Whether you used to tinker with your MySpace profile or have no idea what the difference is between Python and HTML, one thing’s true: everyone starts somewhere. And the great news is, there are more free (and friendly) ways to get into coding today than ever before. Here are some great places to start…
freeCodeCamp
Still one of the best free resources out there. It’s great for beginners because it blends short lessons with instant feedback — you type your code right into the browser and see what happens. We still recommend trying the first 20 JavaScript lessons if you’re considering a coding bootcamp. If you enjoy it, that’s a brilliant sign. If not, you’ve lost nothing but a bit of time.
Why we like it: Great intro to coding logic and syntax. Tons of support via forums and YouTube videos. Good to quickly find out if coding is for you or not.
Scrimba
Scrimba offers interactive, screencast-based lessons that let you pause the video and edit the instructor’s code in real time. It’s like watching a tutorial and getting stuck in at the same time. Their “Frontend Developer Career Path” is especially good if you’re eyeing up a bootcamp or junior dev job.
Why we like it: Combines teaching with doing so no more passive watching.
DEV.to Beginners
Includes loads of helpful tips on everything from interview study guides to inspirational Chinese proverbs (“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”) DEV provides a continuous stream of guides and resources from other beginners who are also learning how to code. It has a familiar social media feed format and the content spans anything from helping the absolute beginner to getting people into work.
This is great for: sharing problems and finding solutions to sticking points you might come across while learning.
Get to a workshop
Workshops and community get-togethers are ideal for getting beginners started. They’re fantastic for asking questions, learning new things and meeting new people who are already in the industry. Here are a couple that we think are great. Meetup is a great website to find your nearest coding community.
This is great for: talking to other beginners and people already in the industry about their experiences.
Northcoders Software Development Bootcamp
If you’re ready to commit, Northcoders offers a beginner-friendly bootcamp where you’ll learn JavaScript, full-stack development, and career-ready skills over just 13 weeks (or 20 if you choose the new part-time option). You’ll be taught live by experienced developers and get real mentor support every step of the way. Many students even land roles before they graduate.
Why we like it: It’s structured, supportive, and actually gets people jobs in tech.