Once upon a time, coding was only for the super-elite computer-nerd crowd. Today, coding is for everyone, from bloggers to marketers to students to C-level execs.
Some of the benefits of being able to code include:
- Having the ability to build your own website from the ground up, without the need for outside help
- Saving money on Web-based projects (which is super important for startups), as you don’t need to rely as heavily on programmers, developers, and IT managers
- Bringing your creativity to the forefront. Instead of explaining your vision to others,you have the power to bring it to life
In a previous column, I shared nine of the best places you can learn to code for free. Those are still great places, and you should check them out, but I’ve learned about seven more since then!
1. Harvard University’s CS50 class
- The ins and outs of programming
- How to think algorithmically
- Concepts including algorithms, encapsulation, security, and web development
Upon successful completion of the course, you can pay $90 to receive a certificate of verification.
With Code.org, you can learn the basics of computer science through a drag and drop, feature-packed learning experience. As a self-directed tutorial, complete with lectures from some of the biggest names in programming (think Mark Zuckerberg et al), you can work at your own pace. With tens of millions of participants, a variety of tutorials, and free access to how-to guides and videos, this one is definitely worth trying out.
3. Code School
As the name implies, Code School is where you go to learn coding, programming, and related skills. This resource is unique in the way it provides “paths.” Each path is focused on specific skills related to a particular programming language, such as:
4. Free Code Camp
Free Code Camp offers a unique way of learning to code, by doing some social good, too. It teaches students basic and advanced techniques by building projects for nonprofits. Its four-step process includes:
- Joining a community of motivated students (and professionals)
- Working together to tackle coding challenges
- Building apps
- Powering nonprofits by providing code
5. Dash by General Assembly
Learning to code in your browser is a different experience, but one that translates well when it comes time to take on a “real life” project.
6. Code Conquest
For many, the first step into the world of coding is the most challenging. Code Conquest offers a free online guide for beginners, to help you ease into it. Through this free guide, you can:
- Learn the basics of coding
- Complete free coding tutorials
- Learn how to use a particular coding language
- Select the coding training that is best for you
TheCodePlayer shows you detailed presentations that outline how others have built websites and apps, among other things, from scratch. Each lesson comes complete with a video and in-depth description.
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- 50 Websites Your Startup Needs to Succeed in 2015
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