Top 24 Websites to Learn Coding for Free

Learning to code has grown over the years from just a hobby to a career. Today, you can learn coding online, entirely for free. Gone are the days where knowing a programming language was reserved for the select few or cost quite a hefty amount of money.

Even if you have no desire to go into the development field, learning a programming language can be very beneficial:

• It’ll help you better manage websites
• It’ll reduce reliance on an outside developer for your own projects
• It’ll give you the freedom to build apps, websites, and other projects with ease

Whether you want to start your own career as a programmer, learn how to build websites, or create projects for fun, this post is for you. Now, let’s dive into the best places online where you can learn to code for free.

Here are top free sites and courses where you can learn to code:

1. BitDegree

BitDegree offers a ton of free courses that range from programming to game development.

They offer standard online courses and gamified courses. Gamified courses help to bring achievements and interaction into the learning process. All you have to do is choose your language and start learning.

There are a variety of programming languages covered, but the most popular ones are highlighted below:

• HTML
• CSS
• PHP
• Javascript
• SQL
• JQuery

BitDegree also does something unique by incorporating blockchain into the education process. There are transparent rewards and an achievement system that helps businesses recruit tech talent and measure course success.

2. Coursera

Coursera provides coding-based courses, tutorials, and resources taught by professors at leading universities. You’ll find hundreds of different coding-related courses to choose from.

To develop these courses, they partnered with some of the best teachers at top-tier universities. This means you learn how to code from some of the best resources out there. Every course on the site is completely free, but you’ll have to pay for it if you want to receive a certification.

You’ll find a variety of courses available like:

• Python
• Java
• HTML and CSS
• IoT programming
• C language
• Introduction to programming

3. Code Academy

Code Academy is one of the most popular sites where people learn to code for free. More than 24 million people have learned to code using this platform.

They offer courses ranging from introductory programming to more advanced languages. The interactive learning approach lets you immediately apply what you’ve learned. Over 300 million hours of free coding content are available to take you from complete beginner to working programmer.

Some of the languages you’ll be able to learn at Code Academy include:

• HTML
• JavaScript
• CSS
• jQuery
• PHP
• Python
• Ruby

There are several other courses available as well, but the languages above are the core focus.

4. edX

edX is a massive open-source higher education learning platform. It currently has a network of over 5 million students.

The site is broken down into many different categories that extend far beyond programming. Since you’re here to learn to code, you’ll find the most value in the ‘Computer Science’ category.

Here you’ll find tutorials that teach you languages and skills like:

• HTML and CSS
• Java
• jQuery
• C++
• C#
• Python
• SQL
• Mobile app development

There are also paid courses available, but there are enough free educational materials to teach you the basics of coding.

5. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a massive online learning platform. It’s a great place to start developing a wealth of coding-related knowledge and skills. You’ll find courses and tutorials that range from computer programming basics all the way up to advanced applications.

All courses are taught by experts. However, students are encouraged to share what they’ve learned throughout the process. With Khan Academy, you’ll be able to learn and pick up programming languages like:

• HTML
• CSS
• Javascript
• Databases

There are also foundational courses that teach you the philosophy and skills behind computer programming as a whole.

6. Codewars

Codewars teaches you your desired programming language via a series of challenges. These code challenges draw from martial arts as each challenge is referred to as a kata.

The goal of each challenge is to help you sharpen your existing skills with a certain programming language or to learn a new one from scratch.

As you progress through each kata, the challenges get tougher and tougher. Once a challenge is complete, you’re able to see how your solution stacks up to others. This will show you different techniques for solving certain development problems.

Some of the languages you can learn with Codewars include:

• Java
• Javascript
• C#
• Ruby
• Python
• SQL

7. Code.org

Code.org is built to make programming a part of the regular education curriculum. Over a million people have used this site to further their programming knowledge and skills.

The education approach you take is up to you. You can dive into the one-hour tutorials or take a more structured approach.

There’s also a large catalog of courses that are broken down by ages ranging from K-5, 6-12, and even University level.

8. Udemy

Udemy is an online education portal that offers thousands of courses. There are a lot of paid courses on the platform, but you’ll also find plenty of free ones as well. Plus, there are always coupons and specials where you can find discounts and even free versions of paid courses.

You’ll find plenty of development courses, where you can learn things like:

• Web development
• Game development
• Mobile application development
• eCommerce site creation
• All the programming languages you could ever want

9. Dash General Assembly

Dash is a free online course that’ll teach you the basics of web development, all within your web browser.

You’ll learn the basics of HTML5, CSS3, and Javascript and how these languages work together to create beautiful, modern websites. In addition, it asks you to build a series of small projects that integrate together at the end to show you how to create a website of your own.

With Dash, you’ll come away with an understanding of the bigger picture of website development. It’s a great place for beginners with no previous development experience.

10. Free Code Camp

Free Code Camp is all about creating real-life relationships and building a community around programming education. It provides the chance to learn coding by participating in various challenges. You’ll get access to programming tutorials and courses to help you complete each challenge.

Once you have some skills, you’ll be able to apply this to the real world by building tradable projects and coding for non-profits. Some of the languages and skills covered include:

• HTML5
• CSS3
• Javascript
• Node.js
• React.js
• D3.js
• Databases
• Git and Github

Best of all, you won’t be coding alone. There’s a community forum with others who are learning alongside you. And you have the option to meet other coders who live in your city to chat or exchange knowledge.

11. Code Conquest

Code Conquest is a great platform that’ll help you learn the basics of coding. Even if you’ve never written a line of code in your life, this platform will help you get started from square one.

It’s designed to walk you through the process of:

1. Learning what coding is
2. Choosing which languages to learn
3. Knowing how to improve your knowledge and skills
4. Applying these skills to real-life problems

On the site, you’ll find a variety of tutorials that’ll help you learn programming languages like:

• HTML and CSS
• Javascript
• PHP
• Ruby
• jQuery
• Python
• MySQL

In addition to everything above, you’ll also receive specific recommendations to extend your education with different tools and platforms.

12. MIT Open Courseware

The OpenCourseWare Initiative brings all of MIT’s undergraduate and graduate courses online. Even without getting into MIT, you can get an MIT-level education, provided you have the motivation to complete the work.

Computer science is just one of the many available subjects. You can go through the degree program or take individual courses.

For example, you’ll find various introductory computer programming courses like Python, C and C++, and Java.

13. The Odin Project

The Odin Project takes all the guesswork out of learning web development. When you’re trying to learn to program on your own, it can be difficult to put all the skills you’re learning together.

You know the pieces to the puzzle, but you can’t quite figure out where they go. This platform has created a logical process from the best educational sources available on the web. Furthermore, you will learn to build projects along the way and have an active community to help you through the process.

You’ll learn programming languages and techniques like:

• HTML and CSS
• Git
• Javascript
• Ruby and Ruby on Rails
• Databases
• How to get hired with your newfound skills

14. W3Schools

W3Schools come equipped with coding tutorials, resources, examples, and exercises to help you learn to code. Their slogan is ‘The World’s Largest Web Developer Site,’ and it doesn’t disappoint.

Start by choosing the programming language of your choice. Then either jump right into the program or select from different learning options. You can begin with a short quiz to see how much you already know and where a good place to start would be. Or jump right in and test yourself with short examples and reviewing exercises.

W3Schools offers a wide range of languages such as:

• HTML
• CSS
• JavaScript
• SQL and PHP
• Python and Java
• C++  and C#
• And more

15. Hackr.io

Right away, you can see that Hackr.io has numerous programming languages you can learn. After selecting the course you want to take, it will first direct you to a list of tutorials where you will be able to filter the course to your liking.  You can select free or paid, as well as beginner or advanced, and in which language you would like to be taught.

Some of their best programming courses and tutorials include:

• Python
• JavaScript  and Java
• Android Development
• C and C++
• PHP
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• And many more

In addition, Hackr.io has a Blog giving tips on different coding languages as well as answering questions their users ask. Plus, the Roadmaps section takes you on a recommended learning path for you to learn the right skills in a structured manner. Roadmaps helps people who have no idea where to start to achieve their goal.

16. Bento.io

Bento.io prides itself on helping other developers out. They believe that you shouldn’t have to pay to learn to code and want to provide you with all the coding knowledge that you need to succeed.

Its modern dashboard starts you off with a feed containing all the topics and tasks you are interested in. Making it easy for you to pick up where you left off or move on to a different topic. It also shows you what your current learning plan is and what you have coming up next.

The tutorials are organized into tracks and allow you to see an overview, how much time it will take, and if you’ve already started or completed it. It even recommends what you should try learning next.

Topics that Bento.io currently offer online are:

• HTML
• CSS
• JavaScript
• Git
• Python
• SQL
• Shell
• Flask
• Heroku

Not only does Bento.io provide its own material, but it has a page of links to other sites if you are looking for more information. You can simply search the topic you need and find more websites with a different take on the information.

17. Code Avengers

Code Avengers takes an interactive and fun approach to learn to code and program. Various courses will teach you how to code websites, apps, and even games.

Each course on the site will take 12 hours to complete and is available in many different languages. Plus, there’s a community filled with programming experts to support you.

With Code Avengers, you’ll learn languages and skills like:

• HTML
• CSS
• Python
• Javascript
• jQuery
• Web Development

There is a 7-day free trial that’ll help you determine if it’s worth investing in the entire program.

18. Solo Learn

Solo Learn is a free website that offers a handful of different programming languages. One of the best parts is that it is mobile-friendly. The app is used just as much as the website.

In the Solo Learn Playground, there is an area to share the code you are working on and have other people collaborate. They can offer suggestions or get inspiration from your code or idea.

Some of the courses Solo Learn offer are:

• Ruby
• jQuery
• Swift 4 Fundamentals
• HMTL
• CSS
• PHP
• SQL
• C / C# / C++
• JavaScript
• Python

In addition, you can check out Solo Learn’s blog and read recent news on apps, technology, and tips for learning to code.

19. Google Android Training

Created by the Google Developers Training team, what better way to learn how to code and gain a Google Developers Certification than from the experts themself.

With web fundamentals, you can check out coding tutorials, guides, and the best practices for building your web knowledge. It also offers tools like Chrome DevTools, Lighthouse, Workbox, and more, to make learning easier.

Since the site is oriented towards intermediate and advanced developers, you’ll want to have a grasp of the basics before you get started.

Programs  include:

• Android development
• Web development
• Firebase
• Machine learning
• Tensor Flow

You can also get involved in other projects and provide feedback to other students. The community approach is all about helping each other succeed.

20. Upskill

Upskill is a free online boot camp that’ll take you from beginner to advanced developer. The main focus of the course is teaching you web development, and it’s a great place to start, even if you have no experience.

You’ll learn coding skills such as:

• WordPress plugin development
• WordPress best practices
• Javascript
• HTML5 and CSS3
• PHP
• MySql
• Node.js
• Ruby on Rails

The curriculum is 100% project-based, which means that you’ll be building a real-world portfolio as you progress through the course.

21. Plural Sight

Plural Sight, formally known as Code School, is an online learning platform that offers both free and paid courses. The platform is organized into different learning paths and defined by languages and skills. Their approach to education is laid out as follows:

1. You choose your education path that’s created by professional instructors and work through the material.
2. You practice what you’ve learned directly in your browser window and get immediate feedback.
3. You rack up points as you complete each course level.
4. You monitor your progress and keep track of all your achievements, badges earned, and material consumed.

Some of the learning tracks offered include:

• CSS and HTML
• Javascript
• Ruby
• Elixir
• PHP
• Python
• iOS
• Databases

22. Codeasy.net

Codeasy.net offers a very unique and fun way to learn how to code. You’ll be immersed in an adventure story that requires real-life programming skills to navigate your way through.

Throughout the story, you’ll be taught the basics of C#, all the way up to more advanced topics and functions. It’s designed with complete beginners in mind, so you don’t need any knowledge of software development to get started.

The best part about this educational experience is that it doesn’t feel like you’re learning. Your goal is to save the world from a machine invasion, and you’ll use your newly acquired coding skills to do it.

23. aGupieWare

aGupieWare is a free online curriculum based on courses offered by MIT, Carnegie Mellon, Berkeley, Stanford, and Columbia. In this program, you’ll find 15 different courses, which are further broken down into 3 introductory classes, 7 core classes, and 5 electives.

This course is a great place to build a solid programming foundation. You’ll learn skills like:

• Computer science
• Swift programming
• Python
• Security testing
• Linux
• Hacking

24. Edabit

Edabit takes a slightly different approach to learn to code. Instead of coding tutorials or courses where you watch a video and then try to repeat it yourself, Edabit offers bite-sized challenges so that you can practice your abilities.

With popular programming languages like:

• C# and C++
• Java and JavaScript
• PHP
• Python
• Ruby
• Swift

Simply register for the free site and access the online challenges immediately. You can choose your level from very easy to expert. The Shuffle page generates a random unsolved challenge for you right away. Spending an hour of coding on this website will quickly turn into 5 hours.

Conclusion

Learning to code used to mean hours and hours of expensive education. But, with all of the free coding resources available today, you can learn to program in record time, with zero money up-front.

Of course, there is a multitude of paid programs and courses available as well. But the free resources are more than enough to get you started and develop the foundational knowledge to succeed as a programmer.

You don’t have to go through every single course or program on the list above, but instead, pick the ones that seem the most exciting and dive in.

Have any questions, tips, or tricks about code learning? Share them with us in the comments below.