Tech roles continue to be in high demand, as seen in CompTIA’s latest Tech Jobs Report. Companies are actively looking for professionals like software developers, network engineers, IT support specialists, and data analysts across the US. This may come as no surprise, but most of these jobs require programming skills, and online programming courses can help you learn them.
You don’t need to obtain a four-year degree to learn how to code. You can get these skills simply through online coding courses or training programs. There are also a lot of resources you can use for self-study and start learning how to code for free with the best online coding courses and websites.
Online coding classes can help you develop programming skills you can use in the real world. You can choose a course that focuses on a single programming language, or one that teaches more broadly how to use programming to create websites, apps, or games. In this article, you’ll learn about some of the best online coding course options available.
Overview: The Best Online Coding Courses, Classes, or Training
As there are thousands of online courses that can teach you how to code, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is right for you. The table below can help narrow your search as it includes some of the best online coding courses, classes, and training programs available.
| Provider | Course | Price | Length | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| App Academy | Software Engineering Immersive | $31,000 | 24 weeks | Yes |
| Codecademy | Data Science | $15.99 per month | 35 weeks | Yes |
| Coursera | Introduction to Computer Programming | Free and paid options | 21 hours | Yes, in the paid option |
| edX | Basics of Computer and Programming | $199 | 9 weeks | Yes |
| Flatiron School | Software Engineering | $16,900 | 15 weeks | Yes |
| freeCodeCamp | JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures | Free | 300 hours | Yes |
| Kenzie Academy | Software Engineering Program | $16,000 | 9 to 12 months | Yes |
| Nucamp | Web Development Fundamentals | $349 | 4 weeks | Yes |
| Thinkful | Software Engineering Bootcamp | $16,000 | 5 months | Yes |
| Udemy | Computer Programming for Beginners: Understand how it works | $24.99 | 4 hours | Yes |
General Online Coding Courses
A lot of education providers and universities offer online coding courses for both new and experienced programmers. They generally don’t require a formal computer science background and specialize in hands-on training. Depending on your skill level, career goals, and capacity, the following online programming courses may be worth exploring.
Introduction to Computer Programming | Coursera
Learning Format: Single course, part of a program
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: JavaScript, 2D graphics, variables and data, simple interaction, and code organization
This online coding training is a part of the Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization, offered by the University of London and Coursera. You’ll learn how to edit, create, and run programs in JavaScript. You’ll also learn how to work with interactive designs and make 2D graphics in just over 21 hours.
Key Takeaway: This course is ideal for students who want to develop foundational coding skills using JavaScript while earning a shareable online certificate.
Basics of Computing and Programming | edX
Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Positional number systems, numerical data types, branching statements, iterative statements, functions, lists, and strings
This course is facilitated by edX and offered by New York University. It’s an introductory course that aims to expose coding newbies to computer and programming languages. Students learn fundamental programming concepts and applications using the Python programming language. They also learn binary systems and how to apply variables in program development.
Key Takeaway: This course is suitable for coding beginners and students who are interested in pursuing NYU’s MicroBachelors Program in Computer Science Fundamentals.
How to Code: Simple Data | edX
Learning Format: Single course, part of a program
Level: Beginner, intermediate
Subjects Covered: Data structure, programming techniques, algorithms, flowcharts, and common patterns
This course is offered by the University of British Columbia in collaboration with edX. It is part of the Software Development MicroMasters Program but can be taken independently. It focuses more on a systematic programming method rather than a particular programming language. You can upgrade to the paid version for access to graded exams, assignments, and certificates.
Key Takeaway: This course is designed to train students in programming methods and can be used as a professional development tool for experienced coders.
Programming Basics | edX
Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Algorithms, basic data types, structures, file processing, iterative solutions, sorting and searching, and string processing
This course is facilitated by edX and offered by Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. In the span of nine weeks, students learn how to read and write C/ C++ programs to solve real-life problems. It sets a solid foundation for students to develop their coding skills and pursue further study in computer programming.
Key Takeaway: This self-paced course includes real-world application of programming concepts, so students can practice as they learn.
What Is Programming? | Pluralsight
Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
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Subjects Covered: Code management, communicating with computers, rules of programming language, and working with data
This course will teach you how to communicate effectively with computers. You will cover the rules of programming languages, how to work with data, and how to write clear code. These are all the essential knowledge that you can apply when learning any new programming language. By the end of the class, you’ll have a solid foundation in programming.
Key Takeaway: This online coding course covers the fundamentals of programming in just 170 minutes, making it ideal for modern learners with a busy schedule.
Computer Programming for Beginners: Understand how it works | Udemy
Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Computer data, numeral systems for programmers, saving and manipulating data, algorithms, and flowcharts
This course introduces students to the core concepts of coding. It is designed to help students learn how to think like a programmer and understand how programming works. It helps students develop logical thinking skills, learn how to design algorithms, and understand basic coding concepts like data types, operators, variables, loops, arrays, and matrices.
Key Takeaway: This four-hour course focuses on familiarizing students with programming structures and functions to fully prepare them for the art of coding.
Python Programming Courses
Introduction to Programming with Python and Java Specialization | Coursera
Learning Format: Full program with hands-on projects
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Introduction to Python, Python for data analysis, object oriented programming, and introduction to Java
This Specialization is a three-course program offered by the University of Pennsylvania through Coursera. It covers two of the most popular programming languages today: Python and Java. You can expect to learn basic Python and Java concepts before moving on to more in-depth topics like data structures and data visualization. It takes around four months to complete.
Key Takeaway: This 100 percent online program takes a comprehensive look at Java and Python and is suitable for beginners and experienced programmers.
Python for Everybody Specialization | Coursera
Learning Format: Full program with hands-on projects
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Introduction to Python, data structures, database, data visualization, and basic functions
Created by professors at the University of Michigan, this program equips students with Python programming and data science skills. By the end of this program, you can expect to use functions and loops confidently, perform data scraping using Python, and visualize data. If you dedicate three hours a week to learning, this program can be completed in eight months.
Key Takeaway: This beginner-friendly program covers the basics of Python programming and its use cases in data science, as well as a capstone project to test your skills.
Learn Python: The Complete Python Programming Course | Udemy
Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Python basics, conditions and loops, functions, classes, parsing, Pandas, and MatPlotLib
This course offers an engaging and interactive curriculum that centers around Python programming. You can expect to learn how to use different tools and libraries to perform unique tasks like web scraping with BeautifulSoup4, data analysis and visualization with MatPlotLib, and GUI and gaming with Tkinter. Close to one million people have taken this course on Udemy.
Key Takeaway: You can discover Python’s various use cases in this online coding course, focusing on data science, gaming, web scraping, and more.
JavaScript Programming Courses
JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures | freeCodeCamp
Learning Format: Online coding tutorial
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Basic JavaScript, ES6, regular expressions, debugging, basic data structures, basic algorithm scripting, object oriented programming, and functional programming
This free tutorial is offered by freeCodeCamp. It covers the fundamentals of JavaScript as it introduces students to foundational concepts such as variables, objects, arrays, loops, and functions. Students also learn two programming paradigms: object oriented programming and functional programming.
Key Takeaway: This tutorial-style course is suitable for text-based learners and it comes with a built-in code compiler so you can practice and run your code seamlessly.
Intro to JS: Drawing & Animation | Khan Academy
Learning Format: Online coding course
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Variables, texts and strings, animation basics, interactive programs, functions, looping, arrays, and object oriented design
Khan Academy provides free coding classes, which are particularly ideal for students on a budget. This course introduces students to JavaScript through interactive videos and coding challenges. Students learn the basics of programming through drawing, animation, and games using the JavaScript language.
Key Takeaway: This coding class is free and interactive, and provides easy-to-follow exercises and activities.
Web Development Courses
CS50’s Web Programming with Python and JavaScript | Harvard University
Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Intermediate
Subjects Covered: Web development, Python, JavaScript, SQL, Django, React, and Bootstrap
This course focuses on Python and JavaScript but briefly delves into HTML and CSS. It aims to help you learn the essential web development tools you will need to start designing apps like a professional developer. The difficulty level is intermediate, so you will need to have a background in programming to enroll. You can expect to complete this course in 12 weeks.
Key Takeaway: This HarvardX and edX course is geared toward experienced programmers looking to enhance their web development skills using Python and JavaScript.
Web Development Fundamentals | Nucamp
Learning Format: Bootcamp program
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Fundamental of HTML and CSS, introduction to JavaScript, and advanced JavaScript
Nucamp offers a web development course that provides a solid foundation for students looking to master HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students learn the core components of programming languages such as arrays, variables, loops, functions, and more. The school hosts live workshops every Saturday, allowing students to communicate and collaborate with instructors.
Key Takeaway: Nucamp’s curriculum exposes students to real-life scenarios using projects and assignments to monitor their progress.
Web Development | Odin Project
Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Introduction to web development, HTML foundations, CSS foundations, JavaScript basics, and Git basics
The Odin Project provides two complete learning paths to transform students with no coding knowledge into professional web developers. It utilizes an in-depth curriculum designed in a modular fashion to make coding classes interactive and easy to learn. Upon completing the Foundations, students can choose to pursue either full stack Ruby on Rails or JavaScript.
Key Takeaway: This free course offers comprehensive training and covers a wide variety of web development topics with two options of concentration.
C Programming Courses
Introductory C Programming Specialization | Duke University
Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Software development, C programming, debugging, algorithms, and system and memory management
You will learn the basics of programming in C, a general-purpose language that has influenced all modern programming languages today. In this course, you will learn coding fundamentals, how to write and maintain code in C, C structures and syntax, and memory management. Students who allocate around five hours a week to learning can complete it in five months.
Key Takeaway: This course is designed to help you become a proficient C programmer. It’s also a great primer for those interested in applying to Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering.
C Programming Language Fundamentals | PluralSight
Learning Format: Full course
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: C programming, variables, operators, pointers and arrays, and functions and structures
C is known as the mother of all programming languages. This course will help you understand C programming, which also serves as a solid foundation if you plan to learn C++ or other programming languages later on. It covers basic concepts like operators, pointers and arrays, expressions and statements, and functions and structures in less than two hours.
Key Takeaway: This 86-minute course is led by an experienced programmer and is ideal for beginners who want a quick introduction to C programming.
C Programming for Beginners-Master the C Language | Udemy
Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Introduction to C, basic C concepts, variables and data types, arrays, and functions
This online coding course is a top seller on Coursera, with over 120,000 learners and 27,000 ratings. It covers crucial topics like variables and data types, functions, debugging, pointers, structures, and the standard C library. By the end of this course, you can expect to create your first C application and have a better understanding of programming in general.
Key Takeaway: This comprehensive course takes you through all the initial steps like software installation and introduction to C, before going into advanced concepts and development in C.
Other Coding Courses
Software Engineering Immersive | App Academy
Learning Format: Bootcamp program
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Programming fundamentals, computer science, web development fundamentals, backend engineering, front end engineering, and Python
This immersive software engineering program trains students to code in JavaScript, Python, SQL, HTML, and CSS. The curriculum also provides opportunities for practical experience that can help you build your portfolio and showcase your skills. You can choose to attend full-time or part-time. Both formats offer job assistance and pair programming opportunities.
Key Takeaway: This extensive program combines both theoretical and hands-on learning with an added career assistance bonus. Suitable for complete beginners and career changers.
Data Science | Codecademy
Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Python fundamentals, Python portfolio project, data acquisition, data visualization, machine learning
This course is especially focused on developing coding skills for data science applications. Students learn to use programming technologies like SQL, Python 3, NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and Scikit-learn. They also learn how to use SQL to manage big data, use Python for statistical analysis, and use machine learning to automate data.
Key Takeaway: The online certificate offered upon completing this course can be added as a merit badge to your LinkedIn profile.
Introduction to Computer Science | edX
Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development
This course is offered by edX in collaboration with Harvard University. It teaches students how to think algorithmically and use programming to solve problems. Students learn the fundamentals alongside languages such as C, Python, PHP, SQL, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. The curriculum also utilizes real-life projects inspired by biology, finance, game, and more.
Key Takeaway: The course is ideal for beginners because it teaches programming basics from scratch and includes a variety of programming languages in its curriculum.
Software Engineering | Flatiron School
Learning Format: Bootcamp program
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Front end development, front end web applications, backend development, and backend web APIs
Flatiron School’s software engineering bootcamp teaches students how to code within the context of software engineering. Students learn under passionate instructors and industry experts at a pace that suits them. The format for this program involves live lectures, hands-on projects, and collaboration with other students in training.
Key Takeaway: Flatiron School offers a personalized learning experience, designed to equip you with the necessary coding and engineering skills to start your tech career.
Software Engineering Course | Kenzie Academy
Learning Format: Bootcamp program
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Software engineering best practices, advanced backend Java development, and cloud architecture
This program was initially designed for Amazon employees and is now offered to the public. It equips students with the necessary coding skills to begin a tech career. The software engineering course covers backend development skills, foundational programming concepts, object oriented programming, and ways to leverage Java standard libraries and data.
Key Takeaway: Graduates of this program receive two certificates from Kenzie Academy and Southern New Hampshire University that can be added to their resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
Software Engineering | Thinkful
Learning Format: Bootcamp program
Level: Beginner
Subjects Covered: Data structures, algorithms, Agile methodology, front end development, backend development
Thinkful’s software engineering course trains students for jobs as application developers, web developers, and DevOps engineers, to name a few. Students acquire job-ready skills in various programming languages and tools such as Node.js, React, and JavaScript. The curriculum can be completed in as little as five months and it comes with robust career services.
Key Takeaway: Thinkful coding bootcamp is ideal for students looking to kickstart a career in tech as it provides job-focused training in sought-after tech disciplines.
Online Coding Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?
Online coding courses consist of a series of classes that focus on specific areas in tech. Some courses provide classes comprising live lectures, videos, and text tutorials. Meanwhile, other training programs offer a more practical learning experience that emphasizes job-ready skills.
Ultimately, the right option depends on your preferences and needs.
Why Online Coding Courses Are Important for Professional Development
Online coding courses equip you with one of the most valuable skills in the tech industry. Coding can be seen as the foundation of technology, and as technology increasingly advances, programmers become a core component of any growing company. Online coding courses can help you acquire the skills vital to breaking into the industry.
Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Coding?
You should attend a coding bootcamp if you are interested in immersive training that can help you learn coding in a short amount of time. Coding bootcamps generally offer condensed yet effective programs that revolve around job preparedness. Coding bootcamps are also known to be more affordable and accessible, in comparison to a traditional four-year college degree.
However, coding bootcamps are not the only avenue for learning to code. You can take advantage of online coding courses, both paid and free, to learn any programming language of your choice. You can also refer to a guide to learning how to code to establish which route is the best for you.
How to Choose the Right Online Coding Course, Class, or Training Program
Coding classes come in many forms. Some will teach you only the essentials that you will need to work in a particular field. Others will limit their offerings to the fundamentals of one particular programming language.
Courses, on the other hand, are typically more comprehensive. For example, if you choose a coding course in web development, you’ll likely learn popular tools like JavaScript, Ruby, or Python. However, no matter which web development coding course you take, you will have to learn a bit of CSS and HTML to be able to build websites effectively.
To choose the right online course, class, or training program, make sure it focuses on the programming language you wish to learn. Some languages, such as Python and Ruby, are typically easier for beginners to master. Other languages, such as Java and C++, are popular enough that there are a lot of online resources available to assist you with learning.
Certificate
If you’re pursuing an online coding course for a professional reason, you’ll want to find a program that includes some form of a certificate. While the vast majority of online coding programs provide certificates, they’re not as commonly included in classes.
Cost
Cost is likely to be one of the biggest factors in deciding whether a program is right for you. Some online programs can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, while others are offered for free. If the program you’re interested in is out of your budget, be sure to check for scholarships, grants, or other payment options.
Reviews
Reviews can give you an idea of what to expect from the course or training program. If you rely solely on course descriptions, you may be disappointed as actual lessons may differ from what’s advertised. For this reason, it’s helpful to look at trusted reviews before committing to any particular program.
Coding Course Certificates vs Certifications
Coding certificates and certifications are often spoken of interchangeably. Although they can both be beneficial to your career or education, they differ in significant ways. Coding certificates are awarded to students who have completed relevant training. Meanwhile, certifications can only be earned after passing an associated exam.
Importance of Coding Certifications
A coding certification is a valuable tool that can qualify you for a variety of career opportunities. Recruiters often prefer candidates with certifications because they serve as a guarantee that the candidate possesses the skills listed on their resume. It provides a competitive advantage that differentiates you from other professionals in the field and demonstrates your eligibility.
Why You Should Take Online Coding Courses or Classes
You should take online coding courses or classes because they can help you learn and master coding within a short period of time. Unlike traditional university degrees, they are typically more affordable, more flexible, and can be completed at your own convenience.
There are many high-quality coding resources available for learners of all backgrounds. If you are a complete beginner, consider starting with a free course before moving on to an advanced training program. It can also help you identify which aspect of coding interests you the most or which career path is worth exploring.
Programming is an extremely versatile skill. It can open up the opportunity to work across various fields and industries. Some of the best online coding courses can help you gain a well-rounded understanding of programming and build a robust technical skillset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coding classes do not cost nearly as much as a computer science degree. Generally, the costs of coding classes depend on the length and complexity of the lessons. On average, education providers offer comprehensive coding courses that range between $20 to $60. At the same time, you can also find free introductory coding classes and tutorials for beginners.
How long are online coding courses?
Online coding courses are not long when compared to other traditional training programs. Some of them take only a few hours to complete while others may take up to six months. The length of a computer programming course depends on the level of difficulty, target audience, and learning material. Most online coding courses are self-paced so students get to set their own schedule.
Where can I take coding classes?
You can take coding classes online or in person. The most convenient way to learn to code is by taking a free online coding class, available on various massive open online courses (MOOC) platforms like Udemy, edX, and Coursera. If you are committed to your coding journey, you can take comprehensive coding classes, courses, or programs offered by coding bootcamps.
How can I get credit for online coding classes?
Some people look to online coding classes for college credits. However, online programming courses, in general, do not provide any college credit. Some may offer a certificate upon completion. While this does not carry the same weight as certification, a certificate may be recognized by some employers.
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