Learning to code has become one of the most valuable skills in today’s digital-first world. Whether you want to switch careers, build your own apps, or enhance problem-solving skills, coding opens up endless possibilities. However, do you now need to go to school to learn all the missed coding classes again? Well, not really; we don’t want to be heavy on your pockets. So, we have come up with the 10 best free websites that offer you high-quality coding tutorials, from beginners to advanced, and from some of the best schools in the world.
Great, but why learn online? Are they effective? Credible?
These platforms go beyond mere tutorials. They offer structured curriculums, interactive exercises, and real-world projects, and some even include certifications to showcase your achievements. From learning programming basics to mastering algorithms and data structures, these websites provide comprehensive resources for various skill levels.
Additionally, some platforms focus on specific goals like job interview preparation, while others emphasize building practical skills through hands-on projects. Depending on your learning style—be it visual, hands-on, or self-paced—there’s a perfect platform waiting for you.
But what are these platforms? Let’s quickly go through some of the best options and then discuss each of them thoroughly.
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10 Best Free Websites to Learn Coding
| Platform | Start Learning |
|---|---|
| freecodecamp | Website |
| Khan Academy | Website |
| Codecademy | Website |
| CS50 by Harvard University | Website |
| The Odin Project | Website |
| W3Schools | Website |
| SoloLearn | Website |
| GeeksforGeeks | Website |
| MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) | Website |
| HackerRank | Website |
Now that we have the list of some of the best free websites to learn to code, let’s discuss each of these platforms in detail. Also, there are several more websites that didn’t make it to our list but can be accessible to our audience when you mention them in the comments. So, do not forget to let people know about your favorite platform to learn to code; it can be a huge help to them.
Now, back to our list.
1. freecodecamp.org
freeCodeCamp is one of the most exhaustive platforms for learning coding online, and the best part is (you guessed it right) it’s completely free. Courses on freeCodeCamp are structured curriculum that helps learners understand from basics to advance in an appropriate order. The curriculum includes topics like responsive web design, JavaScript algorithms, front and back-end development, data visualization, machine learning, and many more. Each certification requires about 300 hours of hands-on practice and project-based assignments totaling over 3,000 hours of content.
Such curriculums are designed to help you learn everything about coding, but in our opinion, such exhaustive learning is not a necessity, and the foundation is much more important, as real-world problems are dynamic and will require you to think from the resources you have then and there. So, logic building and the foundation of coding should do enough. You can learn other things dynamically when working on real-world projects.
Additionally, freeCodeCamp supports learning with a global community forum, study groups, and networking events, making the process collaborative. All this while the platform remains open-source, which ensures transparency and the non-profit model makes it accessible to everyone.
The certifications earned from freeCodeCamp are highly regarded, as they demonstrate practical coding skills.
The Good
- Project-based curriculum for practical experience.
- Accessible to beginners and intermediate learners.
- Active global community support.
The bad
- The depth of topics may overwhelm new coders.
- No direct instructor feedback.
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2. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is one of the most popular learning platforms among beginners and students. The programming courses cover fundamental skills in web development like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as some introductory computer science topics. The best part is all this learning is done through interactive lessons where learners can directly manipulate code to see results in real time.
The platform also understands that learning through written content alone cannot be as impactful as that of video lectures. So, the platform also offers “Talk-through,” which are video tutorials paired with coding challenges, helping you get an engaging learning experience. To make learning rewarding, you also get to track your progress and achieve badges for completing lectures and activities. While primarily focused on kids and young learners, the platform’s simplicity and clarity also make it suitable for adults. The self-paced format allows users to learn at their own speed, with most coding courses taking about 10-20 hours to complete.
Beyond programming, Khan Academy also provides courses in mathematics, science, and economics, which are useful for students interested in data science or technical fields.
The Good
- Beginner-friendly lessons with interactive exercises.
- A gamified format keeps learning fun and engaging.
- Entirely free and accessible worldwide.
The bad
- Limited depth for advanced learners.
- No certifications or project-based portfolio building.
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3. Codecademy (Free Plan)
Codecademy is one of the most popular platforms for learning to code interactively. Its free plan provides access to introductory lessons in Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and SQL. The platform uses an interactive coding environment where learners can write and test code immediately, making it ideal for beginners who want to grasp the basics quickly.
For those looking for more depth, Codecademy’s Pro plan includes certifications, real-world projects, and career paths. While the free plan lacks certifications, it provides a strong foundation in coding concepts. On average, introductory courses take 10-15 hours to complete, while Pro learners can follow structured career paths like web development or data science.
The Good
- Hands-on interactive learning.
- Covers multiple languages and frameworks.
- User-friendly interface.
The bad
- Certifications and advanced features require payment.
- Limited advanced content in the free plan.
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4. CS50 by Harvard University
CS50 is Harvard’s flagship introduction to computer science, available for free on edX. This course is famous for its rigorous content, blending theoretical knowledge with practical coding skills. CS50 covers topics like algorithms, data structures, cryptography, memory management, and web development, which are some of the core computer concepts. Programming starts with C programming before introducing Python, SQL, and JavaScript, which are some of the crucial database and logic-building programs.
The course is designed to take about 11 weeks if followed rigorously, but learners can move at their own pace. Each module includes video lectures, problem sets, and coding assignments. The final project allows learners to showcase their skills in a real-world application.
Certificates are available for a fee, but completing CS50 without certification still provides a strong foundation for further study or careers in programming. Harvard also offers extensions like CS50x for artificial intelligence and game development.
The Good
- Prestigious and comprehensive curriculum.
- The real-world final project to build a portfolio.
- Free access to Harvard-quality education.
The bad
- Requires significant time and effort.
- Challenging for absolute beginners.
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5. The Odin Project
The Odin Project specializes in full-stack web development, offering a project-based curriculum for aspiring developers. Its courses cover HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git, Node.js, and React, among other tools and technologies. The platform also focuses on problem-solving and collaboration, preparing learners for real-world challenges.
Unlike many other platforms, The Odin Project structures its content around creating projects, ensuring that learners graduate with a professional portfolio. The estimated time to complete the curriculum is around 6-12 months, depending on the learner’s pace.
The community-driven approach includes forums, Discord groups, and team projects, making the learning process collaborative. While it focuses heavily on web development, it doesn’t offer certifications or courses in other domains.
The Good
- Project-based learning builds practical skills.
- Great for aspiring web developers.
- Active community support.
The bad
- Limited topics beyond web development.
- Requires self-discipline and motivation.
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6. W3Schools
W3Schools is a popular and beginner-friendly platform offering concise tutorials on web development and programming. It covers a wide array of coding topics, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, PHP, and SQL, making it a versatile resource for learners exploring different languages.
A standout feature of W3Schools is its “Try It Yourself” editor, where users can practice coding directly within the browser. W3Schools doesn’t provide certifications for free, but learners can purchase certificates after passing relevant quizzes. The platform also offers a “How To” section, which provides quick solutions for common web development tasks. Learners can typically complete individual tutorials in 1-2 hours, making it suitable for quick learning sessions.
The Good
- Beginner-friendly with interactive coding tools.
- Lightweight, easy-to-navigate interface.
- Useful as a coding reference.
The bad
- Lacks structured curricula.
- Paid certification can be costly.
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7. SoloLearn
SoloLearn is a mobile-first platform offering bite-sized coding lessons, making it ideal for learning on the go. It covers a range of languages, including Python, JavaScript, C++, HTML, and more. The app-based design encourages consistent practice through games, with learners earning badges and points for completing lessons and challenges.
The platform offers community-driven content, allowing users to share knowledge and solve coding problems together. While SoloLearn doesn’t provide certifications, it does track progress, making it easy to see how much you’ve learned.
Each course typically takes 10-15 hours to complete, depending on the language and complexity. Beyond coding, SoloLearn includes lessons in data science and machine learning. However, its content is mostly beginner-focused, and learners seeking advanced material might find it lacking.
The Good
- Mobile-friendly and easy to use.
- A fun game-based learning experience.
- An interactive community for collaboration.
The bad
- Limited advanced content.
- Best suited for beginners.
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8. GeeksforGeeks
This platform doesn’t require an introduction as it is a highly regarded platform for programming and software development. GeeksforGeeks is known for its comprehensive coding tutorials, which cover topics such as data structures, algorithms, system design, and competitive programming. The resources are particularly useful for students preparing for technical interviews, offering mock tests and coding challenges tailored for companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.
The Practice Section allows learners to solve problems, track their progress, and improve their coding skills. GeeksforGeeks also provides tutorials in programming languages like Python, Java, and C++, along with career-specific content such as placement preparation and resume-building tips.
While most resources are free, some advanced courses and certifications require a subscription. The estimated time to complete a domain like data structures or algorithms ranges from 20-50 hours, depending on the learner’s pace.
The Good
- Excellent for competitive programming and interview prep.
- Extensive problem library.
- Career-oriented content.
The bad
- Overwhelming interface for beginners.
- Advanced content often requires payment.
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9. MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW)
MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) offers free access to lecture notes, assignments, and exams from MIT’s computer science courses. The curriculum includes algorithms, programming languages, and software development at the university level. Courses like “Introduction to Computer Science and Programming” and “Design and Analysis of Algorithms” are particularly popular.
Learners can also explore courses in artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning. However, there are no certifications or guided instructions, which may be a drawback for some learners.
The Good
- High-quality academic material from MIT.
- Ideal for learners seeking theoretical depth.
- Free access to university-level education.
The bad
- No hands-on exercises or interactive tools.
- Requires strong self-discipline.
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10. HackerRank
HackerRank is widely known for its coding challenges and problem-solving exercises. Its “Learn Section” helps with tutorials and guided learning paths in algorithms, data structures, and specific programming languages like Python and Java. HackerRank is particularly valued for preparing learners for technical interviews, offering challenges that simulate real-world scenarios.
The platform is highly interactive, with coding problems ranging from easy to difficult. Learners can complete exercises to earn badges and showcase their skills on their HackerRank profile, which can be shared with employers. While the tutorials are self-paced, most coding tutorials require around 15-20 hours to complete.
HackerRank doesn’t offer certifications but allows learners to build a strong portfolio of problem-solving skills. It’s best suited for intermediate and advanced learners aiming to enhance their coding skills and prepare for competitive programming.
The Good
- Real-world coding challenges.
- Excellent for job preparation.
- Interactive and competitive environment.
The bad
- Limited beginner-friendly content.
- Competitive focus may not suit casual learners.
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Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
For absolute beginners, platforms like Khan Academy and W3Schools are great starting points. They offer simple tutorials, interactive exercises, and a beginner-friendly interface that makes it easy to grasp basic coding concepts.
Platforms like freeCodeCamp, Codeacademy Pro, and GeeksforGeeks offer certifications, some free and others paid. While these certifications demonstrate your skills, they are most valuable when paired with practical projects and problem-solving experience.
If you’re aiming for advanced topics, CS50 by Harvard University, MIT OpenCourseWare, and GeeksforGeeks are excellent choices. They provide in-depth content on algorithms, data structures, and theoretical computer science.
Yes, platforms like The Odin Project, HackerRank, and freeCodeCamp are particularly focused on practical, job-ready skills. They offer project-based learning, coding challenges, and interview preparation resources to help you build a portfolio and prepare for technical roles.
The time varies based on the platform and course. For instance, introductory courses on Khan Academy or W3Schools may take 10-15 hours, while full curriculums on freeCodeCamp or The Odin Project can take 3-12 months.
The Odin Project, W3Schools, and freeCodeCamp are tailored for web development. They cover everything from front-end languages like HTML and CSS to back-end technologies like Node.js and databases.
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Wrapping up: 10 Free Websites to Learn Coding
This pretty much sums up our guide on the best platforms to learn to code for free; however, remember, learning to code is not just about writing logic; it is a process where you need to think and talk like code. In the real world, there are dynamic problems, and most of them are fresh with no solutions on the internet; it is when you think in terms of code and design the logic that will help you out of the problem. The more projects you do, the more hands-on experience you have; it gets a lot easier to start thinking in terms of code.
Our list includes popular free platforms, and we might have missed a lot, many of which you can let us know in the comments. We also recommend checking out YouTube tutorials, like Programming by Mosh, which not only teach you programming but also make you understand the concept much better than PDFs and textbooks through examples and hands-on tutorials that you can follow up on.
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