9 resources for learning to code on your own

It's entirely possible to learn to program on your own. The Internet is full of relevant resources that can help you progress very quickly. Let's take a look at some of them!

1. YouTube: a plethora of programming tutorials

If you want to start coding on your own, it might be a good idea to do some research beforehand to find out which programming languages interest you the most and which tools are used with them. There are a variety of programming languages that are used to code different things, like websites, mobile apps, etc.

Starting with video tutorials is a great way to get into programming if you don’t know much about the field. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of tutorials that introduce you to various programming languages and the best tools to use with them.  

It’s much easier to get a basic understanding of coding from video tutorials than to dive directly into courses!

2. Code.org

Code.org is a great free resource for teaching kids to code.

Code.org is a non-profit organization that offers computer science and programming courses for students of all levels. Its course catalogue is divided into 3 age categories: 4-11, 10-16 and 14-18+. Although these courses are made for children, they can benefit adults who are new to programming as well, because they explain the concepts in a very accessible way.

Code.org has classes on a wide range of programming languages, including HTML, Javascript, Python, SQL, and more. 50 million students have taken classes on the site to date, which speaks volumes about its quality.

3. Coursera

Coursera is an online learning platform that provides access to courses offered by major universities such as Stanford and University of Toronto. There are a variety of programming courses available for beginners and more advanced coders.

Coursera also offers specialization programs and professional certificates that enable learners to develop specific skills in a given field. These programs are designed in collaboration with companies and industry experts, ensuring their relevance to the job market.

Most courses on Coursera are free, but some charge fees for official certificates. If you’re considering a career in IT, you’ll need proof that you’ve taken programming courses, so make sure to set aside some funds for that.

4. OpenClassrooms

OpenClassrooms is another online learning platform that is available on all devices (computer, tablet, smartphone). One great advantage of OpenClassrooms is the open forums, which provide a space for users to discuss the course content and help each other learn.

In addition to IT development, OpenClassrooms has specialized courses on systems and networking, project management, office automation, and more. Not only can the platform help you learn how to code, but it can also introduce you to other aspects of IT that could be useful in your future career.

5. Codecademy.com

Codecademy is one of the most popular online resources for learning to code. The site offers members two options—the basic package is free and the Pro costs $19.99 a month.

The basic package gives you access to 25 classes a month. You can learn a variety of programming languages, including Python, HTML, C++, CSS, Java and Ruby.

The Pro package gives you access to 65 courses per month and offers a more elaborate structure that facilitates learning. The selection of courses available in this package is geared towards more advanced coding students.

6. Udemy

Udemy is a library of online courses on a multitude of subjects, including IT development. The courses offered on this platform are created by users. Most are experts in their field and use the platform to share their passion.

To help you find the classes that interest you, Udemy offers an evaluation section that assesses your interests and goals. This helps narrow down your search, because there are around 155,000 courses available on the platform.

Some classes on Udemy are free while others require a fee, so keep this in mind when choosing which ones you want to take.

7. W3Schools

Dreaming of a career in web and app development? You could benefit greatly from this free site.

What sets W3Schools apart is its simple, practical course structure, with clear explanations and practical code examples. Tutorials are organized by topic, allowing learners to focus on the specific technologies they want to learn. In addition, W3Schools offers interactive exercises and quizzes to test learners' knowledge and reinforce their understanding of the concepts being taught.

A wide range of programming languages are available on the site, from HTML, CSS and Javascript to Python, C++, etc. Its practical approach and well-organized resources make it an attractive option for beginners and web developers of all levels.<H3>8. CodeWars

CodeWars.com is a free platform that’s a little different from the options listed above. It’s meant for coders who already have a solid grasp of programming and want to practice by undertaking coding challenges.

Inspired by martial arts, CodeWars has created a unique formula based on katas. Once you choose the programming language you want to practice, you’ll need to answer a coding question in order to access the rest of the website and take on new challenges. The more katas you master, the more you prove yourself, and eventually, you will be able create your own katas for other users to complete.

9. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality training and promoting the importance of education around the world. The organization collaborates with major institutions such as NASA, MIT and the Museum of Modern Art. It offers free courses on coding and a variety of other subjects.

Khan Academy provides videos and exercises to help users learn at their own pace. It's a great resource for schools that want to add programming to their curriculum.

How long does it take to learn coding from scratch

The time it takes to learn to code varies considerably from one person to another and depends on many factors. First of all, the choice of programming language plays an important role. Some languages, such as Python, are renowned for their ease of learning and can be mastered in a matter of weeks by beginners, while other more complex languages such as C++ or Java may require several months to be fully understood. What's more, your previous experience in computing or mathematics can speed up or slow down your progress. People who already have a technical grounding may find it easier to assimilate new concepts.

What's more, your learning objectives will also influence the time it takes you to learn coding. If your aim is simply to understand the basics to solve simple problems, it may take less time than if you aspire to become a professional developer with advanced expertise in a specific field.

Ultimately, the key to learning to code effectively is regular practice and perseverance. Dedicating time every day to programming, solving practical problems and building concrete projects are effective ways of strengthening your skills. With patience and determination, you can make significant progress in a few months to a year, depending on your goals, your commitment and the learning method you choose.

Ready to pursue a career as a developer?

As you can see, there are many websites you can use to learn to code on your own. These online tools can be extremely helpful, particularly if you’ve developed an interest in programming later in life.

Once you’ve taken several online courses and feel ready to get an IT job in Montreal, Fed IT can help! Our specialized consultants guide IT professionals through the job search process.

Send us a spontaneous application today or contact us to find your dream job!