10 Free Tools to Help You Start Learning to Code

To help you get started on the right foot, we’ve put together a list of 10 free tools to help you learn to code, whether you want to become a web developer, build a game or app, looking to advance your technical skills for your resume, and become a better web designer. Let’s get started!

BestProgrammingLanguageFor.Me

The first thing you will need to do is decide which programming language you want to learn. This may be a difficult decision to make, especially for those who have no prior knowledge or background regarding programming, which is why BestProgrammingLanguagesfor.me was created. It is a free tool to help you decide on what programming language you should start with. Featuring a sleek, easy-to-use interface, this survey-style application will let you know which programming language is right for you based on important factors such as your goals, preferences, and specialties. It also features informative guides on why you should learn some of the most popular programming languages today, such as Why Learn JavaScript, Python, Ruby, and more.

CodeCombat

Once you have decided on which programming language you want to learn, you have several options when it comes to actually engaging with code that you learn as a way to practice and test your knowledge. If you choose to program in Python or JavaScript, one of the most helpful tools to help you learn is CodeCombat. This entertaining tool turns learning to code into a fun, and often humorous, adventure game. CodeCombat is perfect for those who may think that learning to code is boring, since you’ll get to go on quests and earn special objects whenever you create flawless code.

Codecademy

If you want to start with Ruby on Rails instead of python course or JavaScript, then Codecademy’s interactive online courses can help you get off to a good start. With Codecademy, you’ll learn how to make a website from scratch and also find out how Ruby on Rails authentication works with their extensive online library. Since Codecademy is a well-known and trusted name for beginner programmers, you can’t go wrong!

Khan Academy

Khan Academy may be best known for their interactive videos with a burst of personality to help you learn to program. As you begin creating your own projects, you can always post in their project feedback forum for help from fellow students. Also, be sure to take advantage of their “hour of code” to learn core programming concepts in just one hour.

Code.org

Although Code.org is geared toward children, adult programmers can also benefit from its visual learning method as well. Learn to code by dragging and dropping commands into a work area. You can see the effect of each new command in real time as you program.

Bitbucket

Once you have started to write some codes, you may want a place to store it or have a hassle-free way to share your code with someone else. Bitbucket gives you cloud storage — dedicated to code — that allows you to share your code with your mentors and friends. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, it is an excellent tool that can help novice coders learn how to improve their programming skills.

Udacity

If you’re thinking of programming professionally, Udacity offers a series of “nanodegree” programs put together by industry leaders like Facebook and Google. While these programs are often premium, paid services, Udacity also offers a series of free courses ranging from Android Development for Beginners to App Marketing.

TryPython

With its Monty Python-style animations, TryPython can guide you through concepts ranging from the mechanics of Python Math to the creation of basic games like “Rock-Paper-Python.”

eDX

eDX offers users hundreds of free courses from the world’s leading universities. Try Harvard University’s CS50: Introduction to Computer Science or CS For All: Introduction to Computer Science and Python Programming from Harvey Mudd College.

Trello

Trello can help beginning as well as advanced programmers stay organized and visualize their tasks, especially when they are working on group projects. Users can create virtual whiteboards for cards and checklists. Trello also provides users with tools such as due date clocks, labels, attachments and group management features. Using any combination of these tools can help you jump-start your coding career in fun and efficient ways.
That’s about it for the 10 free tools that will help you get started with learning to code. Wish you the best of luck in your coding endeavors.

Author Bio

Codementor.io is a platform for instant 1-on-1 coding help. Our network of 3000+ expert developers provide on-demand help and long-term mentorship for developers, ranging from individual beginners to experienced engineers at Fortune 500 companies. You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.