Learn to code as a beginner on these free platforms

Four ways to learn coding as beginners for free, with UX design, web development and professional feedback

In this fast-paced, ever-growing world of AI and software, computer science coding is rapidly emerging as a basic skill to acquire in every field. Though many of us might have avoided the subject altogether for its seemingly complicated language and jargon, today, with the help of AI and basic coding knowledge, we can master the skill and learn the basics for free online.

While Udemy and Khan Academy are the most popular sites to learn new skills, here are a few other platforms to learn to code for beginners;

Codecademy

The online learning platform offers free courses in programming languages including Python, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, SQL, C++, HTML, and CSS. The website offers a free introduction to HTML and guides you to create a website with HTML and CSS coding. With evolving tech advancements, Codecademy offers basic courses on generative AI and an introduction to ChatGPT. With AI-assisted learning, portfolio project assistance, and a mobile IDE. They aim to use their AI features to help you understand errors and solution code faster, with personalized feedback.

freeCodeCamp

This non-profit offers free online coding classes and certifications in specialities like responsive web design, data visualization, and machine learning. The platform is “dedicated to teaching the world how to code for free," with over 30,000 hours of free content.

freeCodeCamp has more advanced courses like Data Analysis with Python Certification, Data Visualization Certification, JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures, Machine Learning with Python Certification, and Scientific Computing with Python Certification. All courses come with certificates upon completion and are free of cost.

Skillcrush

Skillcrush's free coding camp is beginner-friendly and has a fun intro to tech and digital careers, with simplified courses teaching code for free. The website offers to help you learn to code with HTML and CSS and learn the basics of UX design, in less than five minutes a day. With over 350,000 enrolled students, Skillcrush's free coding bootcamp also offers Javascript 101 and Visual and Web Design Basics.

Web Fundamentals by Google

This Google project provides free, open-source, online coding lessons and tutorials to the masses. It not only has UX basics but also accessibility (essential in web development and web design) and responsive web design basics. Aiming to help you "build beautiful, accessible, fast, and secure websites that work cross-browser and for all of your users," the site offers content written by its Chrome team, members, and external professionals.

The Web Fundamentals has courses, podcasts, blogs, articles, patterns, and case studies, to help users in a variety of ways with their goal of learning to code online.