Best Free Courses on Programming and Coding to Build Your Skills

Want to build your skills in programming or learn how to code? This article will help you finding the best courses on programming and coding to build your skills in computer programming and coding.

These days, programming skills can be very affordable, and it always offers a variety of benefits. Coding and programming skills can open up doors for many job seekers and career switchers. Having some basic programming skills can make you less reliant on programmers or developers to run or manage projects. It can make website management significantly easier, reducing costs in the long run.

Tons of free online courses on programming and coding are available to help you getting skills on programming or coding. Whether you want to start a code-based project or master a new programming language, there’s something for you on this list.

To help learners on how to code, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to learn programming and coding. Learn in-demand skills in programming or learn how to code to get a better understanding of how apps and websites are developed and designed.

Best Free Online Courses on Programming and Coding

Many reputable websites and learning platforms offer free courses on a wide range of topics, including programming. These courses are often created by universities, educational institutions, or industry professionals. Compiled by experts, the following are the best places that offer free courses and tutorials to learn coding and programming.

1. Courses on Programming on Coursera

Coursera is a popular online learning platform that offers a wide range of programming and coding courses. It collaborates with top universities and institutions to provide high-quality content and learning experiences.

Coursera offers a vast selection of programming courses covering various languages, frameworks, and concepts. You can find courses on popular programming languages like Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript, as well as specialized courses on topics such as web development, data science, machine learning, and more.

Coursera can be a valuable platform to learn programming and coding, providing structured content, expert instruction, and a supportive learning community.

Here are some popular Coursera courses on programming and coding:

2. Programming Courses on MIT OpenCourseWare

MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) is an excellent resource for learning programming and coding. It offers a wide range of courses and materials from MIT’s curriculum that you can access for free. Learning programming and coding on MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) can be a valuable and effective way to enhance your skills.

On MIT OCW, choose a course that aligns with your goals and level of expertise. If you’re new to programming, introductory courses like “Introduction To Computer Science And Programming” or “Introduction To Programming In Java” can be a good starting point. If you already have some experience, you can opt for more advanced courses.

Remember that learning programming and coding requires hands-on practice and persistence. Be patient with yourself and embrace the learning process. MIT OCW is a fantastic resource, but ultimately, your dedication and willingness to code regularly will determine your progress.

Here are some of the best free MIT OCW Programming Courses:

3. Courses on Programming on Edx

Learning programming and coding on edX is another popular option for online education. edX is a platform that offers a wide range of courses from top universities and institutions worldwide, including renowned institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Berkeley.

Diverse course selection: edX provides a vast catalog of programming and coding courses covering various languages, frameworks, and skill levels. You can find courses on popular languages like Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, and more. Additionally, there are specialized courses on web development, data science, machine learning, and other relevant topics.

edX courses often include hands-on programming exercises to apply the concepts taught in the lectures. These exercises are designed to reinforce your understanding and provide practical experience. Some courses also offer interactive coding environments, allowing you to write and run code directly within the course platform.

Edx is a flexible and reputable platform that can help you acquire valuable programming and coding skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer, edX offers a wide array of courses to cater to different skill levels and interests.

Here are some of the best categories of Edx courses on programming and coding:

4. Programming Courses on Udacity

Udacity offers a wide range of courses on programming and coding, covering various programming languages, frameworks, and concepts. These courses are designed to provide both beginners and experienced developers with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their programming journey.

Udacity provides a structured learning experience, but don’t hesitate to explore other resources like books, online tutorials, or documentation to further enhance your understanding of programming concepts.

Learning programming on Udacity is a great choice as the platform offers a variety of courses and nanodegree programs to help you develop your programming skills. Explore Udacity’s course catalog to find courses that align with your goals. You can filter courses by programming language, skill level, and specific topics.

Here are some of the best free Programming Courses on Udacity:

5. Programming on Udemy

Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a vast array of programming courses taught by instructors from around the world. The platform covers a wide range of programming languages, frameworks, and technologies, making it suitable for beginners as well as experienced developers looking to expand their skills.

Udemy hosts a broad selection of programming courses, covering popular languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, and more. You can also find courses on web development, mobile app development, data science, artificial intelligence, and other specialized areas.

Keep in mind that while Udemy does offer many free courses, some may have paid features or optional paid content. Additionally, course availability and pricing can change over time, so it’s best to verify the current pricing and offerings directly on the Udemy website.

Here are some of the best categories of free programming courses on Udemy:

6. Free Code Camp

FreeCodeCamp is an online platform that offers free resources for learning programming, web development, and other related topics.

FreeCodeCamp provides a structured curriculum that covers various programming languages and technologies. The core curriculum focuses on web development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive design, front-end libraries, back-end development, and databases.

FreeCodeCamp emphasizes hands-on learning through projects. These projects help you apply your knowledge and develop practical skills. Completing projects also earns you certifications.

If you’re interested in web development and want to learn by doing hands-on projects, FreeCodeCamp can be an excellent resource to start your programming journey.

To get started Sign-Up on FreeCodeCamp and get free resources and tutorials for learning programming.

7. Codecademy

Codecademy is an online learning platform that offers interactive coding courses to help individuals learn programming languages, web development, data science, and other related topics.

Codecademy provides an interactive coding environment directly within the web browser. This means you can practice coding concepts and see the results instantly without the need for any external tools or software installations.

Codecademy offers a structured curriculum with guided lessons, exercises, and quizzes. The courses are designed to take you from the basics to more advanced topics in a progressive manner. They cover popular programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, Ruby, C++, and more.

Some of the best categories of free programming courses on Codecademy are Python, JavaScript, HTML & CSS, SQL, Java, C++, C#, PHP, R, Swift, and more.

8. FutureLearn

FutureLearn offers a wide range of programming and coding courses to cater to different skill levels and interests. These courses are designed to help individuals learn programming languages, develop coding skills, and gain practical knowledge in various areas of software development.

FutureLearn offers courses on popular programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, R, and more. Additionally, you can find courses on web development, data analysis, cybersecurity, game development, and other specialized areas.

Many programming courses on FutureLearn are designed for beginners with little to no coding experience. Many programming courses on FutureLearn include hands-on projects that enable you to apply what you’ve learned.

Some of the best categories of free programming courses on FutureLearn are Ethical Hacking, Game Development, Information Security, Python, R Programming, and more.

FAQ about courses on programming and coding to build your skills

Is programming a good career?

Yes, there are numerous high paying job opportunities for programmers or coders. The demand for skilled programmers continues to grow across various industries. With continuous technological advancements, coding skills remain highly relevant and adaptable, enabling professionals to stay competitive in the job market. Furthermore, coding provides the flexibility of remote work and freelance opportunities.

What Is the average salary of a programmer?

The average salary of a programmer varies based on factors such as location, experience, specialization, and industry. In the United States, the average annual salary for a programmer ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. Entry-level programmers typically start at a lower salary., while more experienced and specialized programmers, such as software engineers or data scientists, can earn significantly higher salaries.

Is it possible to learn coding on my own?

Yes, it is possible to learn coding on your own. Many successful programmers and developers are self-taught. With the abundance of online resources, tutorials, coding platforms, and communities, you can acquire coding skills without formal education. It’s important to set goals, follow a well-designed curriculum or learning path, practice regularly, and seek help from online communities or forums when needed.

How long does it take to learn programming?

The time it takes to learn programming varies depending on several factors, including the individual’s prior experience, learning style, dedication, and the complexity of the programming language or field. Generally, it takes several months to a couple of years to become proficient in programming.

What Is the Easiest Code to Learn?

The easiest code to learn largely depends on your goals and the purpose for which you want to learn programming. However, there are a few programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS etc. are often considered beginner-friendly and relatively easy to learn. Remember that the “easiest” language may still require effort and practice to become proficient.