In its most simplistic form, programming is how humans teach computers to perform specific functions. This is accomplished through distinct languages (programming languages) developers use to communicate with computers so they understand which tasks to execute.
Synonymous with coding, programming is utilized in nearly all electronics in use today, and every computer game, smart device, app, or website originated with a programmer behind a desk. When you consider the sheer complexity of programming, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.
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Disclaimer: Some courses may include an affiliate link. Courses were chosen first based on the methodology with affiliate links only added after the ranking was complete.
However, for those who have an interest in all things digital, programming may be the ideal niche and is not as hard as it seems. Additionally, in today’s tech-driven world, programmers are in high demand, and there is no shortage of great paying jobs in the field.
In curating this list of the best free programming courses, it wasn’t hard to find an abundance of options. The challenge was to narrow it down. We did this using a specific methodology we developed to rank our free online course articles.
Whether you are curious about the world of programming, and you want to learn more, or you’re ready to dive right in, there is something here for all skill levels. Read on to see our top choices for best free online courses for programming.
Ranking 13 Free Online Courses for Programming
1. Learn How to Code
Offered by Code Academy
Code Academy is one of the top free online learning resources in technology, and they are on a mission to disrupt the current educational system by bringing learning online and out of the classroom. The company offers over 20 free programming courses and about three times as many paid courses.
You can join as a free member and dig into the free stuff right away. In addition to Learn How to Code, you will find courses in Python, SQL, JavaScript, Phaser, HTML, CSS, Golang, Swift, Live Streams, and more.
In Learn How to Code, you will get an overview of the fundamentals in coding concepts and become familiar with the different languages so you can get an idea of which ones you might want to learn first. You will also learn to write your own code.
All the courses are interactive. Instead of listening to a lecture or watching a video, you will read a short lesson and then complete exercises in real-time, making this one of the most engaging free online courses in programming on the list.
The number of students who have utilized the platform is impressive—over 45 million and counting. Code Academy also has a dedicated Facebook page and forums where you can talk to other students about all things related to technology.
Cost: Free
Certificate: Badges
Time to Complete: Six hours
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
• Interactive and easy-to-use
• Excellent user interface
• Well-reviewed by former students
Cons:
• You will need a premium account to access more advanced courses or work on capstone projects.
2. Responsive Web Design Certification
Offered by Free Code Camp
Over 40,000 Free Code Camp graduates have gotten jobs from major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon. Long considered a primary resource for some of the best free online programming courses, the platform is industry-recognized and 100 percent free. One of the main benefits is that the organization offers free certifications you can display on your social media pages, resume, or CV, which is a huge pro when it comes to free courses.
Responsive Web Design Certification is just one of six 300-hour coding courses that are incredibly detailed and thorough. There are not a lot of bells and whistles here. This is a place for serious learners to get things done. The website has a forum where you can interact with other future developers and over 5000 tutorials in a searchable database.
The hands-on platform is ideal for learners who want real-life practical instruction and experience working on a variety of programming projects.
Cost: Free
Certificate: Yes
Time to Complete: 300 hours
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Good
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
• Interactive and hands-on
• Industry-recognized certification at no cost to users
• Non-distracting environment without ads or popups
Cons:
• Website user experience is a bit dry
3. Web Development 101
Offered by The Odin Project
The Odin Project (TOP) is a free open source coding curriculum available to students at all skill levels. Created by Thinkful and a dedicated team of volunteers, the platform was built by people who believe that education should be both accessible and free. You can learn to create your own websites, social media sites, and even games at TOP.
The platform is incredible, with three learning tracks offered, including full-stack javascript, front end only, and full-stack ruby on rails. If you are ready to learn how to build real working websites, this free online programming course is hands-on and will give you all the tools you need to get started. You will also gain an understanding of the fundamentals of coding and what programmers actually do in this free online programming course. It consists of eight modules, including:
• Introduction
• Installation
• Git basics
• The front end
• Javascript Basics
• The back end
• Web Development Frameworks
• Pair Programming
With the Odin project, you can quickly go from a total newbie to a full-fledged developer without spending a dime on college. While the courses on TOP don’t come with completion certificates, you should end up with an impressive portfolio of projects to show for your hard work.
Cost: Free
Certificate: No
Time to Complete: Varies, although expect to spend several months
Curriculum: Beginner to intermediate
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
• No need to sign up, just dive in wherever you want to
• Hands-on learning with plenty of projects
• Forum to collaborate with other students
Cons:
• The curriculum is relatively unstructured, so if you are not a self-starter, it may be hard to stay on track.
4. Introductory Programming Courses
Offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology
If you want to learn from the best of the best, look no further than MIT’s OpenCourseWare (OCW). The school offers some of the best free programming courses you can find, all identical to what is offered in MIT’s physical classrooms.
Each free programming online course has instructional materials and a syllabus, and many also have video lectures and online textbooks. Everything is 100 percent free, and you can jump in wherever you want, setting your own schedule and learning when it’s convenient.
You won’t receive any certificates for OCW, although you will likely have a portfolio of projects; the pleasure of learning at no cost from a prestigious university is its own reward.
The beginner’s courses introduce students to the fundamentals of computer science and will give you a starting point to develop programming skills in Python. There are eight introductory courses in all, including:
• Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python
• Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science
• Introduction to Computer Science and Programming
• Programming for the Puzzled
• Introduction to Programming in Java
• Introduction to MATLAB Programming
• Introduction to MATLAB
• Introduction to C and C++
If you already have some coding experience, you can skip over the basics and take follow-up courses like Elements of Software Construction, Introduction to Algorithms, The Battlecode Programming Competition, and more.
Cost: Free
Certificate: No
Time to Complete: Varies, although expect to spend several months
Curriculum: Beginner to advanced
User Experience: Good
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
• No enrollment or paperwork necessary
• Go at your own pace
• Completely free courses from a well-known university
Cons:
• Certificates of completion are not offered
5. Free Web Development and Design Curriculum
Offered by bento.io
Bento.io offers full-stack web development training online with hundreds of programming tutorials and courses that won’t ever cost you a dime. We love this easy-to-navigate platform. Sign in with your Facebook or Google account, and you are ready to dive in. There are no commitments, no hassles, no double opt-in memberships, and no hoops to jump through.
The platform was founded by Jon Chan, the Principal Developer at Stack Overflow. It is designed for students who enjoy teaching themselves new skills using a hands-on approach. Most of the lessons are segmented into short, easy-to-digest modules that are packed full of information. Subjects in this free online programming course include:
• Web Framework
• Deployment
• Database
• Front End Framework
• Data Science
• Mobile
• Front End
• Language
• Back End
• Templating
• Storage
• Caching
Cost: Free
Certificate: No
Time to Complete: Varies
Curriculum: Beginner to Advanced
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
• Work at your own pace with no strings attached
• Courses are short but thorough
• Excellent user interface
Cons:
• Certificates not offered
6. Computer Programming Courses for All Levels
Offered by edX
Jointly spearheaded by Harvard and MIT, edX is an online educational platform offering college-level courses. The non-profit organization gives students of all skill levels the chance to learn at no charge. If you need a certificate, you have the option to purchase a shareable one for a fee. However, it is not obligatory.
Currently, there are nearly 150 courses related to computer programming available on the site. They span nearly every subject you can think of when it comes to programming, including:
• Programming Reactive Systems
• Computing in Python 1 Introduction to C + +
• Programming For Everybody
• Introduction to Watson AI
• Learn to Program in Java
• Gameplay Programming for Video Game Designers
• Creative Coding
This list is not exhaustive, and we recommend checking out the site and performing your own search to find the ideal online programming course for you.
Cost: Free
Certificate: Yes, with fee
Time to Complete: Varies
Curriculum: Beginning to advanced
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
• Many courses offered through prominent Universities
• Dozens of options
• No paid trials or memberships
Cons:
• You will need to pay to obtain a shareable certificate
7. Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming
Offered by the University of Edinburgh through Coursera
The University of Edinburgh provides this introductory coding course through Coursera. By engaging in the training for around 18 hours, students will learn the fundamentals of computing and how to program in Scratch—an easy to use programming language. Those who are looking for a short programming course for beginners will find this to be an ideal segway into more advanced programming topics.
Through the paid version of the course, students will be eligible for a certificate, graded assignments, and a capstone project. The paid component is optional, however, as the entire course can be audited for free in read and view mode. If you need a certificate and can’t afford the fee, there is an option to apply for financial aid on the site.
Cost: Free
Certificate: Yes, with fee
Time to Complete: 15-20 hours
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
• Offered through the University of Edinburgh
• Excellent user interface
• Financial aid available
Cons:
• You will need to pay to obtain a shareable certificate or participate in the capstone project.
8. Become a Programmer
Offered by LinkedIn Learning
If you already have a premium LinkedIn account, you can access a repository of thousands of online tutorials and classes related to programming at no additional charge. If you are not a premium member, you can get a free one month trial to the platform to help you decide. During this time, you will have access to a whole boatload of information. A quick search on the platform turns up over 4500 results for programming alone.
This 20-hour introductory free online programming course is a great way to start. It features 12 modules, each taught by a different instructor, and is part of what is deemed a learning path on the platform. Upon completion, you will receive a shareable badge you can upload to your CV or profile. LinkedIn badges are industry-recognized and can help you gain credibility whether you are looking for a promotion or a new career.
If you already have some learning under your belt, you might want to check out a more advanced course like: Programming Foundations: Algorithms, or Become a Back-End Developer.
Cost: Free Try a free trial for Linkedin Learning.
Certificate: Free shareable badge
Time to Complete: Varies
Curriculum: Beginner to Advanced
User Experience: Good
Quality of Instruction: Good
Pros:
• Free with a Linkedin premium membership
• Expert Instructors
• Thousands of resources available
Cons:
• You have to remember to cancel your premium membership before the trial period is over if you don’t want to be charged
9. Learn HTML
Offered by W3Schools.com
W3Schools bills itself as the world’s largest web developer site and they offer free courses in every programming language out there. Study any of them for free at your own pace and in your own time. There are no membership fees or trials, and the platform is straightforward and easy to use.
For a fee, students can also earn a certificate in the course of their choice. But if you are on the fence about that, no worries. Take the entire course for free and see how you do first. If you decide you want to make it more official, apply to take a final exam and receive your certification badge to share on social media, your resume, or CV.
Cost: Free
Certificate: Yes, with fee
Time to Complete: Varies
Curriculum: Beginner to Advanced
User Experience: Good
Quality of Instruction: Good
Pros:
• Work at your own pace
• Complete the program before choosing whether you want certification
• Covers 14 different programming languages
Cons:
• The material can be a bit dry
10. Learn to Code Awesome Websites in HTML, CSS, and Javascript
Offered by General Assembly’s Dash
This free online course by General Assembly is called Dash, and its purpose is to teach users how to learn CSS, Javascript, HTML, and responsive design. It does this by giving you hands-on projects to work on right in your own browser.
There are five modules altogether, with several lessons in each one. As you work on the project for each module, you will be unlocking 82 critical skills as you go along. The projects consist of:
• Building a Personal Website
• Building a Responsive Blog Theme
• Building a Small Business Website
• Building a CSS Robot
• Building a Mad Libs game
The courses are geared toward beginners, but anyone can have fun with this platform and test out their skills. You will need to sign up using your email, create a password, and you’re in. There are no hidden fees.
Cost: Free
Certificate: No
Time to Complete: Varies
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Good
Pros:
• Easy to follow
• Get practical hands-on experience creating five different projects
• Format your projects for mobile too
Cons:
• Material is very basic
11. Learn Computer Programming
Offered by Khan Academy
While some think of Khan Academy as a place reserved for K-12 students, there is quite a bit of advanced learning available on the platform for all ages. If you feel like you need a more informal and lighthearted approach, this is a terrific choice.
It takes between 15 and 40 hours to complete the course, which is taught using something called “talk throughs.” Talk throughs are like interactive videos where you work on projects in real-time. You can pause a talk through to practice, and after each one you will be given a coding challenge to complete step-by-step.
Altogether, this engaging introduction to coding contains 40 talk-throughs, nine projects, and 35 step-by-step challenges. Once completed, you will understand the principles of programming common in all the different programming languages. A dedicated community area lets you share your projects with others who can comment, ask questions, or create their own spinoff of your program.
Cost: Free
Certificate: No
Time to Complete: 15-40 hours
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: Excellent
Pros:
• Hands-on and interactive
• Great for all ages
• Create and share projects
Cons:
• May be too basic for some students
12. Programming Languages
Offered by Udacity
This free programming languages course is relatively comprehensive. Designed for intermediate users, it lasts approximately two months and is taught by industry expert Westley Weimer. It is self-paced and rich in content, with interactive quizzes and a supportive community for students.
During the first class alone, you will learn string patterns, lexical analysis, grammar, parsing, interpreting, and how to build a web browser.
The mission at Udacity is to help power careers through tech education, and they have a robust career portal to help you achieve your goals. If you want to move on to paid courses or nano-degrees but can’t afford the fees, the company also has a scholarship program that has been utilized by over 22,000 students in 42 countries.
Cost: Free
Certificate: No
Time to Complete: Two months
Curriculum: Intermediate
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: good
Pros:
• Excellent course for those with some prior programming knowledge
• Easy-to-use platform
• Offers many career-building resources
Cons:
• Not recommended for anyone with no previous programming experience
13. Programming for Non-Programmers
Offered by Udemy
Udemy’s learning platform is a pay-per-class site with a wealth of programming courses; however, they also provide some exceptional short free classes in a variety of topics. This two-hour class on programming for non-programmers is one of them. Created by GlobalETraining.com, the free online programming course covers:
• Programming basics (including programming without code)
• Hands-on programming step by step
• Developing a solid foundation of python and shell programs
No programming knowledge is needed to take the course, and there are 33 lectures in all. You will receive a certificate of completion when you are finished.
Cost: Free
Certificate: yes
Time to Complete: two hours
Curriculum: Beginner
User Experience: Excellent
Quality of Instruction: good
Pros:
• Ideal for those with no previous coding experience
• Short, but informative
• Learn to write your first line of code
Cons:
• Not recommended for anyone with prior programming experience
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Programming Courses
The sheer amount of tech jobs available in the field of programming, coding, and development makes it a breeze to find free courses at all levels. These courses, also called MOOCs (massive open online courses), are often sponsored by large corporations like Google, Linux, Microsoft, and others to train up a future workforce. However, you will find many classes in the nonprofit sector as well.
While you may not think of programmers as a passionate lot on the whole, many in the field hold strong beliefs that tech education should be accessible to anyone, regardless of income, which is how we found some of the best free programming courses available.
Who Should Take Free Online Programming Courses?
In a nutshell, anyone interested in programming can take these courses, and most of the time, there are no restrictions. Students learn to program for a variety of reasons; starting a new career, leveling up their current skill set, or learning new tools to work on a specific project are just a few of them. Anyone who wants to play around with code will find these courses interesting and engaging.
What Are the Requirements and Prerequisites?
Enrollment in each of the free programming courses is free, and in general, there are no restrictions. People of all ages can take coding classes. In fact, the sooner you begin, the better. Learning programming languages is a lot like learning a foreign language—the younger you are when you start, the more you will learn and retain over time. However, that is not to say that there is an age limit. Old dogs really can learn new tricks.
You should, however, have basic computer and typing skills to learn programming.
Will I Earn College Credits by Taking an MOOC?
Most free online courses in programming do not offer college credits. However, many do provide industry-recognized certifications. It’s a well-known fact that many successful programs are autodidacts (self-taught individuals) who never set foot inside the halls of a university.
If you want a great paying job in programming, it’s often more important to focus on building a portfolio of impressive projects and learning hands-on skills than obtaining a degree.
How Long Do Free Online Courses Take?
Most online courses in programming are self-paced, and you can take them anytime and anywhere you want. The completion time will depend on your own level of commitment and initiative. The courses on our list vary widely when it comes to length. Some last only a few hours, while others will take you a few months.
Are Free Online Courses Graded?
Most of the programming courses we’ve mentioned are not graded. Instead, you pass skill levels by completing interactive lessons as you go along. However, for those classes with a paid certificate, there will occasionally be a final graded exam or project.
Are There Specific Start Times and Deadlines?
For each of the courses on this list, there are no deadlines or time tables. You progress at your own pace and in your own time, and as long as you have an internet connection, you’re good to go. Want to start class at 2 am on a Tuesday sitting in a coffee shop in Barbados? Go right ahead.
What is a Paywall? I Thought My Class Was Free.
Many MOOCs offer free classes but have paid enrollment options hidden behind a paywall. For example, you may have the option of signing up for a two-month trial or a yearly membership, giving you unlimited access.
For membership sites, each class we have listed can be completed by the average learner before the trial period is up. If there is a paid component to the class, it generally includes a completion certificate and graded final exam or project. However, the courses can still be accessed for free in audit-only mode.
If you want an optional certificate for your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV but can’t afford it, some platforms have scholarships or financial aid available.
Are Free Programming Courses Worth It?
There is no doubt about it. Taking free online courses in programming is well worth your time, especially if you want to become a skilled developer. Programming classes are typically more sophisticated than many other types of online coursework, mainly because they have been designed by expert programmers who were once in your shoes. This means there is an extraordinary amount of high-quality educational resources at your disposal—all free for the taking.
If you have the motivation and time to set your own schedule and start learning programming online, you will increase your career opportunities several times over with each new skill you master.
OCR Staff
Updated March 2020
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