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How to Learn Coding for Free
These tools are great resources for anyone looking to learn to code on a budget.
Table of Contents
As a new entrepreneur or startup founder, you may not have the budget to hire web or software developers to create and maintain your company’s website, app and other technical aspects of your business. Luckily, there are free tools that can help you learn coding so you can take your computer programming into your own hands. And while basic mathematical skills help, you don’t have to be a technology whiz to learn coding to benefit your business. We’ll explain how to learn coding for free and why you should learn to code online.
Where to learn coding for free
Here are free coding tools you can use to give your business a competitive edge and save money to invest in other aspects of your company.
1. Alison
More than 40 million learners in 193 countries have been taught by Ireland-based Alison, which offers over 1,200 free courses related to IT and computing. You can drill down further and learn to build cross-platform apps to give your business a competitive edge.
Coding languages taught: HTML, CSS, Python, JavaScript, Java, SQL, Bash/Shell, Ruby, C++, R, C#, PHP, Swift, Kotlin, Perl, asp.net, C, Dart, Lean and Spring
2. W3Schools
W3Schools advertises itself as the “world’s largest web developer site.” It educates through exercises and quizzes and contains vast plain-English directories explaining what commands in each language mean. If you’re new to coding, you must first learn basic terminology to succeed in the exercises. However, hands-on learners may find the lack of structure helpful if they are looking to choose certain areas to study.
Coding languages taught: HTML, CSS, Python, JavaScript, Java, SQL, C++, R, C#, PHP, Go, Kotlin, C, TypeScript
3. Upskill
Upskill’s courses use clear and detailed exercises to teach over 130,000 students in 150 countries. The site has more than 200 free coding lessons for people to start learning at their convenience. It focuses on helping students code for the real world so they can get great jobs. Therefore, you learn how to write code to add functionality to apps and websites such as Salesforce, Dropbox and Facebook. [Learn about the Salesforce AppExchange in our review of Salesforce CRM.]
Upskill also features robust, paid learning paths that build on its free lessons available to all learners.
Coding languages taught: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, Ruby, C# and PHP
4. Udemy
Udemy is one of the world’s largest online learning centers, with 69 million students and over 220,000 courses. Although the vast majority of courses on Udemy cost money, there are almost 1,300 free courses on coding topics. Expert tutors upload courses to Udemy for you to learn via a mixture of videos, quizzes and exercises.
Keep in mind that free courses on Udemy are generally intended to be introductory lessons only. However, this is a good way to determine if you like the instructor and want to continue learning with them. If you end up liking the free resources Udemy offers, you can choose from over 10,000 more paid coding courses.
Coding languages taught: HTML, CSS, Python, JavaScript, Java, SQL, Bash/Shell, Ruby, C++, R, C#, PHP, Go, Swift, Kotlin, Perl, asp.net, C, Clojure, Dart, Elixir, F#, Haskell, Lean, Lua, Rust, Scala, TypeScript and Spring
5. GeeksforGeeks
GeeksforGeeks has a mixture of free and paid courses in many of the main coding languages. Students can learn at their own pace through a combination of pre-recorded videos, livestreams and coding challenges. You can also use tutorials to practice your emerging skills in specific areas, like machine learning, web technology and software design. The platform has courses for beginners and expert-level coders, too.
Coding languages taught: HTML, CSS, Python, JavaScript, Java, SQL, Ruby, C++, C#, Kotlin, C, PHP, R, Swift and Go
6. Sololearn
Sololearn offers 40 courses, including several on interacting with generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools as well as “vibe coding,” which is how to use AI tools to help guide coding practices.
You can learn programming codes and how to put the coding you’ve mastered to use in marketing coding, data science and responsive website design. Although Sololearn’s courses have been designed primarily for mobile devices, the platform works well on desktops and laptops, too. Sololearn’s basic plan is free, but if you want to go deeper, you can pay for the pro level to gain access to bonus exercises, priority support and more.
Coding languages taught: HTML, CSS, Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, C#, C
7. The Odin Project
The Odin Project is a free, open-source initiative that is funded through donations. You can learn through a series of online tutorials, courses and blog posts to build projects of increasing complexity as you progress. If you get stuck, a community of developers (beginner and experienced) is available to help. Courses are grouped into Foundations, Full Stack Ruby on Rails and Full Stack JavaScript.
Coding languages taught: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL and Ruby
8. MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT’s OpenCourseWare is a platform full of free, downloadable MIT course resources. Although you won’t receive any credit or certification for any of the 2,500-plus materials on the open learning platform, you don’t have to register at MIT to access the resources. Coding topics include AI, C, memory management and C++ object-oriented programming.
Coding languages taught: Python, Java, C++, C, Julia and MATLAB
9. Khan Academy
Khan Academy provides free courses aimed at preparing students for K-14, SAT, Praxis and LSAT testing. However, its computing material is useful for business owners who are far removed from their school days.
Students can learn from one of the eight computing courses, including one focused on Python. Teaching is done via a personalized learning dashboard, educational videos and practical exercises.
Coding languages taught: HTML, CSS, JavaScript and SQL
10. Dash
General Assembly has more than 30 campuses worldwide through which 80,000 students have gained vital skills in coding, marketing, project management and other areas. General Assembly’s Dash is a free platform for beginner coders. Users who want to learn hands-on web development basics can experience challenges of increasing difficulty that they will solve one by one.
Coding languages taught: HTML, CSS and JavaScript
11. Code Conquest
Code Conquest was created by a self-taught web developer to provide an easy, step-by-step program for those who want to learn about coding. The program begins with “Benefits of Learning Coding” and continues into introductory levels of app development, web design and web development. Code Conquest’s rich library has coding language comparisons, coding quizzes, cheat sheets and an extensive knowledge center.
Coding languages taught: HTML, CSS, Binary, Swift, Python and JavaScript
12. Codewars
In martial arts, “kata” is a way of perfecting desired movements through repetition and practice. Codewars allows learners to challenge themselves with kata, which are coding exercises on the platform. Over 75,000 users join each month, and over one million challenges are completed simultaneously. Codewars’ platform is different from others because it is a collective effort by users who create challenges and give constructive feedback to community members.
Coding languages taught: Over 55 programming languages are supported (though many are still in Beta).
13. edX
Another MIT project is edX, a collaboration with Harvard and over 260 other educational bodies. It features over 1,100 computer science courses, many of which include coding. In addition to standard master’s and bachelor’s degrees (for which you have to pay, of course), edX offers short free courses specifically for executives who want to increase their knowledge and maximize their positive impact on the businesses they run.
Coding languages taught: Python, JavaScript, C, R, SQL, C#, Java, Ruby and Swift
14. freeCodeCamp
More than 100,000 students have graduated from freeCodeCamp since its launch in 2014. Its graduates have gotten jobs at companies like Amazon, Google, Apple, Microsoft and Spotify. The platform offers over 10,000 free tutorials on responsive web design, legacy responsive web design, JavaScript algorithms, scientific computing with Python and much more. There are even tutorials on coding interview prep and relational database (beta) certification.
Coding languages taught: HTML, CSS, Python, JavaScript, SQL and PHP
15. Codecademy
About 85 million people worldwide have started or continued their coding and programming journey with Codecademy. You learn by trial and error, thus improving your understanding of coding structure. At the free level, there are almost 600 courses, and there are even more on the paid plan, where you can earn a certificate for your hard work.
Coding languages taught: C, C#, C++, Go, HTML, CSS, Java, JavaScript, Kotlin, PHP, Python, R, Ruby, SQL and Swift
16. Skillcrush
Skillcrush’s free coding boot camp has amassed 350,000 students who want to learn in-demand tech skills. You don’t need any prior knowledge or tech experience to use Skillcrush, and you can learn at your own pace. The organization is specifically interested in supporting marginalized people who want to learn these skills to get higher-paying jobs. Skillcrush’s coding courses offer a brief overview of what students can learn and the average salary for someone who works in that skill area.
Coding languages taught: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python and PHP
17. web.dev
Written by members of the Chrome team, web.dev is a hub for content about web development. Courses in HTML, CSS and JavaScript are outlined step by step and feature articles with images of coding examples. The site also has a library of articles so you can expand your knowledge.
Coding languages taught: HTML, CSS and JavaScript
18. Udacity
Udacity is another coding bootcamp that focuses on providing learners with “nano-degrees” on a range of topics, including front-end web development, data science and generative AI. While these degree options are paid, Udacity also has a wide catalog of free courses. These are typically at the beginner level.
Coding languages taught: Python, SQL, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, Kotlin, R, C++ and Swift
You can learn basic coding in more than 40 languages via the 18 outlets listed above. Check the table below to see which sites offer training in the programming language you want to focus on.
Language/Site | Codecademy | freeCodeCamp | edX | Codewars | Code |
| Khan | MIT OCW | Odin | Sololearn | Geeks for Geeks | Udemy | Upskill | W3Schools | Alison | Skillcrush | Web.dev | Udacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HTML | Y | Y | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
CSS | Y | Y | – | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Python | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y |
JavaScript | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Java | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | Y |
SQL | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | Y |
Bash/Shell | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – |
Ruby | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | – | – | – |
C++ | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | Y |
R | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | Y |
C# | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – |
PHP | Y | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | – | – |
Go | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – |
Swift | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | Y |
Kotlin | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | Y |
Perl | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – |
asp.net | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – |
C | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | Y | Y | – | Y | Y | – | – | – |
Coffee Script | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Clojure | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Coq | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
CPP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Crystal | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Dart | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – |
Elixir | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – |
F# | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Golang | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Groovy | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Haskell | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Lean | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – |
Lua | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – |
NASM | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Racket | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Rust | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Scala | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – |
TypeScript | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | Y | – | – | – | – |
Spring | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | Y | – | – | – |
Julia | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
MATLAB | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Binary | – | – | – | – | Y | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
The number of programming languages and associated frameworks is vast — and constantly growing. It can be daunting for learners to know where to start. However, Sarah Maris, a senior manager of technical learning content at Udacity, recommended learners start with HTML and CSS as they allow business owners to tweak their websites without needing to ask for help every time.
“After that, you might try JavaScript if you want to add interactivity to your site, or Python if you’re more interested in general problem-solving or automation,” Maris said. “Both are beginner-friendly, and you can pick up the basics faster than you might think.”
Ultimately, though, the most important thing learners should keep in mind is that it is important to pick a skill and continue pushing forward. “One of the biggest problems that we have seen is that people try a lot of different beginner resources, but they never progress to intermediate levels,” said Rachel Moser, a team member of The Odin Project and a software engineer at Storable.
The benefits of learning coding
Here are a few ways coding knowledge can improve your business.
Provides data insights
Today’s businesses use desktop and mobile applications for accounting, marketing, appointment booking, sales management, human resources, payroll and more. The problem is that few of these apps talk to each other. They contain valuable business data, but you never see it all in one place. With coding, data analysis can be integrated into your software, from platform to platform, so you can collect all of your important data in one place to make informed decisions.
Saves time and money
Having the ability to code (or use no-code platforms) lets you integrate your apps so they work together, thereby saving you and your staff time and money and streamlining the customer experience. As a business owner with coding knowledge, you’ll have a new way to contribute to your company, as well as better problem-solving skills to fix internal issues as they arise without needing to hire a freelance developer or another employee.
“Knowledge about coding can be valuable even if you are relying on website builders, or contractors because it can help you to know what to look for when customizing your generated website, or communicating effectively with the contractors,” Moser said. “You might be able to handle some content or design updates yourself which could make things more efficient, even if you aren’t completely making everything yourself from scratch.”
Enhances decision-making
Even with a basic understanding of coding and the underpinnings of your websites and apps, you will have an improved understanding of the data and technology your enterprise relies on. This knowledge gives you an edge in the modern business world and a leg up when making important business decisions about your tech products.
“It’s not just about data or dashboards — it’s about having the flexibility to test ideas quickly, automate the boring stuff and feel more in control of your tech,” Maris said. “You don’t have to rely on someone else every time you want to make a change to your website or connect different tools. It also makes it way easier to talk to developers when you do need help. At the end of the day, it’s about being more nimble, more confident and better equipped to keep up in a fast-moving digital world.”
No-code development sites
If you’re not interested in doing the coding yourself, check out the growing number of “no-code” development sites. You can create workflows and automate processes with Parabola, build mobile apps with Bubble, and get spreadsheets and databases to talk to each other with Airtable. You don’t have to learn a line of code to use any of these tools, yet your company will benefit.
No-code and low-code website development sites such as Wix, Webflow and Squarespace allow you to create advanced design layouts and interactions without any need for programming skills. See our Wix review for more information, and learn more in our overview of the best website builders.
Jeremy Bender and Sean Peek contributed to the reporting and writing in this article.
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