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The number of learn to code online resources has grown exponentially, and for good reason—web developer is #10 on CareerBuilder’s list of the best-paying jobs of the 21st century! The good news? A computer science degree isn’t necessary to snag a coveted coding job. Most employers look for proof of technical chops in the form of completed projects rather than a piece of paper issued by a college. Below are eight sites that offer a wealth of information to give you a solid understanding of HTML, CSS, jQuery, Javascript and more. The best part: they’re totally free! Mix and match courses from different sites, and then show off your new talent by building a sample website, mobile app or interactive game. We can’t wait to see what you create!
8 Free Resources to Learn to Code Online
1. Codeacademy
Codeacademy offers five different languages. Once you’ve decided on your language of choice, start the “track”—a series of free courses that will take you from beginner to advanced level. Or, pick and choose from courses and interactive games to hone specific skills.
2. MIT Open Courseware
Whether you want to take a general computer science course or sink your teeth into one specific language, MIT Open Courseware offers both. The Introduction to Computer Science and Programming course is one of the most popular on the site—and with good reason. The content is particularly accessible for those just breaking into programming and development. And you’re in great hands—all courses are brought to you by faculty from one of America’s top research universities.
3. Mozilla Developer Network Tutorials
The seasoned developers who brought Firefox to life highlight the best free learn to code resources across the web in their Mozilla Developer Network Tutorials. The lessons are organized by language and skill level. You can feel good knowing you’re following an expert-approved path of study by using this site.
4. Tuts+ Premium Free Course Series
Alongside their paid content, Tuts+ also offers 30 hours of free top-quality courses. Their “30 Days to Learn” courses are particularly good for beginners who don’t have a lot of free time. Users can get a solid foundation in HTML and CSS or jQuery by allotting just 30 minutes a day for a month to the straightforward video lectures and practice assignments.
5. Shay Howe’s Practical Guide to HTML & CSS
Designer and front end developer Shay Howe organizes basic and advanced HTML and CSS into 20 lessons that can be completed à la carte. Instead of focusing on every nitty-gritty detail, Shay teaches what a real, working designer needs to know to be successful in today’s landscape. He also generously makes himself available on Twitter to answer any questions about the lessons.
6. Udacity
Turn to Udacity for more general computing and information technology courses as well as advanced topics like robotic programming, taught by technology heavyweights like Sebastian Thrun from Stanford University. New courses are also added frequently on in-demand topics, such as mobile web development.
7. Google Developers
Google Developers gathered their favorite open education resources from colleges and universities across the United States into one succinct list featuring an impressive number of mobile development and Android-specific programming courses. Make sure to check out the discussion area of the site where newbs can ask for help or get career advice from industry mentors.
8. WordPress Codex
Want to focus on learning simple tweaks and cheats to improve your WordPress website? Head over to WordPress Codex, the ultimate resource. Learn everything from how to change your existing theme’s colors to creating your own from scratch. Note that these lessons are helpful for those running a WordPress.org site, but many of the lessons aren’t applicable to sites run off WordPress.com. Want more? Compare over 90 online computer science bachelor’s degrees in GetEducated’s degree database and set yourself up for a career in the ever-expanding information technology sector!
Written by: Kayleigh Gilbert