Behind every digital move you make, computer code is hard at work. Whether it’s HTML, Javascript or some other language, these frameworks hold together our digital world and help simplify our lives. But just like learning the inner-workings of your car or how to fix a leaky faucet, learning how to code can have many advantages. If your website goes down, for example, wouldn’t it be great to self-diagnose the problem? Or what about that app idea you’ve been sitting on for years — wouldn’t it be nice to bring that idea to life? Learning a new coding language can open a new world of possibilities, it can give you a leg-up in the job market, make you more marketable to future employers, as well as add value to your current position.
With all the free and cheap options out there, learning code doesn’t have to be intimidating, and you may even feel like you have a new super power. To get started, check out this list of great resources:
CodeAcademy.com
The Code Academy provides a wide range of languages, from HTML and CSS to Python. It also offers steps on creating your own website, interacting with APIs and learning how to work with databases. With an interactive interface, it’s a great place for beginners and pros alike.
Lynda.com
Lynda.com is by far the best tutorial resource on the web. Beyond coding, Lynda also offers high quality video tutorials on nearly any software, application or website you can think of, taught by renowned professionals. But it comes at a cost. After the 10-day free trial, you’ll have to cough up $19.99 or $29.99, depending on your needs. If you’re seeking to invest in coding lessons long-term, Lynda is the resource for you.
Code.org
Code.org is a nonprofit resource endorsed by some of the biggest names in tech – Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jack Dorsey to name a few. Even President Barack Obama participated in Code.org’s “Hour of Code” initiative. The site is geared toward younger students and aims to get them excited about coding. This site would be perfect for a beginner who’s been intimidated by just the thought of coding.
W3Schools.com
W3Schools.com is basically the coder’s dictionary. With text tutorials, quick reference guides and proper coding standards, this site is known as “the world’s largest web developer site.” Because it doesn’t offer step-by-step video tutorials like other sites, W3Schools.com is best for people who have already started their site or are in the midst of a project.
CodeAvengers.com
The Code Avengers is a premium coding resource. It offers high quality videos in a simple, clean interface and covers a wide range of languages and other skills to code websites, apps, and games. Users can watch up to 5 videos for free, but after that, unlimited access costs $29 per month. Code Avengers is a true “course” site, offering quizzes and even coding camps for the most dedicated students.
CodeSchool.com
Code School is very similar to Code Avengers but differentiates itself with over 2,500 “Coding Challenges” to test your knowledge and feel accomplished. It even offers an iOS app for mobile learning. A free account gives you access to 10 introductory courses, but after that, unlimited viewing costs $29 per month. With both high-end and beginner-level courses, Code School also has a large online community, so you don’t have to feel alone when you’re coding the night away.
Treehouse.com
Treehouse.com boasts “over 1000 videos created by expert teachers on web design, coding, business, and much more.” This site also offers a business plan where administrators can track their team’s progress and usage, leaderboards for high performers and even offline viewing. Treehouse provides a 7-day free trial, as well as a $25 per month unlimited plan.
Udacity.com
Udacity has a very wide range of innovative and high quality coding courses, from artificial intelligence, virtual reality development, predictive analysis, and even self-driving car engineering. Some of these courses require an application process. While there are many beginner-level tutorials, this site is oriented toward those who want a high tech career in coding.
KhanAcademy
The Khan Academy is a vital resource, no matter what you want to learn. The site’s motto is, “You can learn anything. For free. For everyone. Forever.” That’s a hard deal to pass up, especially when topics range from algebra to organic chemistry. When it comes to coding tutorials, they’ve got you covered with computer programming, computer science and computer animation. With a clean interface and high quality videos, this site is rated “E” for everyone.
LearnCode.Academy
The LearnCode Academy offers high quality video tutorials on YouTube, making it free for everyone. With over 263,000 subscribers and organized playlists like “Web Development Tutorials For Beginners,” this account for coding is one of the best on YouTube. LearnCode Academy has step-by-step visuals and millions of views on many of their videos, so this is a trusted and valuable resource.