Want to Learn to Code? Top Websites to Learn to Code
Coding has become a highly sought-after skill in today’s technology-driven world. A person doesn’t necessarily have to attend a customized learning program in order to learn coding. There are various resources available, such as video tutorials, interactive tasks and quizzes, and programming environments, that can help individuals learn fundamental programming concepts and skills.
In today’s digital era, coding has become a vital aspect of various industries. It is predicted to remain significant in the future as well. Learning to code not only helps individuals stay competitive but also expands career opportunities and future-proof skills.
Regardless of the industry, one belongs to, coding is a valuable asset that can provide insights into the world of technology.
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Learning to Code: What to Consider when Choosing an online coding platform
Learning to code is a great skill to have in today’s digital world. There are many online coding platforms available, but choosing the right one can be overwhelming. When considering which platform to use, it’s important to think about your goals.
Do you want to learn a specific language or skill, or are you just looking for a general introduction to coding?
Additionally, think about the platform’s teaching style. Is it interactive and hands-on, or more lecture-based? Another important factor to consider is the platform’s community. Are there forums or support groups where you can connect with other learners and ask for help when needed? Lastly, the cost of the platform should be considered.
Some platforms offer free options, while others require a monthly or yearly subscription.
Take the time to research and compare your options to find the online coding platform that best fits your needs and learning style.
Why should you learn how to code?
There are numerous reasons why you should start learning how to code. Whether you are new to coding or want to learn coding from scratch, it can be an immensely rewarding experience.
Learning how to code opens up a new world of possibilities and can lead to a highly lucrative career in coding and web development.
In today’s digital-centric world, coding skills are in high demand, and having these skills can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Additionally, coding can be a great way to exercise your creativity and problem-solving skills. However, it’s important to find the best resources to learn coding from, as the process can be challenging and require time and dedication. With the abundance of online resources available today, it’s easier than ever to find the best tools and tutorials to help you achieve your coding goals.
So, if you want to broaden your horizons and learn a new skill that can lead to a bright future, start learning how to code today.
Codecademy
Overview of Codecademy
Codecademy is one of the well-known online learning platforms for coding. The website offers a gamified learning environment where users can learn how to code through interactive courses and personalized learning paths.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Interactive tasks
- A wide range of courses
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- Outdated language courses
- Limited advanced courses
- Requires a subscription for full benefits
Courses Offered on Codecademy
Codecademy offers courses in various programming languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, SQL, and more.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
Codecademy’s free plan offers minimal features, while the Pro Subscription gives full access to the platform’s resources and a personalized learning path. The monthly cost for the Pro Subscription is $19.99, and a yearly subscription plan is available for $15.99 per month.
Udemy
Overview of Udemy
Udemy is an online educational marketplace that offers over 150,000 courses in various topics, including programming. Udemy courses are taught by certified instructors and can be accessed through the website or mobile application.
Pros
- Wide range of courses and instructors
- Budget-friendly prices
- Lifetime access to courses
Cons
- The quality and structure of courses vary
- Not suitable for advanced learners
- No personalized learning paths
Courses Offered on Udemy
Udemy offers many programming courses, including popular languages like Python, C++, C#, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
Udemy courses are priced differently, ranging from free courses to courses over $100. The platform also offers various promotions, discounts, and free codes to help users access courses at lower costs.
Coursera
Overview of Coursera
Coursera is an online platform that partners with universities and institutions globally to offer online courses. The platform integrates technology and education to provide an interactive and meaningful learning experience.
Pros
- Course certifications
- University-grade courses
- Access to prestigious universities’ curriculums
Cons
- Higher fees than other platforms
- Limited free courses
- Limited interactivity with instructors
Courses Offered on Coursera
Coursera offers courses in computer science, engineering, languages, and more from over 200 top universities.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
Coursera offers some free courses, but most courses require users to have subscriptions, which can cost ($39 – $89) per month.
FreeCodeCamp
Overview of FreeCodeCamp
FreeCodeCamp is a non-profitable establishment that offers interactive coding lessons and certifications for free. The platform focuses on web development and provides practical programming tasks to develop users’ skills.
Pros
- Free comprehensive courses
- Accessible from any device
- Practical programming tasks
Cons
- Limited topics
- No personalized learning paths
- No endorsements or certifications for courses
Courses Offered on FreeCodeCamp
FreeCodeCamp offers courses mainly in web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
FreeCodeCamp, as the name suggests, is a free learning platform.
Pluralsight
Overview of Pluralsight
Pluralsight is an online learning platform that offers courses on various technical subjects, including coding, data analytics, and software engineering. The website provides courses taught by qualified instructors.
Pros
- Wide range of courses
- Personalized learning paths
- High-quality content
Cons
- Higher costs than other platforms
- No collaboration with industry experts
- Limited free courses
Courses Offered on Pluralsight
Pluralsight offers courses in various programming languages like Python, Java, C++, R, Ruby, and more.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
Pluralsight offers monthly ($29) and yearly ($299) subscription plans, which give users full access to content. The platform also offers free trial period subscriptions.
edX
Overview of edX
edX is an online learning platform that partners with top universities and institutions worldwide to offer courses. The platform prioritizes the quality of education and aims to provide users with top-grade education.
Pros
- University-grade courses
- Access to prestigious universities’ curriculums
- Verified certifications
Cons
- Higher fees than other platforms
- A limited number of free courses
- Limited interaction with lecturers
Courses Offered on edX
edX offers over 3000 courses in different fields, including computer science, business management, languages, and more.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
Courses on edX are priced ranging from free courses to courses above $200. The platform also offers financial assistance to low-income earners.
MIT OpenCourseWare
Overview of MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare offers open access to MIT’s course materials and resources online. The platform provides users with essential course materials designed to provide them with an immersive learning experience.
Pros
- Access to prestigious universities’ curriculums
- Free courses and resources
- No need to register
Cons
- Limited degrees and certifications
- No personalized learning paths
- Limited engagement with instructors
Courses Offered on MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare offers courses in various fields, including computer science, mathematics, humanities, and more.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
MIT OpenCourseWare is a free online platform that provides essential resources to students globally.
Alternative: YouTube to Learn Code
If you’re interested in learning to code online, YouTube has an abundance of channels with great coding tutorials including FreeCodeCamp. These channels cater to beginners as well as advanced coders. If you want to learn to code and don’t know where to start, these channels can help guide you.
Most channels have a variety of playlists that are structured to cater to your level of expertise.
Some of the most followed channels have videos that are free of cost, but some of them do require a paid subscription to access their entire learning library.
You can pause or rewind the videos if you need more time to understand a particular concept.
The only downside is that they’re less structured compared to the paid platforms mentioned in this article.
Conclusion
Acquiring coding skills has become more accessible than ever with the help of online coding platforms. These platforms offer efficient resources that can help you learn to code, whether you want to pursue a career as a professional developer or simply want to use your coding skills for personal projects. With consistency and a well-planned approach to learning, any of these resources can help you achieve success.
Learning to code can be a cost-effective endeavor, as there are many free resources available. However, investing in an online subscription can provide additional benefits and serve as a valuable personal investment that can yield long-term dividends.
How to Further Hone Your Coding Skills
Once you have grasped the basic principles and understanding of programming from online coding platforms, it is crucial to engage in extensive practice. It is vital to delve into coding and work together with fellow programmers to continually learn and develop. Creating a small project and applying the skills acquired, whether it is to solve a problem or assist a local church, is an excellent initiative.
Allocating time for coding and the practical application of learned knowledge is crucial for effective retention.
Final thoughts on choosing an online coding platform
With the opportunities online coding platforms provide, it is easy to find a website that suits your needs and learning styles. Remember to research and compare platforms based on specific features to ensure that you have the best learning experience possible.