Interested in coding but never had the chance to take programming classes at school?
Here are 9 online resources to help you learn to code on your own!
1. YouTube: a plethora of programming tutorials
If you want to start coding on your own, it might be a good idea to do some research beforehand to find out which programming languages interest you the most and which tools are used with them. There are a variety of programming languages that are used to code different things, like websites, mobile apps, etc.
Starting with video tutorials is a great way to get into programming if you don’t know much about the field. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of tutorials that introduce you to various programming languages and the best tools to use with them.
It’s much easier to get a basic understanding of coding from video tutorials than to dive directly into courses!
2. Code.org
Code.org is a great free resource for teaching kids to code.
Code.org is a non-profit organization that offers computer science and programming courses for students of all levels. Its course catalogue is divided into 3 age categories: 4-11, 10-16 and 14-18+. Although these courses are made for children, they can benefit adults who are new to programming as well, because they explain the concepts in a very accessible way.
Code.org has classes on a wide range of programming languages, including HTML, Javascript, Python, SQL, and more. 50 million students have taken classes on the site to date, which speaks volumes about its quality.
3. Coursera
Coursera is an online learning platform that provides access to courses offered by major universities such as Stanford and University of Toronto. There are a variety of programming courses available for beginners and more advanced coders.
Most courses on Coursera are free, but some charge fees for official certificates. If you’re considering a career in IT, you’ll need proof that you’ve taken programming courses, so make sure to set aside some funds for that.
4. OpenClassrooms.com
OpenClassrooms.com is another online learning platform that is available on all devices (computer, tablet, smartphone). One great advantage of OpenClassrooms is the open forums, which provide a space for users to discuss the course content and help each other learn.
In addition to IT development, OpenClassrooms has specialized courses on systems and networking, project management, office automation, and more. Not only can the platform help you learn how to code, but it can also introduce you to other aspects of IT that could be useful in your future career.
5. Codecademy.com
Codecademy is one of the most popular online resources for learning to code. The site offers members two options—the basic package is free and the Pro costs $19.99 a month.
The basic package gives you access to 25 classes a month. You can learn a variety of programming languages, including Python, HTML, C++, CSS, Java and Ruby.
The Pro package gives you access to 65 courses per month and offers a more elaborate structure that facilitates learning. The selection of courses available in this package is geared towards more advanced coding students.
6. Udemy
Udemy is a library of online courses on a multitude of subjects, including IT development. The courses offered on this platform are created by users. Most are experts in their field and use the platform to share their passion.
To help you find the classes that interest you, Udemy offers an evaluation section that assesses your interests and goals. This helps narrow down your search, because there are around 155,000 courses available on the platform.
Some classes on Udemy are free while others require a fee, so keep this in mind when choosing which ones you want to take.
7. HTML.net
Dreaming of a career in web and app development? The training offered on HTML.net could help you get there.
HTML.net makes web and app development accessible by offering a variety of specialized courses in computer science. You can learn how to code languages such as HTML (of course), PHP, Javascript and CSS. These well-designed courses help beginners get acquainted with the basics of programming languages.
HTML.net also has forums for users to ask questions and help each other throughout the learning process.
8. CodeWars.com
CodeWars.com is a free platform that’s a little different from the options listed above. It’s meant for coders who already have a solid grasp of programming and want to practice by undertaking coding challenges.
Inspired by martial arts, CodeWars has created a unique formula based on katas. Once you choose the programming language you want to practice, you’ll need to answer a coding question in order to access the rest of the website and take on new challenges. The more katas you master, the more you prove yourself, and eventually, you will be able create your own katas for other users to complete.
9. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality training and promoting the importance of education around the world. The organization collaborates with major institutions such as NASA, MIT and the Museum of Modern Art. It offers free courses on coding and a variety of other subjects.
Khan Academy provides videos and exercises to help users learn at their own pace. It's a great resource for schools that want to add programming to their curriculum.
Ready to pursue a career as a developer?
As you can see, there are many websites you can use to learn to code on your own. These online tools can be extremely helpful, particularly if you’ve developed an interest in programming later in life.
Once you’ve taken several online courses and feel ready to pursue a career in programming in Quebec, Fed IT can help! Our specialized consultants guide IT professionals through the job search process.
Send us a spontaneous application today or contact us to find your dream job!