Learning to code is an invaluable skill that can open up many exciting career opportunities. However, figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. There are so many online programming courses and websites available that it's difficult to choose. In this post, I will share the top 5 best online course websites to learn programming in 2024 based on course quality, affordability, and overall learner experience.
1. Coursera
Founded in 2012, Coursera is one of the largest massive open online course providers in the world. It partners with top universities and companies to offer online courses across a wide range of subjects including programming, data science, business, and more. Some key reasons why Coursera is an excellent choice for learning programming are:
- Variety of programming courses: Coursera offers courses in many popular coding languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, and SQL taught by instructors from schools like University of Michigan, Stanford, and Yale.Beginner to advanced levels are available.
- Flexible learning: Courses are self-paced so you can learn at your own schedule. Videos, readings, quizzes, coding exercises, and assignments can be done anytime. Some courses even offer specialized programs with career services and job guarantees.
- Affordability: While signature track courses may require a fee, the basic courses are available for free. You can audit courses for free or pay a small fee to get graded assignments and a certificate of completion. Financial aid is also available.
- Career assistance: Career services include career counseling, resume reviews, interview prep, job search tools and networking opportunities with employers. This can help land an internship or job.
- Peer & instructor support: Active discussion forums allow interacting with peers and TAs for help. You also get feedback on assignments from instructors.
Some top Coursera coding courses I recommend are Introduction to Python, Java Programming and Specialization, Full Stack Web and Multiplatform Mobile App Development. The hands-on projects really help build practical skills.
2. edX
EdX is a non-profit online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT in 2012. Like Coursera, it offers MOOCs from various universities, nonprofit organizations and companies. Some key advantages of edX for programming courses are:
- High-quality content: Course materials are designed by expert faculty at leading institutions like Harvard, UC Berkeley, Delft University of Technology ensuring top-notch learning experience.
- Flexible verifications: Along with free auditing, you can opt for verified or professional certificates by paying a nominal fee. Verified certificates provide proof of ID-verified assessments.
- Coding exercises: Most courses include hands-on coding problem sets within an interactive programming environment for practice and feedback.
- Scholarships: Financial aid is available in the form of need-based, partial and full scholarships if you apply and qualify based on income needs.
- MOOC quality guaranteed: All edX courses are reviewed for pedagogical quality before being published ensuring a consistent learning standard.
Some top edX programming courses I recommend are Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python from MIT, Introduction to Java Programming from UPenn, and Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose from Princeton. The step-by-step instruction makes concepts very clear.
3. Udemy
Udemy has over 190,000 online courses and over 50 million students worldwide, making it one of the largest online learning marketplaces. Some key reasons why it's a great option for programming courses are:
- Affordable pricing: Most Udemy courses are priced between $10 - $200 which is very reasonable compared to live classes or university programs. Frequent discounts bring prices even lower.
- Huge selection: Udemy has courses in every programming language and tech topic taught by expert instructors. The variety helps find exactly what you need.
- Lifetime access: Once you purchase a course, you own it for life and can go through it at your pace even years later as a reference.
- Interactive learning: Many courses employ coding exercises, quizzes, programming challenges and projects to apply concepts hands-on.
- Instructor support: Rating and reviews help choose the best instructors who are also available to answer queries outside the course.
Some top Udemy coding courses I recommend are The Complete Python Programming Bootcamp, The Complete 2022 Web Development Bootcamp, and The Complete JavaScript Course 2022: From Zero to Expert! The project-based approach is very effective.
4. Codecademy
Codecademy is an online interactive platform dedicated solely to teaching programming and coding skills through project-based courses. Here are some key pros:
- 100% free basic courses: Beginner courses in popular languages like Python, JavaScript, SQL, React etc. are completely free to take and learn at your own pace.
- Immersive learning: Codecademy uses a unique interactive learning approach where you write and run code within the browser itself to learn by doing.
- Project work: Each course contains hands-on projects that teach you how to apply concepts in a real-world way as opposed to just concepts.
- Career pathway programs: There are specialty tracks and intensive programs in languages like PHP, C++ and more which do require a Pro subscription fee.
- Mobile app: The Codecademy Go app enables learning on the go via Android or iOS devices.
Some top Codecademy courses I highly recommend to start coding are Intro to Python, Intro to Java, Intro to JavaScript, and Full Stack Engineering Path. They are well structured for beginners.
5. Pluralsight
Pluralsight is a digital skills and engineering platform targeted at software developers, IT admins and creative professionals. Some key reasons to consider it are:
- Role-based paths: Courses are categorized into learning paths based on job roles like front-end developer, back-end developer, full stack, data analytics etc. so you can upskill efficiently.
- Hands-on projects: Almost all courses include interactive coding tutorials, demonstrations and coding projects to apply the concepts learned.
- Expert authoring: Courses are authored by leading industry experts, researchers and trained instructors at the top of their fields.
- Browser & desktop app: Pluralsight has a browser-based player as well as desktop apps for Mac, Windows and Linux for offline access.
- Certifications: Some courses lead to industry-recognized certifications upon completion that boost your resume and career options.
Some top Pluralsight courses I suggest are Java Fundamentals: The Java Language, Python Fundamentals, SQL Server Fundamentals, and Introduction to C# Fundamentals. The industry-focused content is very relevant.
All the online course websites discussed above are excellent options for learning to code in 2024 and beyond. The variety of platform types from MOOCs to interactive learning cater to different learning styles as well. In addition to the platform selected, ensure dedicating enough practice time to hands-on coding projects for best skill development. following an organized learning path, and supplementing with additional resources online. With the right course and practice routine, you'll be well on your way to becoming a programmer within months.
