There are many online options where you can learn how to code for free, but which is the right one for you? You may want to dive in headfirst and learn a new coding language. Or you are just getting introduced to technology or coding and want a free option to get some basics down first. In either case, we have curated some of the best websites to learn code for free.
Remember, even though the classes are free, you still pay with your time and energy, so consider what skills you are looking to develop and try the course for a week to see if you enjoy it and get value. If you are getting value, then commit to learning!
Amazing options where you can learn how to code:
Udacity
One of our favorite online education providers is Udacity. They offer “Nanodegree” Programs which are excellent! Google, Facebook, Amazon Web Services, and many others sponsor courses. Therefore, they can offer various specializations, from Intro to Programming to learning about Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, to name a few. The classes are given through short videos, online quizzes, readings, and an internal Slack community. Another benefit of getting a Nanodegree is accessing an alumni network and expanding your career and business connections.
While some of their Nanodegrees have a reasonable price tag to get the full designation, they offer many courses where you can learn code for free. Commit to a class or two to sharpen your coding knowledge today!
Free Udacity Code Courses Available:
- Introduction to HTML and CSS
- Introduction to Javascript
- Java Programming Basics
- Introduction to Python Programming
- Linux Command Line Basics
- What is Programming?
- Swift for Beginners (Swift is the language used for Apple iOS apps)
- Swift for Developers
- Android Basics
- Intro to Cloud Computing
- Introduction to Virtual Reality
If you are interested in continuing an Udacity Nanodegree, here is our updated Udacity discount for any Nanodegree program!
The Linux Foundation
The Linux Foundation provides a neutral, trusted hub for developers to code, manage, and scale open technology projects. The Linux Foundation is passionate about software development and unlocking the power of open technology to drive shared innovation for the collective benefit. Linux is a family of open-source operating systems. 90% of all cloud infrastructure is powered by Linux, including supercomputers and cloud providers. 74% of smartphones in the world are Linux-based.
Free Linux Foundation Courses Include:
- Introduction to Linux
- Introduction to Node.js
- A Beginner’s Guide to Linux Kernel Development
- A Beginner’s Guide to Open Source Software Development
- Blockchain: Understanding its Uses and Implications
- Introduction to Hyperledger Blockchain Technologies
- Introduction to Kubernetes
- Introduction to FinOps
Coursera
Coursera also provides many great classes from top universities on various subjects like edX. Coursera class offerings are predominantly paid courses. The fees can range from $29 to take a course to a $79 a month paid model if you want a verified certificate.
Most are paid courses, but you can still search for free courses on Coursera and find many gems, and you can test drive some courses for a trial run and see if it’s right for you.
Free Coursera Programming Courses Available include:
- Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
- Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization
- An Introduction to Programming the Internet of Things (IoT) Specialization
- Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
- Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization
- C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals
- Blockchain Basics
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Codecademy
Whether trying to level up your career, build your side project, or play around with programming, you’ve found the right place to start. Explore Codecademy programs and courses, try an exercise, and join our community of 45 million learners. You can learn Programming and Computer Science, Web Development, and Data Science. Codecademy was one of the original coding schools online, so they have an excellent reputation.
edX
edX is one of our favorite MOOC providers because they offer various courses to satisfy any curiosity or specialization. Boost your coding knowledge by finding classes on web and application development, Android, and iOS development, Database Systems, and more. edX also offers courses on Data Science, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Sales, soft skills, writing, and even a class on Happiness!
Top colleges and universities founded edX. edX is also the only leading MOOC provider that is both a nonprofit and open source. Their 120 university partners include MIT, Harvard, Berkeley – University of California, University of Texas. Sign up today and explore edX's course catalog.
Free edX Programming Courses Available include:
- HTML5 and CSS Fundamentals
- CSS Basics
- Programming for the Web with Javascript
- Introduction to Python: Absolute Beginner
- Python Basics for Data Science
- CS50 AP Computer Science Principles
- Introduction to C++
- C Programming: Getting Started
- Introduction to Java Programming
- Blockchain: Understanding Its Uses and Implications
- Introduction to Cybersecurity
MIT App Inventor
MIT App Inventor is an intuitive, visual programming environment that allows everyone – even children – to build fully functional apps for smartphones and tablets. Those new to MIT App Inventor can have a simple first app up and running in less than 30 minutes. The blocks-based tool facilitates creating complex, high-impact apps in significantly less time than traditional programming environments. The MIT App Inventor project seeks to democratize software development by empowering all people, especially young people, to move from technology consumption to technology creation. Here are Tutorials for MIT App Inventor.
Apps to Learn How to Code for Free in 2023
Grasshopper mobile app
Grasshopper is a mobile application available for Android and iOS devices. A Google team developed this app to help people learn coding basics, mainly through learning Javascript. The best part, it’s free! Download today and start learning.
Swift Playgrounds iPad App (iPad and macOS only)
Swift Playgrounds App is an iPad app that helps you learn and explore coding in Swift, the language used to create apps for the Apple App Store. By doing fun activities and quizzes, you’ll be learning Swift programming in no time. Just tap, drag, or type text and numbers and then interact with what you’ve created. Download Swift Playgrounds now.