- First things first: create a profile on GitHub, which is where you will store all of your code.
- Secondly, check out a few of the resources below and prioritize what you need. If you read through the first couple of exercises and have no idea what is happening, look at a different website, tutorial, or video series that might fit your level of experience better; you want to build a really solid foundation with computer science principles.
- Finally, don't get frustrated. It takes a while to "re-wire" your brain to think in computer science logic and terminology. It's okay, that happens to everyone.
- Python for Beginners
- A comprehensive guide to learning programming AND the Python programming language. Really good guide to start from with no experience.
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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
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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
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Codewars Codewars offers a fun and unique way to learn coding. With a martial-arts theme, the program is based on challenges called “kata.” Complete the coding lessons for beginners to earn honor and progress to higher ranks. This is a fun way to learn programming online if you’re motivated by a little gamification! After all, learning code for beginners is easier when you enjoy it.
- Coding challenges they offer: CoffeeScript, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Java, Clojure, and Haskell
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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
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HackerRank HackerRank has a ton of resources and exercises to sharpen and maintain great developer skills.
- Link is directly to the 30 days of code, to introduce you to coding.
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Treehouse Awesome courses that are paid for on a subscription base, rather than a big lump sum up front. This flexibility means if you are not getting the value you think you should be, you can cancel and move on with no worry about losing extra money. Also, thy offer a 7-DAY FREE TRIAL.
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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)
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edX EdX is an open-source higher education program governed by MIT and Harvard, making it another high-caliber resource where you can learn to code for free online. The site offers over 600 great courses under the “computer science” category, teaching various coding languages. Because it features courses from world-class universities, it’s easily one of the best websites to learn coding for free.
- Free programming courses offered: Java, C#, Python, and many more
- Also offers PAID professional certificates
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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
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MIT OpenCourseware MIT maintains an online library of every subject they teach, with no account required for access; just browse for a course and start reviewing the material.
- Courses offered: Many. Check out their website to see all the programming ones offered.
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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.