Okay, so I’m completely new to this. I’ve never written a line of code in my life. I’ve heard software development and coding are good skills to have, and I’m looking to learn, possibly for a career change, but maybe just as a hobby for now.
What are the best online courses available? "Best" meaning a few things, I guess. I’m looking for:
- Beginner-friendly: Like, really beginner friendly. Assume I know nothing.
- Comprehensive: I want something that will give me a solid foundation, not just a superficial understanding.
- Engaging: I need to be able to stay motivated and actually enjoy the learning process. Dry, boring lectures will just kill me.
- Affordable (preferably free): I’m not sure if I want to invest a ton of money upfront. Free options, or at least relatively inexpensive ones, would be ideal to start with. If they offer a certification, that’s a plus, but not totally necessary at this stage.
- Focus on practical application: I want to be able to do something with what I learn. Projects, exercises, and real-world examples are key.
I’m particularly interested in web development (front-end and back-end), but I’m open to exploring other areas if you think they’d be a better starting point. So, what languages should I focus on? Python? Javascript? Something else entirely? And which courses are the absolute best at teaching them, keeping my needs in mind? Thanks!
Answer
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best online courses for learning coding and software development, categorized by learning style, platform, and specialization, with details about each:
General Introductory Courses (Good for Beginners):
- CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science (Harvard University via edX): This is often considered the gold standard for introductory computer science. It covers fundamental programming concepts like algorithms, data structures, memory management, and software engineering. It uses languages like C, Python, and JavaScript. The course is very rigorous, demanding, and well-structured, providing a solid foundation for further study. It is free to audit, but a certificate requires payment. The benefit is the strong theoretical background it provides.
- Codecademy: Codecademy offers interactive, project-based courses in a variety of languages (Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL, Java, C++, C#, Ruby, PHP, Go). It’s excellent for beginners who prefer a hands-on approach, as it teaches through immediate application. The platform is well-suited for visual learners. They offer both free and paid "Pro" versions. The Pro version includes personalized learning paths, more projects, and access to live help. Codecademy excels at getting you writing code quickly.
- freeCodeCamp: freeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization that provides free coding education through interactive coding challenges and real-world projects. The curriculum covers web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), data science (Python, R), and machine learning. The focus is on practical application and building a portfolio. Completing certifications involves building several projects, which are reviewed by other learners. The benefit is the strong community support and focus on career-ready skills.
- Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers free courses in various subjects, including computer programming. Their programming courses cover JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL, and computer science fundamentals. They are beginner-friendly and use a visual, interactive approach. It’s a good option for those who prefer a more guided, structured learning experience. It’s especially useful for younger learners or those who need a gentle introduction to programming concepts.
- The Odin Project: A free, open-source curriculum focused on web development. It’s known for its in-depth curriculum and emphasis on best practices. It covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, and Node.js. The Odin Project is a good choice for those who want a comprehensive and practical education in web development and are comfortable with a self-directed learning approach. It’s known for teaching the "full stack" of web development technologies.
Platform-Specific Courses (e.g., iOS, Android):
- Swift Playgrounds (Apple): An iPad app designed to teach coding in Swift, Apple’s programming language. It’s very beginner-friendly and uses a game-like interface. It’s excellent for those interested in iOS and macOS development and for learning programming fundamentals in a fun and engaging way.
- Android Developers Training (Google): Google provides free training resources for Android development on its developer website. These resources include tutorials, code samples, and documentation. They cover everything from basic Android concepts to advanced topics like building custom UI components and working with sensors. This is the most authoritative source for learning Android development.
- Ray Wenderlich: Ray Wenderlich offers tutorials and courses on iOS, macOS, Android, and game development. They are known for their high-quality content and focus on practical application. They have a subscription-based model.
Language-Specific Courses:
- Python:
- Python for Everybody (University of Michigan via Coursera): A very popular introductory Python course taught by Dr. Charles Severance. It’s designed for beginners with no prior programming experience. It covers Python fundamentals, data structures, web scraping, and databases.
- Automate the Boring Stuff with Python (Al Sweigart via Udemy): Focuses on using Python to automate everyday tasks. It’s a practical, project-based course that teaches you how to write scripts to automate tasks like sending emails, manipulating spreadsheets, and working with files.
- JavaScript:
- The Modern JavaScript Bootcamp (Colt Steele via Udemy): A comprehensive JavaScript course that covers the latest JavaScript features and best practices. It’s a good choice for those who want to learn JavaScript for web development or for backend development with Node.js.
- JavaScript 30 (Wes Bos): A free series of 30 short video tutorials that focus on building small JavaScript projects. It’s a good way to improve your JavaScript skills through hands-on practice.
- Java:
- Java Programming Masterclass for Software Developers (Tim Buchalka’s Learn Programming Academy via Udemy): A comprehensive Java course that covers Java fundamentals, object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms. It’s a good choice for those who want to learn Java for enterprise application development.
- Mooc.fi’s Java Programming I & II (University of Helsinki): A free, comprehensive course that teaches Java programming from the ground up. It’s known for its rigorous curriculum and focus on problem-solving.
Specialized Courses (e.g., Machine Learning, Web Development):
- Web Development:
- The Web Developer Bootcamp (Colt Steele via Udemy): A comprehensive web development course that covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, MongoDB, and more. It’s a good choice for those who want to learn full-stack web development.
- Advanced CSS and Sass (Jonas Schmedtmann via Udemy): A course focused on mastering CSS and Sass for building modern and responsive websites. It covers advanced CSS techniques, animations, and working with CSS preprocessors.
- Machine Learning:
- Machine Learning (Andrew Ng via Coursera): A classic machine learning course taught by Andrew Ng. It covers supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and deep learning. It’s a good choice for those who want to learn the fundamentals of machine learning.
- Deep Learning Specialization (deeplearning.ai via Coursera): A series of courses that cover deep learning, neural networks, convolutional neural networks, and recurrent neural networks.
- Data Science:
- Data Science Specialization (Johns Hopkins University via Coursera): A series of courses that cover data science fundamentals, data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization.
- DataCamp: Offers interactive courses and career tracks in data science, covering topics like Python, R, SQL, machine learning, and data visualization. It’s a good choice for those who want to learn data science through hands-on practice.
Platforms to Consider:
- Coursera: Offers courses, Specializations, and degrees from top universities and institutions.
- edX: Similar to Coursera, offering courses from universities worldwide.
- Udemy: A vast marketplace of courses on a wide range of topics, often with affordable prices.
- Pluralsight: A subscription-based platform focused on technology skills, with a strong emphasis on enterprise training.
- LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com): Offers courses on a variety of subjects, including technology, business, and creative skills. Often accessible through a LinkedIn Premium subscription.
- Skillshare: Focuses on creative skills, but also offers courses on coding and web development.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Course:
- Your Learning Style: Do you prefer hands-on learning, video lectures, or reading documentation?
- Your Budget: Some courses are free, while others require a paid subscription or one-time purchase.
- Your Time Commitment: How much time can you dedicate to learning each week?
- Your Goals: What do you want to be able to do after completing the course?
- Course Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings to see what other students have to say about the course.
- Instructor’s Experience: Look for instructors with relevant experience and expertise in the field.
- Course Curriculum: Make sure the course curriculum covers the topics you are interested in learning.
- Community Support: A strong community can be invaluable for getting help and support.
- Projects and Portfolio: Look for courses that include projects that you can add to your portfolio.
It’s also a good idea to start with a free introductory course or tutorial to get a feel for the subject and see if it’s something you enjoy. Good luck!
