10 Best Free Coding Classes for Beginners

Coding can be challenging, especially in the early stages. Without proper guidance, efforts to learn to code may prove expensive and futile. These free coding classes for beginners will help set the foundation for a prosperous programming career.

In an era driven by technology, coding has become an invaluable skill applicable in nearly all sectors. Learning coding opens up new opportunities for you in diverse industries.

In this article, I will show you the best free coding classes for beginners. These classes unravel the exciting world of coding by starting from the most basic principles. You will also learn which programming language is best to begin with.

How Do I Start Learning to Code?

Coding can be difficult to grasp as a beginner, so it is best to begin with a strategy. The following tips should guide you:

Choose a programming language: Some programming languages are more complicated than others, so it is best to begin with a less complex one. Python or JavaScript are usually best for beginners as they are less complex yet widely used.

Set goals and targets: You should know why you want to learn coding. You should also set time-bound targets to further motivate you to achieve your goals.

Sign up for free coding classes for beginners: Several websites organize free coding classes for beginners. Look out for some of the best in this article.

Be patient: Even when taking free coding classes for beginners, you can get stuck. However, be patient with yourself, and always be willing to learn from mistakes.

Which Programming Language Should I Learn First as a Beginner for Free?

Python is a good language to learn first as a beginner. Most of the free coding classes for beginners start with Python. 

Python is widely accepted as an excellent starting point due to its readable syntax and versatility. It is useful for web development, graphic user interfaces, and software development.

Python is basically like the English language. It allows mandatory, optional, keyword, and arbitrary arguments. It also uses fewer lines than other programming languages.

10 Best Free Coding Classes for Beginners

Coding 101: Python for Beginners

Here is an overview of the course:

• Platform: It is available on Skillshare.
• Course duration: It runs for 2 hours 6 minutes.

Coding 101 is a proper way to start your coding journey. It is one of the best free coding classes for beginners, as you require no knowledge of coding to take the course. It is an introductory course that teaches you to code in Python.

In this course, you learn about the fundamentals of coding, including variables, data types, and expressions. The course also contains bonus exercises for each of the lessons.

The goal of the course is for you to finish with a set of nifty tools, which creates better access for web users.

See the Coding 101: Python for Beginners course for more information.

Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming

Here is an overview of the course:

• Platform: It is available on Coursera.
• Course duration: It runs for 11 hours (3 weeks at 3 hours a week).

Coursera is one of the best platforms for free online courses. It offers some of the best free coding classes for beginners, and this introductory course is one of them. The course, like many others on Coursera, is available in 20 different languages.

The course teaches you to code in Scratch. It also introduces fundamental principles of programming and coding concepts. You will learn how to design your first program, and how to include visual and sound effects in it.

The course is offered by the University of Edinburgh and the Universidad ORT Uruguay. It contains 5 modules:

• Your First Computer Program 
• Code Gone Loopy!
• Remixing Games
• Reusing Your Code
• Think Like a Software Engineer

You can also earn a certificate when you complete the course.

See the Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming course for more information.

Master the Basics of HTML5 & CSS3: Beginner Web Development

Here is an overview of the course:

• Platform: It is available on Udemy.
• Course duration: It runs for 3 hours 5 minutes.

This web development course exposes you to the basics of HTML5 and CSS3. HTML5 and CSS3 are the two foundational pillars of web development.

In this course, you will learn how to create a basic web page, add images, change colors, and construct lists in the HTML section. The CSS section introduces you to deeper concepts such as web page styling and changing font, color, and sizes. You will also learn how to add a content box to a web page.

Udemy does not award certificates for free coding classes for beginners. You can only receive a certificate for a paid course. However, access to the video content introduces you to all you need to know about web development in HTML5 and CSS3.

The course instructor is MindMekka. It is a group of professional programmers who have a passion for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Through this course, they help you set up your website as a business owner or help a business owner develop one.

See the Master the Basics of HTML5 & CSS3: Beginner Web Development course for more information.

Learn JavaScript

Here is an overview of the course:

• Platform: It is available on CodeCademy.
• Course duration: It runs for approximately 20 hours.

Learn JavaScript is one of the best free coding classes for beginners on CodeCademy. You do not need any prerequisite to enroll in the course. However, you need a paid subscription to earn the certificate.

JavaScript is one of the most in-demand programming languages. It has various applications, including front and back-end development, game and mobile development, and virtual reality, among many others.

The course contains 10 modules. It begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of JavaScript, including data types, built-in methods, and variables. You also learn how to use conditionals to control the flow of a program in JavaScript.

The course has 11 lessons with 12 projects and 8 quizzes. By the end of the course, you will be able to read and write in JavaScript.

Visit the Learn JavaScript course for more information.

Learn Python 2

Here is an overview of the course:

• Platform: It is available on CodeCademy.
• Course duration: It runs for approximately 25 hours.

A Python course is one of the best free coding classes for beginners. This is because the Python language is the easiest programming language to grasp as a beginner. It is also a versatile language used in web development, software development, and scientific applications.

The Learn Python 2 course contains 20 lessons, 9 projects, and 9 quizzes. Some of the topics you learn in this course include Python syntax, strings and console output, conditionals, and control flow. The projects help you hone your skills to gain more confidence to apply them in the real world.

CodeCademy also offers the opportunity to join an interactive platform where you can practice writing your codes.

See the Learn Python 2 course for more information.

Beginner PHP and MySQL Tutorial

Here is an overview of the course:

• Platform: It is available on Udemy.
• Course duration: It runs for 10 hours 42 minutes.

PHP and MySQL are programming languages used together in web development. PHP is a server-side scripting language, while MySQL is an open-source relational database management system.

In this course, you will learn how to download and install PHP and MySQL tools and frameworks into a server and home machine. You will also learn to apply PHP and MySQL to create interactive and data-driven websites.

It is one of the free coding classes for beginners that goes beyond the requirements for basic HTML and CSS. PHP and MySQL handle more complex tasks such as handling forms, managing user authentication, and working with databases.

The Beginner PHP and MySQL Tutorial is a video course taught by Robert Tucker, a lecturer and consultant in the field.

See the Beginner PHP and MySQL Tutorial course for more information.

Learn Python 3 From Scratch | Python for Absolute Beginners

Here is an overview of the course:

• Platform: It is available on Udemy.
• Course duration: It runs for 1 hour 59 minutes.

Python for Absolute Beginners is an introductory course that provides foundational knowledge for coding in Python. The course first teaches the fundamentals of programming, such as variables, data types, and data structures. You will also learn about loops, conditional statements, and functions.

The course comprises 10 sections with 33 lectures. It is a video course all through.

By the end of the course, you will be able to write generic codes in Python. You will also be able to create your own unique projects. The course prepares you for advanced topics like Data Science and Machine Learning.

See the Learn Python 3 From Scratch | Python for Absolute Beginners course for more information.

Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)

Here is an overview of the course:

• Platform: It is available on Coursera.
• Course duration: It runs for approximately 19 hours.

Programming for Everybody is one of the best free coding classes for beginners. It is a part of the Python for Everybody Specialization.

The course teaches the basics of programming using Python. Python is the best programming language to begin your coding journey, so this course is a great way to start.

The course comprises 5 chapters. In these chapters, you learn fundamental coding topics such as variables and expressions. You will also learn about conditional code, functions, loops, and iterations.

By the end of the course, you will be able to write a simple program in Python. The course also prepares you for more advanced ones to take your coding to the next level.

See the Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) course for more information.

CareerFoundry Web Development Course

Here is an overview of the course:

• Platform: It is offered by CareerFoundry.
• Course duration: It is self-paced.

CareerFoundry offers a web development course for beginners. This is one of the best free coding classes for beginners because the course covers the introductory aspects of coding in several programming languages.

In this course, you will learn how to create your website in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The course contains 5 modules:

• Intro to web development
• Intro to HTML
• CSS and responsive web pages
• Advanced styling with CSS
• Intro to Javascript
• Final test (optional)

Each of the modules contains hands-on training with written lessons and interactive quizzes. However, the introduction is in a video format.

See the CareerFoundry Web Development course for more information.

CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science

Here is an overview of the course:

• Platform: It is available on edX.
• Course duration: It runs for 12 weeks (6-8 hours per week).

CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science is a Harvard University course available on edX. It is among the self-paced free coding classes for beginners.

It is an introductory course in Computer Science and programming. In the course, you will learn about concepts, such as algorithms, abstraction, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development. The languages you learn include C, Python, and JavaScript (plus CSS and HTML).

You are eligible to receive the certificate if you pass the 9 assignments and complete the final project.

See the CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science course for more information.

What is the Hardest Coding Language to Learn?

The hardest coding language to learn is Malbolge. It is an esoteric programming language intentionally designed to be difficult.

Malbolge is so complicated that it took two years to write the first Malbolge code. The language has an unintuitive nature as it uses a three-character set. 

Malbolge being a self-modifying code upon execution makes it even harder to understand. Due to the complexity of the language, it is rarely used in practical applications. 

C++ is also a complex language due to its multi-paradigm nature and more advanced syntax. However, it is not as difficult to understand as Malbolge and has practical applications.

Can I Get a Job If I Learn Coding Online?

Absolutely. Learning coding online presents an equal chance to get employment as on-site learning.

Some of the best free coding classes for beginners give you a solid foundation in coding. Having sound knowledge of coding opens job opportunities for you.

However, getting a job in coding can be challenging, as with any other field. It is best to be excellent at coding and distinguish yourself as much as possible.

If you are Philippine, check out the Top 37 Courses/Jobs with High Salary in the Philippines.

What is the Difference Between Programming and Coding?

Although coding and programming are used interchangeably, a slight difference exists between the two.

Coding is the process of translating human instructions into a form that the computer can understand and execute. On the other hand, programming involves designing algorithms, analyzing problems, and creating software architecture.

Coding involves writing lines of code using a specific programming language, while programming involves a more comprehensive approach to the software development process. In essence, programming covers a wider scope, while coding is only a subset of programming.

Which Pays More: Java or Python?

You can earn as much coding in Java as you earn writing codes in Python. However, it is important to note that your average salary as a programmer in any language depends on the location, industry, experience level, and job description.

You must also note that Python is the older of the two languages, so it is slightly more in demand than Java. Nevertheless, both languages are great and have wide applications ranging from data analysis to web development. This is why many free coding classes for beginners start with the two languages.

Check out other 14 Short Certificate Programs that Pay Well.

Which is Better: Python or Java or C++?

Choosing between Python, Java, and C++ depends on the type of project required and the programmer’s preference. 

Python and Java are versatile languages used for web development, and data analysis, among other applications. C++ is a more complex language that favors object-oriented programming.

Python stands out for readability and simplicity, hence why many free coding classes for beginners start with it. Java is best for enterprise-level applications and Android development. C++ is more widely used in systems programming for tasks like developing operating systems and device drivers.

What is the Fastest Way to Learn Coding?

The fastest way to learn to code is by understanding the fundamentals, continuously practicing, and using effective learning materials. Free coding classes for beginners also go a long way to reduce your learning time. These tips, as mentioned earlier, will help you learn coding faster:

Start with the basics: Make sure you understand the basics of coding before jumping into the next chapter. The fundamentals include data structure, variables, syntax, control structures, tools, and text editors.

Continuous practicing: It is always better to learn by doing and not just reading. The more you practice, the more you get better.

Use of effective learning materials: Effective learning materials do not always have to come at a high cost. The materials provided by the free coding classes for beginners in this article provide quality information for efficient learning.

What Qualification is Required to Learn Coding?

Coding does not require any formal qualification. You can begin to code without any special qualifications or educational background.

Coding is a skill that any motivated individual can learn. There are several free coding classes for beginners in this article that can help you get started.

With basic computer skills and a mind willing to learn, you can become excellent at coding in a short time.

Which Programming Language Has Highest Demand?

Python and Java are currently the most in-demand programming languages. They have wide acceptance among web developers, data analysts, and mobile phone application developers.

Almost all industries require programs that run on Python and Java. Most startups use Python-based frameworks such as Django and Flask, while many others use Java-based frameworks like NodeJS.

Many free coding classes for beginners begin with teaching you Python and Java because they are also the easiest languages to learn.

FAQs On Free Coding Classes for Beginners

Conclusion

Free coding classes for beginners make coding easier and more accessible to learn. In these classes, you learn the fundamentals of coding at no cost.

These courses also prepare you for more advanced courses. It is essential to start with beginner courses as the advanced ones are more complicated and could frustrate you.

However, the most critical tip to going from beginner to pro level in coding is constant practice. Stay consistent in practice, and you could be on your way to writing codes in various programming languages while earning a massive income.

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