Learning to Code From Scratch: Free Beginner Resources.

Hi, I'm Ella, and if you're like me -learning to code from scratch- I advise you buckle up and consider the few ways I feel could really help you.

In this post:

• Learning to code from scratch
• Free code learning resources
• To be continued...

Learning to code from scratch

As a complete coding beginner, it is very advisable that you begin your coding journey beginner friendly options like Python (for general-purpose programming) or HTML and CSS (for web development). This is so because python programming language is the closest to English making it the easiest to learn. Also, decide what you want to achieve with coding. Do you want to build websites? (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) or analyze data? (Python and libraries like pandas or NumPy.) or create games? (Java or Unity with C#.)

It's also very important to know that you have to personally put in the effort to find your own motivation especially when it comes to learning new (and not-so-easy) skills such as coding. It is very easy to give up so don't!!!!!

Free code learning resources

So, I've already researched FREE code learning apps and/or websites that one can use to learn to code (some of which I personally use). They include;

1. Codecademy: this is a website where one can learn to code for free as well as interact with other learners such as yourself on a forum. They offer a variety of programming courses and career paths. You can also save spots in events that they hold on apps such as YouTube. Without pro or plus subscriptions you don't have full access to all the courses. Personally, I started learning Python 3 on this website but because I don't have plus or pro subscriptions I couldn't get past the first unit. For pro, it's about $190 a year.

2. Sololearn: this is free although you can't get access to extra features -such as infinite hearts, AI coding partner, personalized goal stats and so on- without pro. If you want to subscribe for pro, it should be about 19,500(naira) annually but you can also pay a monthly fee of about 2870(naira). You can convert this to your preferred currency or just check how much a Sololearn pro subscription is in your currency. You have access to all their standard lessons without a subscription

 

3. FreeCodeCamp: this is completely free. FreeCodeCamp provides a wealth of resources, including tutorials, challenges, and projects, all for free. This removes financial barriers for beginners. The platform starts with the basics and gradually progresses to more advanced topics thereby providing a beginner friendly curriculum. It also has huge community support, assigns real-world projects and focuses on in-demand skills. You can learn at your own pace, making it ideal for students or those balancing other commitments.

4.W3schools: W3Schools explains concepts in a clear, concise, and straightforward way, making it ideal for beginners. Tutorials are written in plain language and focus on practical application. It includes “Try It Yourself” editors, allowing you to write and execute code directly on the platform. This hands-on experience reinforces learning by letting you test concepts immediately. You can go through the content at your own speed, making it flexible for those with busy schedules or varying levels of prior knowledge. W3Schools offers low-cost certification programs, which can add credibility to your learning and serve as proof of your skills when applying for jobs or internships.

5.Khan Academy: Khan Academy covers basic programming, web development, and computer science concepts. It consists also of interactive lessons with challenges and quizzes.

6. The Odin project: The Odin project Provides a complete, structured curriculum for web development, starting from the absolute basics, Focuses on real-world projects to help you build a portfolio while learning and Teaches you industry-relevant skills, including version control (Git), debugging, and how to deploy apps.

• Foundations: Covers web development basics like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git, and Command Line.
• Full-Stack JavaScript: Includes Node.js, Express, and MongoDB for backend development.
• Frontend Development: Focus on JavaScript, React.js, and CSS frameworks like Bootstrap.
• Projects: Build a personal portfolio website, blogs, or interactive applications.

Ideal For:

• Beginners who want to dive into web development and stay motivated by working on projects.

7.Programming Hero

Why It’s Great:

• Gamified approach to learning coding keeps you engaged.
• Offers bite-sized lessons and challenges that are easy to follow for complete beginners.
• You can learn programming basics and apply them to small games and apps.

What You’ll Learn:

• Basics of Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and even mobile app development.
• Logic building, problem-solving skills, and basic algorithms.
• How to build simple projects like a to-do list app or basic games.

Ideal For:

• Learners who prefer a fun and interactive learning experience rather than traditional tutorials.

8. Grasshopper (by Google)

Why It’s Great:

• Designed specifically for beginners with no prior experience.
• Uses interactive coding puzzles to teach JavaScript basics.
• Short lessons and challenges fit into small time slots, making it perfect for busy schedules.

What You’ll Learn:

• Core programming concepts like variables, loops, arrays, and functions.
• JavaScript syntax, with simple drag-and-drop coding to ease beginners into typing code.
• How to use coding logic to solve problems.

Ideal For:

• Absolute beginners, including students and professionals looking to try coding for the first time.

9. GeeksforGeeks

Why It’s Great:

• Extensive library of tutorials, examples, and explanations for various programming topics.
• Covers everything from beginner-level topics to advanced concepts in data structures, algorithms, system design, and more.

What You’ll Learn:

• Beginner programming in Python, Java, C++, and other languages.
• How to solve coding problems with detailed examples.
• Data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees) and algorithms (sorting, searching).

Additional Features:

• Coding practice platform with real-world problem-solving tasks.
• "DSA (Data Structures & Algorithms) Self-Paced" program (sometimes free or heavily discounted).

Ideal For:

• Beginners aiming to strengthen their problem-solving skills and students preparing for competitive coding.

10. HackerRank

Why It’s Great:

• Offers a gamified approach to learning and practicing coding challenges.
• Includes exercises in dozens of programming languages, categorized by skill level.
• Focuses on algorithm development and problem-solving, which is excellent for learning computational thinking.

What You’ll Learn:

• Core concepts like loops, arrays, and functions through challenges.
• How to tackle algorithms, data structures, and more advanced concepts as you progress.
• Real-world scenarios with "domain" challenges like artificial intelligence and databases.

Ideal For:

• Beginners looking to practice coding interactively and programmers preparing for coding interviews or competitions.

11. Codewars

Why It’s Great:

• Gamified coding practice with “katas” (coding challenges) that range from beginner to advanced levels.
• Allows you to compare solutions with others, giving insight into different problem-solving approaches.
• Supports dozens of programming languages, including Python, Java, and JavaScript.

What You’ll Learn:

• Problem-solving and coding logic.
• Syntax and functions for your chosen programming language.
• How to write efficient code and understand best practices by viewing other users’ solutions.

Ideal For:

• Beginners who enjoy tackling puzzles and advancing in levels like in a game.

12. Code.org

Why It’s Great:

• Designed for kids and beginners, Code.org offers a playful, interactive environment to learn programming basics.
• Features engaging tutorials and "Hour of Code" activities that require no prior knowledge.
• Focused on visual learning, making it great for understanding concepts without heavy coding.

What You’ll Learn:

• Fundamentals of coding through drag-and-drop blocks or visual programming.
• Introduction to text-based coding like JavaScript and Python in later stages.
• Creative and logical thinking by building animations, games, and stories.

Ideal For:

• Young learners or complete beginners who want a fun and creative entry into coding.

13. CodePen

Why It’s Great:

• Focuses on frontend development, allowing you to experiment with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in real-time.
• Ideal for building small projects and seeing your results instantly in the browser.
• A vibrant community shares their projects, providing inspiration and examples.

What You’ll Learn:

• HTML and CSS for creating webpage structures and designs.
• JavaScript for interactivity like animations, sliders, or responsive menus.
• How to integrate libraries like Bootstrap or frameworks like React for modern web design.

Ideal For:

• Learners interested in web development who want to experiment and build visual projects.

To be continued...

Stay updated for more posts and part two where i recommend more resources and lectures on platforms such as YouTube. 

I sincerely hope you found this blog post helpful. Don't hesitate to share, follow and drop supportive comments. A sign up form is now available on my website so as for you to stay tuned for new resources, exclusive tips, and updates! Check it out on My website and sign up now!!! 

Hope to see you again, and remember... God loves you✝️

  -"Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance." 

                                                              Proverbs 1:5