The Best Online Resources for Learning How to Code
So you’re interested in learning how to code. But where do you begin? If you’ve done some research, you might have noticed that there are thousands of websites with courses and how-to guides to assist you in learning how to code. With seemingly endless possibilities, it might seem impossible to narrow it down and choose just one course or language to start with. However, we have you covered. Here are the best resources that you should check out if you’re interested in coding!
Question Help
Stack Overflow
What if we told you that there’s an entire network of people ready to support you with any questions you have about your code? Stack Overflow is used by people of all experience levels, from new coders to programmers in the workforce. Each day, thousands of users ask questions about their code, from problems with HTML to C++, and many are met with responses with those who just might have gone through those same errors. If you’re not interested in asking a question yourself, but you’re still looking for an answer, try searching it up! There’s a good chance that someone else might have had the same question as you.
W3Schools
While Stack Overflow offers help in a forum-based style, there are other resources that offer help in different ways. A resource organized perfectly for beginners, W3Schools offers tutorials, examples, and exercises within a few different coding languages. W3Schools offers how-to guides on almost everything you need to succeed in learning how to code. For instance, if you’re learning CSS for the first time, you can easily search up how to create text shadows, round borders, and create a multi-column layout — all specific to CSS.
Courses
Udemy
Short on time? Udemy has thousands of free coding courses that you can use to work on your own schedule. While there’s a number of courses that require payment, you can easily find free beginner’s courses on their site. Udemy not only offers courses in programming and technology, but also many other categories as well. There’s no set schedule that you’re required to follow, and many courses are taught in lecture-style format, perfect if you like coding along an instructor.
Coursera
If you’re looking for a more structured course format and want to be accredited, then Coursera is the site for you. Just like Udemy, Coursera offers a wide variety of courses both inside and outside of technology. However, Coursera requires a bit more time commitment — understandably so, given that you can get your course accredited. There are also both free and paid courses, so you’ll be equipped to code no matter what your budget is.
Codecademy
On a budget, but interested in coding? Codecademy is a completely free platform to use. Offering classes in 12 different languages, many beginners start learning how to code through Codecademy. In contrast to both Udemy and Coursera, Codecademy offers their lessons solely in coding, and is 100% free! While you might not have the same course accreditation that Coursera offers, Codecademy is simple to use, making it a perfect way to start learning.
Learning how to code may be difficult, but today, it’s becoming a more important and necessary tool to learn. These resources are incredibly helpful and will equip you with all the tools you need to succeed as you start coding. Though you’ll likely come across errors and problems within your code, remember to take a deep breath and continue to try to work it all out. Seeing the outcome of success within your project will make it all worthwhile.
