When I was in high school, I took a computer science course during the second semester of grade 11 (“hello world!”). At the time, it just seemed like a fun thing to do. However, while the class was in fact not fun, there is something to be said about the benefits and advantages of knowing how to code.
There was a time when computer science was just for programmers, engineers, and web developers. However, with the job market’s recent shift towards technology-based programs and web development, knowledge and experience of coding have become almost an essential skill. Not only will coding expand your portfolio of skills, it can also serve as the basis for securing a part-time job, or even the foundations of a life-long career, if not back-up plan. New start-up companies are always looking for website developers and designers to create versatile and creative websites.
Learning code is not a hard thing to do; it only takes time, diligence, and persistence. In fact, you can learn it online for free. Still not convinced? Check out the following six free coding websites and decide for yourself which best suits you.
1. Khan Academy
Khan academy can teach you just about anything. They offer a variety of courses, and it just so happens that coding is one of them. With Khan Academy you can explore the various coding video tutorials, and navigate your way through HTML, CSS, and JavaSciprt. Each video one runs you through the course step-by-step.
2. FreeCodeCamp
This is the coding website I’ve been using to learn basic code and web design. This website teaches you how to write HTML, CSS, and other codes from the ground up. Once you’ve signed up, each of their different modules takes you through the different steps and components of website design. Not only do they provide you with instructions about design code, they also allow you to test your knowledge through exercises. They have hundreds of hours’ worth of information and knowledge in total. The great thing about this website is that you are a part of an online community. You can ask questions, look for advice, and find out what you’re doing wrong if you’re stuck on a certain module. The codes made on this website are also available for non-profits.
3. Udemy
Udemy is an online website for learning new skills. While some of its different courses do require you to pay a fee, the website also offers a variety of free programs such as those for Python.
TheCodePlayer also offers a variety of video walkthroughs which show you how to build website elements from scratch. All of their videos are free, and some of their video contents consist of very creative and modern styles.
Code Avengers is a website based out of New Zealand. They offer free online courses for coding websites, apps, and even games. They offer courses in HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. Each course is offered in a variety of languages, and takes approximately 12 hours to complete.
6. edX
This website is an open source platform (not for profit) for online code learning. It was started in 2012 by Harvard and MIT and today it includes over 60 schools. Like many of the other websites I’ve included in this list, they offer video tutorials about different coding languages. You really can’t go wrong if someone from Harvard is teaching you the basics of code.
Free online coding courses are not the only option. If you prefer to learn things in person through hands-on experience and happen to live in Toronto, I’ve found some free group workshops you can attend.
Ladies learning code is a Toronto-based non-profit organization specifically catered towards teaching women and youth how to code. It started in 2011 through a tweet, and since then over 25, 000 learners have been a part of their programs. If you navigate through their website, they offer a variety of free, hands-on workshops in downtown Toronto for women, ladies, and youth.
2. Bitmaker
I have seen several Bitmaker advertisements on my Facebook newsfeed recently. While on the website it does appear you need to apply for their services, they do offer a variety of workshops and courses for you to take. They have a free UX design workshop coming up on October 6th. You can look at their Facebook event page for more information.
Instead of scouring the internet and investing in expensive books such as Web Design for Dummies (trust me I have actually purchased this book), try a more frugal and practical method of learning through free online coding courses and in-person, hands-on workshops. For those of you looking to design your own websites, I also urge you to consider the merits of one-page websites. Like I’ve said, coding isn’t just for select people anyone – it’s for everyone. Happy coding!