Top 6 Platforms to Learn How To Code 2023

I have tried a lot of code-learning platforms in my time. Great platforms are key when you're a self-taught developer. But what makes a good learning platform? From my experience, there are 5 things which I look for in a code-learning platform.

• Ease of use: This should be user-friendly and easy to navigate.

• Content: There should be the ability to learn a broad range of content and content should be updated in a timely manner.

• Relevant once at an intermediate level: If I want to learn a new language after a few years of experience, I shouldn't have to go through things like data types again.

• Course delivery: Delivery should be hands-on and engaging.

• Price: Learning how to code shouldn't break the bank, especially as so many free resources are available.

In this post, I will take you through the 6 platforms I used at certain points when learning how to code, giving my honest opinion on them.

NB: Pricing/affordability is subjective therefore, this will not be added as a rating but just for information.

1. Codeacademy

Content: They have a broad range of content ranging from Python to computer science. They have career pathways e.g. frontend development as well as singular courses e.g. learn Javascript.

Relevance once at an intermediate level: The courses are targeted at beginners. They do have 'refresher' courses but they don't involve practical application - they are just articles that you read.

Course delivery: Lessons are broken down into small, manageable units, making it easy to progress at your own pace. You are given text which will explain a certain concept and then get given a task relating to it. It uses an online platform with a coding interface that allows learners to practice coding in real-time, so you don't have to faff about downloading other software. The content also included multi-choice quizzes and articles. At the end of certain topics, you can work on projects which are a bit more challenging than the standard lessons. They also have supplementary videos to guide you through the projects should you get stuck.

Price: Free Plan (limited courses available), Plus Plan (£23.00/month or £143.88/year), Pro Plan (£31.99/month or £191.88 / year - good for those who want career support and professional certifications)

2. Free Code Camp

Content: A broad range of content. Their aim is to have you 'job ready' once you've completed the programme. From front-end development to data science to technical interview prep, they have EVERYTHING.

Relevance once at an intermediate level: They have intermediate courses on their YouTube channel which I thoroughly enjoy.

Course delivery: The main FCC site has text-based lessons and a coding interface so you can code in real time and check your answers. If you get stuck, there is a huge community forum where you can discuss methods - this is something I valued as a newbie. They have practical projects at the end of each section. Their YouTube account extends their webpage and here, you can find LOTS of courses ranging from overviews to in-depth courses and tutorials. Their blog is also another place for learning.

Price: FREE - but they do ask those who are able to make a donation

This website has been a staple in my journey. It was the first site I used to learn how to code and thank God it was as it was engaging enough to keep me motivated and look where that has got me. I would 100% recommend it. Plus, ITS FREE!

3. Coding With Mosh

Content: Mosh Hamedani, the instructor, covers various programming languages and technologies, with a strong emphasis on web development, including courses on JavaScript, Python, C#, and more.

Relevance once at an intermediate level: The courses range from beginner to advanced levels and often include both theory and practical examples.

Course delivery: Mosh Hamedani's courses are well-structured and tend to include video lectures, coding exercises, and hands-on projects. It does require you to download software. Mosh has a skill for teaching and is able to break down complex topics into simple, understandable pieces. The courses are self-paced, allowing learners to progress at their own speed, and they are designed to provide a solid understanding of the topics covered.

Price: Free content on YouTube, full-courses either $29/month or $249/year.

4. Scrimba

Content: Mostly learning front-end languages and frameworks. They also have interview prep & learning pathways.

Relevance once at an intermediate level: Can choose your difficulty level.

Course delivery: Scrimba has the most unique code learning experience I have had. It is video-based with an interactive coding platform however, you can edit your instructor's code in live time. I honestly love this learning model and feel that it kept me engaged. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the instructor type out solutions to coding problems in real-time and verbalise their thinking. This is such an important aspect of programming that you don't get from text-based learning. You can test your knowledge through the projects.

Price: Some free content. Pro membership: £14/month, Bootcamp £472/quarter

5. Udemy

Content: Broad range of topics with many contributors.

Relevance once at an intermediate level: Can choose your difficulty level.

Course delivery: Udemy is great for learning things in depth. It is video content, led by an instructor. Previously, to engage in the course, you would have had to download certain programming languages and platforms however, as of recently, they have included an in-browser coding platform. The only downside to this is that the courses are VERY long. Therefore, if I want a quick overview of something to use in a project, I would go for a platform like YouTube instead.

Price: Depends on the course

6. Youtube

Content: Broad range of topics, tutorials and courses with many contributors.

Relevance once at an intermediate level: Can choose your difficulty level.

Course delivery: There is so much high quality content on Youtube. Some of my favourite YouTuber accounts include: FreeCodeCamp, Coding With Mosh, Amigoscode

Price: FREE

I hope you found this useful when it comes to picking a platform to useful to learn how to code.

Make sure you stay in touch and check out my Instagram @ruthfutech for daily updates and tech learning!

Until next time,

Ruth