Learning programming has become easier than ever, thanks to some of the best websites offering free programming courses online. If you’ve ever wondered how to code or where to learn coding online, this article has the answers.
In today’s digital world, programming is a valuable skill. As demand for software developers continues to grow, many people are looking for ways to acquire coding skills. While platforms like Udemy offer paid courses, there are also several great alternatives to learning programming for free.
In this article on NaijaKnowHow, we’ve handpicked the best websites to learn programming for free. Whether you want to become a front-end or back-end developer, these websites provide everything you need to get started.
Prefer learning by watching videos? Check out our article on the Best YouTube Channels to Learn Programming.
List of Websites to Learn Coding for Free
1. Codecademy
- Topics Covered: Programming fundamentals, web development, data science
- Best For: Beginners and intermediate learners
- Learning Style: Interactive coding environment
- Cost: Free (with optional Pro subscription for deeper learning paths)
Codecademy is one of the most popular platforms for learning how to code, and it’s perfect for beginners who want to start their programming journey in an interactive way. The platform offers both free and paid courses across a wide variety of programming languages and technologies.
You’ll find structured lessons on over 12 programming and scripting languages, including JavaScript, Python, HTML & CSS, SQL, Java, C++, and more. One of Codecademy’s strengths is its hands-on, interactive coding environment. You can write and run code directly in your browser without needing to install anything. This makes it incredibly easy for beginners to follow along and practice in real-time.
Beyond basic programming, Codecademy also offers career paths in: Front-end and back-end development, Full-stack engineering, Data science and Computer science fundamentals.
2. W3Schools
- Topics Covered: Web development, backend scripting, front-end technologies
- Best For: Beginners and self-taught developers
- Learning Style: Interactive examples and hands-on exercises
- Cost: Completely free (with optional certifications)
W3Schools is one of the most beginner-friendly platforms for learning how to code. It’s a valuable starting point for anyone entering the world of web development. Personally, I found it extremely helpful when I began my own coding journey.
The platform offers free tutorials covering a wide range of topics, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Each course is structured with simple explanations and a lot of programming languages, making it easy for learners to follow along and grasp core concepts. One of W3Schools’ standout features is its built-in online code editor. This lets you write, test, and edit code directly from your browser without needing to install any software. It’s especially useful for trying out real-time examples while you learn.
Whether you’re learning about PHP loops, arrays, or JavaScript DOM manipulation, W3Schools provides clear, practical examples to reinforce each lesson. Its interactive approach makes it easy to transition from beginner concepts to more advanced development skills.
3. Udacity
- Topics Covered: Python, JavaScript, data science, artificial intelligence
- Best For: Beginners to advanced learners looking to specialize in tech fields
- Learning Style: Project-based learning with real-world applications
- Cost: Free courses available, with paid “nanodegree” programs for more in-depth learning
Udacity is a renowned platform dedicated to helping users acquire in-demand tech skills. While it primarily offers paid “nanodegree” programs, it also features many free courses in programming, making it a valuable resource for learners of all levels.
Even if you’re familiar with certain programming languages, Udacity provides opportunities to deepen your knowledge. Courses cover languages like Python, JavaScript, and topics such as data science and artificial intelligence. The project-based approach ensures that learners can directly apply what they’ve learned through hands-on projects.
4. edX
- Topics Covered: Python, Java, web development, data science
- Best For: Learners seeking high-quality, university-level education
- Learning Style: Self-paced learning with discussion forums for community interaction
- Cost: Free courses available, with optional paid certificates
edX is a non-profit online platform that offers free courses in various subjects, including programming. The platform provides courses from top universities such as Harvard, MIT, and more. Learners can engage with courses at their own pace, and there’s an option to earn certificates upon completion, which can be valuable for career advancement.
edX features an easy-to-navigate interface, making it a great website for exploring different programming courses. Most courses are free, though certificates are available for a fee. The platform encourages interaction with fellow students and instructors via discussion forums, promoting a supportive learning community.
5. FreeCodeCamp
- Topics Covered: Web development, JavaScript, front-end and back-end programming
- Best For: Beginners to intermediate learners looking for free, structured courses
- Learning Style: Self-paced with a focus on hands-on projects
- Cost: Completely free (with optional certifications and job placement support)
FreeCodeCamp is a fantastic resource for learning to code online. It offers completely free courses in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other programming languages. With over 9,000 tutorials available, you’ll easily find the courses that suit your needs.
What sets FreeCodeCamp apart is its job placement assistance. Upon completing several courses and earning a certificate, you can access job opportunities through their platform. Additionally, FreeCodeCamp has a YouTube channel where you can find even more tutorials to enhance your learning experience.
6. Coursera
- Topics Covered: Web development, UI/UX design, front-end and back-end programming
- Best For: Those seeking comprehensive, university-level courses with the potential for certification
- Learning Style: Structured courses with assignments and peer interaction
- Cost: Free (with optional paid certificates)
Coursera is a leading online platform that offers a wide range of programming courses, degrees, and certificates. Many of these courses are created by top universities and institutions around the world. Whether you’re interested in front-end or back-end development or want to explore courses like animation design or UI/UX, Coursera has something for you.
Upon completing a course, you’ll receive a certificate that adds value to your career. While most of Coursera’s content is paid, there are numerous free courses available. The platform is easy to navigate, making learning detailed and accessible for all.
7. Khan Academy
- Topics Covered: Web development, JavaScript, Python, Java, basic programming
- Best For: Beginners, kids, and self-learners
- Learning Style: Engaging videos and interactive tasks
- Cost: Completely free
Khan Academy is a free, non-profit educational organization that offers a wide range of courses, including programming. It’s an excellent resource for beginners, offering simple, interactive tutorials in languages like JavaScript, Python, and Java, as well as web development and more.
Khan Academy uses engaging videos and interactive tasks to make learning fun and accessible. It’s not only for adults but also for kids, making it one of the best platforms for beginners to get started with coding. In addition, the Khan Academy app is one of the best math learning apps for kids.
8. The Odin Project
- Topics Covered: Web development, front-end technologies, back-end development, Ruby, Java, C#
- Best For: Beginners looking to transition into professional web development
- Learning Style: Project-based learning with real-world applications
- Cost: Completely free
The Odin Project is an excellent resource for aspiring web developers. It was founded in 2013 and has helped many front-end and back-end developers jumpstart their careers. The platform offers a comprehensive, project-based curriculum designed to teach coding through hands-on experience.
The Odin Project covers a wide range of programming languages, from beginner-friendly ones like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to more advanced languages such as Ruby, Java, C#, and C++. The platform emphasizes building real projects to help learners apply their knowledge and become job-ready. Best of all, it’s completely free.
9. Sololearn
- Topics Covered: Full-stack web development, Python, JavaScript, C++, Java
- Best For: Learners on the go and beginners
- Learning Style: Interactive lessons with quizzes and challenges
- Cost: Free with optional paid features for additional content
Sololearn is an interactive platform that makes learning programming easy and fun. It provides an accessible way to start from basic coding concepts and advance to full-stack development within months. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, Sololearn covers a wide variety of programming languages.
Sololearn’s mobile-friendly design makes it perfect for learning on the go. It offers courses in languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, and more. The app is available on both Android and iOS, allowing you to learn anywhere. Although it may not have the same reputation as some other platforms, its flexibility and accessibility make it an excellent choice for learners.
10. Udemy
- Topics Covered: Programming, Web Development, Python, JavaScript
- Best For: Beginners to Intermediate
- Certificate: Yes (for both free and paid courses)
- Cost: Free and Paid options available
It may come as a surprise, but Udemy isn’t just about paid courses, you can actually learn coding online for free on this platform. While Udemy is widely known for its premium courses sold by independent instructors, it also hosts a good number of free programming tutorials.
From web development and Python to mobile app design and data structures, there are free courses available for beginners and intermediates. You just need to search smartly or look out for discounts and coupon offers. Occasionally, instructors offer free access to their paid courses for promotional purposes.
If you’re looking for a flexible and trusted platform to start learning to code without spending a dime, Udemy is definitely worth checking out.
11. Codewars
- Topics Covered: Python, JavaScript, Java, Ruby, C++, and more
- Best For: Intermediate to Advanced coders
- Learning Style: Coding challenges, peer solutions, gamified progression
- Cost: 100% Free
Codewars is a unique educational community where you can sharpen your programming skills by solving real-world coding challenges, known as katas. It’s not designed for absolute beginners, but if you already have a basic understanding of programming, it’s an excellent place to practice, grow, and think like a developer.
The platform supports a variety of programming languages including Python, JavaScript, Java, Ruby, and many more. As you solve challenges, you earn ranks and unlock more difficult problems. It’s also community-driven, developers can create and share their own challenges, contributing to the learning of others.
If you’re looking to level up your coding skills through hands-on problem-solving and peer-reviewed solutions, Codewars is an ideal platform.
12. SitePoint
- Topics Covered: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, React, and more
- Best For: Beginners to intermediate learners
- Learning Style: Ebooks, tutorials, community Q&A
- Cost: Free (with optional premium ebooks and membership)
SitePoint is a trusted platform for learning foundational and advanced web development skills. If you’re looking to master HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, or other web technologies, SitePoint is an excellent starting point. The site offers a vast collection of ebooks, tutorials, and articles authored by experienced developers.
While most of SitePoint’s premium content is book-based, the website also features blogs, coding guides, and a supportive community where learners can ask questions and get answers from industry experts. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, SitePoint provides practical, well-written resources.
13. Dash
- Topics Covered: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Best For: Beginners who prefer project-based learning
- Learning Style: Interactive lessons in the browser
- Cost: Completely free
Dash is a beginner-friendly, browser-based platform created by General Assembly that teaches the basics of web development through interactive, hands-on projects. If you prefer learning by doing rather than just watching or reading, Dash is an excellent choice.
The platform focuses on teaching HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through real-world projects, like building websites or interactive features. You don’t need to download any software; all learning happens directly in your browser.
Each lesson is project-based and encourages experimentation, allowing you to practice coding in a practical, structured way. Even if you miss a deadline or make mistakes, Dash gives you the flexibility to retry until you succeed.
14. Code.org
- Topics Covered: Computer science, programming fundamentals, game and app development
- Best For: Kids, teens, beginners in coding
- Learning Style: Visual lessons and project-based learning
- Cost: 100% free
Code.org is a non-profit educational organization designed to make computer science accessible to everyone, especially middle and high school students. It offers a wide range of free programming courses that introduce learners to the fundamentals of computer science in a fun, engaging way.
What makes Code.org stand out is its beginner-friendly approach. Even kids with zero coding experience can jump in and start building simple projects like games and animations. The platform features interactive lessons, visual programming, and block-based coding, making it easier to grasp for young learners.
Teachers and parents can also use Code.org to guide their children through the learning process. It’s structured in levels, so students progress at their own pace.
15. Edabit
- Topics Covered: Web development, Python, JavaScript, and basic programming concepts
- Best For: Beginners looking for hands-on learning
- Learning Style: Challenge-based with instant feedback
- Cost: Mostly free, with some premium features
Edabit is a beginner-friendly platform that makes learning to code fun and interactive. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to practice programming through short, hands-on challenges. With Edabit, you’re not just reading tutorials, but solving problems and writing real code from day one.
The platform supports various languages including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and more. You’ll learn essential coding concepts such as strings, variables, loops, functions, and data structures through bite-sized exercises. Each challenge comes with instant feedback, helping you learn as you go.
One of Edabit’s strengths is its gamified learning experience. As you solve more problems, you level up and unlock new challenges (with over 10,000+ interactive challenges). This makes it an exciting way to build your skills and stay motivated.
16. Upskill
- Topics Covered: Web development, software engineering, front-end/back-end frameworks
- Best For: Beginners to intermediate learners
- Learning Style: Project-based, hands-on coding
- Cost: Free (premium content also available)
Upskill is a fantastic platform for anyone looking to learn programming and web development for free. Whether you’re a complete beginner or want to level up your coding skills, Upskill provides access to a rich library of practical, real-world coding courses.
The platform offers over 1,000 free lessons covering everything from web development to app development, software engineering, and more. You can get started immediately without any upfront payment, and the lessons are structured like live coding bootcamps, allowing you to learn by doing.
What makes Upskill stand out is its project-based learning approach. You’ll build real web applications using popular tools and frameworks such as HTML/CSS, JavaScript & jQuery, Bootstrap, Git & GitHub, Node.js, React, PHP and many more. With support for over 20 programming languages and technologies, Upskill is a great starting point for aspiring developers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning programming online has never been easier. With the help of these websites, anyone can learn programming for free and build practical skills. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer, these websites offer courses that cater to learners of all levels.
