Learn to Code for Free Online
So you want to know about the best free websites and apps to learn programming for web development, eh?
Check out the list below for some seriously epic learning resources. The languages/skills taught by the following sites include but are not limited to:
- HTML / HTML5
- CSS / CSS3
- Javascript
- Python
- Java
- Ruby
- C, C#, C++
- Node.js
- React, Angular, Vue
- MongoDB
- Cryptography
- Data Science
- Algorithms
- White Board Interview Prep
- And SO much more
Table of Contents
Where to Start
“Which one should I start with first?”, is a hard question to answer. I started with multiple. After I outgrew lists I started making flowcharts instructing me where to turn my attention to in different situations in order to better keep up with life’s complexity. At the time of writing this post my Self Education Flow Chart looks something like this… Click on the picture to enlarge.
Web Development Programming Self Education Flow Chart
The nodes in the Flow Chart will make more sense once you read through the variety of resources listed below. Back to the question “Which one should I start with first?”; That isn’t the question you should be asking. You should be asking, “Which language should I start with first?”.
Which Programming Language Should I Learn First?
The answer to that question is HTML. Become proficient in HTML using the resources below. Then, move on to CSS. Learn the following languages in this exact order. Once you master Javascript feel free to branch out and learn some Python, Rust, C++ or whatever else excites you.
- HTML
- CSS
- Javascript
If you plan on writing a lot of HTML follow this link to get a free html template to start your website and bookmark the page.
Most of these sites and apps I have used myself. Some I have simply included because friends, coworkers, or the rest of the dev community just won’t shut up about them. I am not being paid to promote any of these sites. I am simply sharing this information because these are fantastic resources. Without further ado here is the list that you came here for…
freeCodeCamp
FreeCodeCamp is one of my favorite resources. I have so many great things to say about this site that I don’t know where to begin. It is a donor-supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and they do not charge for anything. Not only do they offer a vast library of learning modules but they provide CERTIFICATES when you finish your courses.
It is all self paced. You do not have to attend classes. You do some reading and you complete a small challenge before you move on to the next challenge in the course. The challenges are accompanied by videos, as well. This site will also introduce you to codepen.io which is something you should really know about as a member of the dev community.
Certifications Offered by freeCodeCamp:
- Responsive Web Design
- Javascript Algorithms and Data Structures
- Front End Libraries
- Data Visualization
- APIs and Microservices
- Information Security and Quality Assurance
Code Academy
Sorry, you guys. I haven’t actually spent any time on this site so, I don’t have much to say about. I can tell you that it is very popular and a lot of people like it. I have heard a LOT of great things. Codecademy offers courses built around a number of intriguing career paths including Code Foundations, Computer Science, Data Science and Web Development. However, as far as I can tell, they do not offer certificates of completion.
Mimo
I discovered Mimo recently and I absolutely love it. It is a beautifully designed app that is extremely addicting. There is a large library of challenges to help you learn your big three web development languages (HTML, CSS, and Javascript) that is totally free
They also have the option to subscribe to a pro version that’s reasonably priced at about $60 for the year. Don’t sign up immediately to the pro-version though. They offered me a year subscription for $30. In this pro version you level up to more advanced challenges in HTML/CSS/Javascript and you can also dive in to:
- Swift
- SQL
- Python
- PHP
- Kotlin
- Java
- Ruby
- C#
- C++
- R
- React
- Machine Learning
- A.I.
- Blockchain
- and more!
SoloLearn
SoloLearn was one of the first apps that I found. Although it isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as Mimo it has many other advantages. Like Mimo it takes you through a series of challenges, telling you how awesome you are every time you complete one.
The big advantage that SoloLearn has over Mimo though is that you can challenge other users. If you have a competitive nature to you then this can really kick your learning in to high gear. The way it works is that you choose your language, choose your opponent based on their listed “Skill Level”, and then you take a 5 question quiz.
Whoever gets the most correct answers wins and receives points. I love it. Any time I’m forced to sit in a waiting room or stand in line I take advantage of that time by destroying some newbs in SoloLearn’s challenges… and occasionally getting destroyed myself.
There is a free version that I’ve been enjoying just fine. You have to sit through ads on occasion but, I don’t mind. The Pro version is $6.99/month.
Languages and skills available to learn in this app are almost identical to Mimo.
- Swift
- SQL
- Python
- PHP
- Kotlin
- Java
- Ruby
- C#
- C++
- and more
Grasshopper
Grasshopper was in fact the first “learn programming for free” app that I found. It is very well-designed and very user friendly. You earn personalized certificates as you work your way through a series of challenges. This app is for Javascript ONLY.
The Courses offered include:
- Fundamentals I
- Fundamentals II
- Intro to Interviewing
- Array Methods
- Animations I
- Animations II
w3Schools
W3Schools is the holy grail of reference material. Any time you do a google search on how to do some specific task in web development you’re either going to get W3 or StackOverflow. StackOverflow is great for asking a huge community very specific questions. W3 is a great (and very well organized) knowledge base for all of your fundamentals.
Bookmark this page. You are going to use it almost every day. The website is totally free to use. It does have some ads but none so bad that you feel like they’re interrupting your entire day. Though all the learning material is free you can take tests to earn certificates if you like.
The certificates are currently priced at $95 each and include the following subjects:
- HTML
- CSS
- Javascript
- Python
- jQuery
- SQL
- PHP
- Bootstrap
- XML
Udemy
Udemy is a library of courses, some for free but most are available for purchase. The courses typically include a series of video lectures and reading material. If I can’t find the course on YouTube that I want (or if I just don’t feel like putting up with the ads) then, I will turn to Udemy.
It’s important to note that the courses go on sale ALL time time. I have never paid full price for a course. Bookmark the course that you want and check back in a week or two. You’ll probably find it on sale for 70% off.
The courses offered at Udemy are not limited to web development. There are also courses covering a wide range of subjects from photography to business.
Coursera
This is another service that I have not used but, I have included it because of its popularity. They host a combination of free and paid-for courses. Leave some feedback in the comment section below if you have anything to say about it. I’m interested in learning some more about other peoples’ experiences.
Best Free Websites and Apps to Learn Programming for Web Development
In your experience what kind of free resources have you used to learn programming and web development? What all did you have to do before you reached a huge milestone (got a job, got a raise, made a website… etc). Let me know about your experiences. I always love a good success story!
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