.png){kind=logo}
With the constant advancement of technology in our daily lifestyles, the demand for programming skills is taking new dimensions. To do so, either for a fresh start in a career, to upskill in a current job, or simply to learn something new, there are many free online programming courses. This article delves into some of the best free programming courses one can take to learn and grow in 2024.
Platform: edX
Duration: 12 weeks
Level: Beginners
This course—the most popular offered at Harvard—demonstrates the skills, language, and techniques that are foundational to the field of computer science. You can audit the course for free; otherwise, you will have the option of paying $90(Rs 7,554) if you want to have the possibility of earning a certificate at the end. Let me warn you: it will be hard work, but it is a lot of fun, you will learn a lot of things, and you will acquire a great deal of respect for the field.
Platform: Codecademy
Duration: 25 hours
Codecademy provides a practical and good approach to learning Python, now in the top ten of the most popular programming languages. It includes a lot of practical work with interactive exercises and projects. This course will include syntax, functions, control flow, data structures, etc.
Platform: Coursera
Duration: 8 months, flexible
Level: Beginner
This specialization by the University of Michigan is a good way to start learning Python. Taken from five courses, one gets to learn several parts of Python programming. At the end of this course, a student will be able to write applications to get, make, and retrieve information in that data on their own.
Platform: Khan Academy
Duration: Self-paced
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Within Khan Academy are various free programming courses on JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and SQL. Visual learners find it perfect because of its interactive lessons with instant feedback in the form of coding challenges.
Platform: MIT OpenCourseWare
Duration: 9 weeks
Level: Beginner
This course gives the student an introduction to the field of computer science and programming with Python. Concepts, such as algorithms, data structures, and methods of computational problem-solving, are covered, so it would quite suit a beginner.
Platform: freeCodeCamp
Duration: 300 hours
Level: Beginner
FreeCodeCamp provides full web design certification training in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, along with the projects necessary to build real-world applications and portfolios. This is also good ground for any person looking to get into the field of web development.
Platform: Udacity
Duration: 4 months, at your own pace
Level: Beginner
While not entirely free, Udacity does offer a free trial of its Introduction to Programming Nanodegree. It covers Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, all with projects to help cement learning. There are even scholarships available for qualifying students.
Platform: Google's Developer Resources
Duration: Self-paced
Level: Intermediate
Google offers a course on the Python language with a written text complemented by video lectures and plenty of coding exercises. The class assumes previous experience in some programming languages and covers the basics of Python, as well as more advanced topics like working with text files and setting up HTTP connections.
Platform: Pluralsight
Duration: 10 hours
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Pluralsight has a free trial that includes its JavaScript Development course, teaching more of the fundamentals of the language: syntax, operators, functions, and events. It also provides skill assessments and a personal learning path.
Platform: LinkedIn Learning
Duration: Varies
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
On the other hand, LinkedIn Learning will provide one with a learning path specifically curated to become a programmer in languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript. It provides a mix of video tutorials, quizzes, and hands-on projects. While LinkedIn Learning is a subscription service, it does offer new users a free trial.
The programming world, with every passing day of the digital age, is spreading its significant presence across all major industries. The above-mentioned courses would be a good start to attain such highly required skills without compulsions and the costs of tuition fees. Whether a complete beginner or someone looking to extend their existing knowledge, there's a course out there for you.
From Harvard's rigorous CS50 to freeCodeCamp's project-based learning, these courses can fit into many different learning styles and schedules. Avail yourself of these free resources to improve your skills, lift your career prospects, or be challenged by the pleasure of learning something new. You get to create, innovate, and solve problems through coding in return for the investment of time and effort.
Q: Do someone need prior programming experience to enroll in these courses?
A: No, many of these courses are designed for beginners with no prior programming experience.
Q: Are these courses really free?
A: Yes, all the courses listed in this article are free to access. Some platforms may offer optional paid certificates.
Q: Can an individual get a certificate upon completion?
A: Some courses offer free certificates, while others may charge a fee for an official certificate.
Q: How long does it take to complete these courses?
A: The duration varies depending on the course and your pace of learning. Some can be completed in a few weeks, while others may take several months.
Q: What programming languages can someone learn from these courses?
A: The courses cover various programming languages, including Python, Java, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and more.
Q: Are there any prerequisites for these courses?
A: Most beginner courses do not have prerequisites, but some intermediate or advanced courses may require basic knowledge of programming concepts.
Q: How can someone get help if they stuck on a problem?
A: Many platforms offer community support through forums, chat groups, and peer interactions where you can ask for help and collaborate with others.
