Looking to learn how to code as a beginner, but not sure where to start?
There are endless benefits to learning how to code - from earning extra income, to unlocking new career opportunities, or simply just forcing your brain to work in new ways, coding is a skill that has become increasingly in-demand.
With so many options for coding workshops and courses, it can be difficult to know where to start your journey. If you're brand new to coding, chances are you'll want to dip your toes and see what it's like before diving into a paid course. Here are some free coding courses and resources to get you started!
1. Codecademy
Codecademy is the ultimate resource for coders looking to learn the basics. The free website offers beginners an array of resources, including cheat sheets, projects to improve your skills, and documents on over 15 different coding languages. If you’re looking for a career in code, Codecademy will also assist in helping you build your career path and suggest what skills you need to obtain in order to reach your goals.
2. Coding 101 Workshop at Juno College
We couldn't write this list without giving a shout-out to our most popular event! Our free monthly Coding 101 Workshops introduce beginners to the basics of HTML and CSS, the key building blocks of web development. Through an instructor-led workshop, you'll code your own mini-project that you can share with your friends with a link!
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3. Coursera
Collaborating with some of the world’s most prestigious universities and companies such as Google, IBM, Duke University, and Penn State to name a few, Coursera offers a wide variety of free, online coding classes that cover various programming languages. Whether you’re just starting out or want to refine your coding expertise, Coursera gives aspiring coders different course structure options such as professional certifications, guided projects, and more traditional courses.
4. BitDegree
Offering coding classes on a variety of topics such as game and app development, BitDegree has free courses focused on many different areas of coding. The courses are offered in different formats, including interactive classes that allow you to test code, as well as video lessons for self-directed learning. BitDegree also provides certifications which are a great addition to any resume.
5. Codewars
Codewars works to motivate you to become the best coder you can be with peer training and fun coding challenges. Offering free courses in over 25 coding languages, Codewars rewards you for your progress by allowing you to earn a better ranking by completing various coding challenges. The site also gives you the ability to tap into the collective wisdom of the coding community by discussing best practices with other users.
6. edX
Offering free online courses through Ivy League institutions such as Harvard, Berkley, and MIT, edX will have you well acquainted with the coding world in no time. From introductory classes for specific coding languages such as Python, Javascript, and C++, to exploring more advanced applications, edX lets you learn at your own pace and choose courses based on your skill level.
7. MIT OpenCourseWare
As one of the world’s leading institutions in technology, MIT offers free access to its undergraduate and graduate courses, including ones focused on coding and computer technology. Although MIT OpenCourseWare doesn’t provide certificates or degrees, the platform provides a variety of ways to learn code including video lectures, exams, self-assessments, and assignments to test your progress.
Learn to code with us!
We're experts at introducing absolute beginners to the wonderful world of coding, with hands-on exercises and an inclusive community. Join one of our free monthly Coding 101 Workshops below!