Introduction

Have you always dreamed of programming, creating web apps, or designing a mobile app but don’t know where to start? Computers and programming languages can be intimidating at first but don’t worry because with dedication, you can achieve your goal of learning to code! Learning to code has many practical applications, including web development, software engineering, and data analysis, to name a few.

This article offers free resources that can guide you on your journey to becoming a programmer, including coding practice websites, free online courses, online communities, and more. We’ll explore step-by-step ways to get started, and show you how you can use each resource to achieve your goal.

Highlighting Free Online Resources

There are many free online resources for learning to code, including Codecademy, FreeCodeCamp, and Udacity. Each resource has pros and cons, but they are generally self-paced and offer a variety of programming language courses and exercises.

Codecademy is one of the best-known online platforms for learning to code. It has many courses, including Python, HTML, and CSS. It’s easy to use, though some courses are best suited for intermediate to advanced-level users, and the free version has limited access to learning materials.

FreeCodeCamp offers courses on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, database design, and other essential programming subjects. The program is interactive and hands-on, which means you can practice coding on real projects. On the downside, some courses are quite challenging, and the user interface can be difficult to navigate.

Udacity offers self-paced courses in coding, web development, and data analysis. It also provides a free trial, which makes it an excellent starting point for new users. One of Udacity’s significant strengths is its focus on practical skills, which means students learn how to apply their programming skills practically. However, not all courses are free, which means you may only have access to limited coding materials.

Joining Online Communities

Online communities offer boundless opportunities for learners to get help from experienced developers, learn new things, and meet people who have similar interests. FreeCodeCamp and Reddit’s “Learn Programming” are examples of popular communities. The former has an extensive forum where you can learn to code and benefit from others’ experience, while the latter has an active community of learners that includes many experienced developers who can help with any coding questions you may have.

Another popular platform, GitHub, allows developers to share their code and collaborate with others. You can also use GitHub to find open-source projects to work on and contribute to open-source software.

Learning through YouTube Channels

YouTube is one of the best free resources available for learning to code. Not only does it offer a wide range of courses, but it also has many channels focused on specific programming language tutorials or technology trends.

Tested Code, CS Dojo, and The Net Ninja are some of the most popular channels for learning coding. Tested Code covers everything from web development to game development, while The Net Ninja is focused on web development languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. CS Dojo is an excellent resource for essential programming concepts and is perfect for beginners. The downside of learning through YouTube channels is that some you may have to sort through a lot of irrelevant content to find high-quality tutorials.

Attending Coding Bootcamps

Bootcamps are intensive programs designed to teach essential programming skills quickly. Whether in-person or online, bootcamps provide excellent opportunities to learn quickly, gain practical experience and stay motivated. Udacity, General Assembly, and Flatiron School are well-respected online bootcamps that offer a range of courses and job placement for graduates. They can be expensive, but they offer tangible benefits, including immersion, job prep and networking opportunities.

Attending Free Coding Meetups

Coding meetups are social gatherings that connect people with similar interests, allowing them to share information, collaborate, and learn from each other. Meetup.com is a popular platform for coding meetups. You can filter your search by location and interest area to find an active coding group in your area.

Attending coding meetups is adviseable, especially for new programmers as they can provide connect with others willing to help, provide motivation and teach through shared experience. The downside is that not all topics may be at your level, but you can choose which meetups to attend and learn at your own pace.

Using Coding Practice Platforms

Coding practice platforms like HackerRank, LeetCode, and Project Euler provide users with coding challenges and puzzles which test and develop their programming skills. These platforms allow you to practice your coding skills, compete with other users, and gain new insights into programming language concepts.

HackerRank tests a user’s programming skills across various domains, including algorithms, data structures, mathematics and more. LeetCode is another excellent coding practice platform that provides questions for a wide range of programming languages, and Project Euler offers mathematics and computer science problems to keep your mind sharp.

Building Your Own Projects

Building your projects is one of the most effective ways to learn to code. It allows you to apply your coding skills to real-world problems, develop critical thinking skills, and enhance your creativity. Projects should build gradually, starting simple and progressively challenging your skills level. The projects will help you establish a portfolio, improve your skills, and apply your coding skills to scenarios that mirror the workplace.

Some project ideas include building a calculator, creating a website, developing an app, or designing a game. Online resources such as W3schools, Codecademy, and Udemy can guide you on how to get started and how to acquire the needed skills.

Conclusion

It’s never been easier to learn to code with plenty of free resources available to anyone. This article describes some of the most common methods for learning to code, including free online resources, online communities, YouTube channels, coding bootcamps, free coding meetups, coding practice platforms, and project-based learning.

Choose your preferred method and tap into the knowledge of established developers who can guide you on your journey to becoming a programmer. With dedication, patience, and discipline, you can become the programmer you always dreamed of being.