularjs, The Command Line, and more

 2. freeCodeCamp

This free online coding school, created by Quincy Larson, teaches coding first through an established curriculum (approx. 800 hours total), then by giving you hands-on experience working on projects for nonprofits. It’s perfect for learners who want to learn how to code online by getting practical, hands-on experience that will do some good and look impressive on a resume.

Free coding certifications on offer: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, data visualization, DevTools, QA testing, Node.js, React, jQuery, and more

3. Coursera

Coursera is one of the best places to learn to code for free, with its professional and versatile course options. The site is a large online course library where classes are taught by real university professors. All courses are free of charge, but you have the option to pay for a “Coursera Verified Certificate” (prices range between $30-$100) to prove course completion. Sometimes paying for a certificate also grants access to content not available in the free versions. Coursera also offers “Specializations,” which are collections of courses on a specific topic, typically with a capstone project at the end.

What free coding courses they offer: Many (far beyond your basic coding/computer science topics)

4. Khan Academy

Khan Academy offers tons of subjects (as their front page says, “You can learn anything”), including many on computer programming. A few free coding classes are offered for younger kids, too–so the whole family can learn to code for free!

Coding resources they offer: JS, HTML/CSS, SQL, much more

5. MIT OpenCourseware

Competition to get into MIT may be stiff, but accessing their course material online has no tuition or minimum SAT score. They maintain an online library of every subject they teach, with no account required for access; just browse for a course and start reviewing the material. Yep…you can learn programming for free at MIT. What a world.

Courses offered: Many. Check out their website to see all the programming ones offered.

6. The Odin Project

Modern-day warriors can set sail for learning to code with the Odin Project. It’s made by the creators of Thinkful—a premier online coding bootcamp—and the Odin Project is their free, open-source version. While you learn to code for free with their programming tutorials, you can check in for support from other students using the online chat group!

Tech topics available: HTML, CSS, JavaScript & jQuery, Ruby programming, Ruby on Rails

7. Udacity

Udacity offers nearly 200 free coding courses, as well as “Nanodegrees” that train you for specific careers like front-end web developer or data analyst. Course materials are free, but Nanodegrees require a tuition fee.

What free tech programs they offer: Many (not just coding)