Learn to Code for Free 2021: Sites & Resources for Self-Taught Programmers & Web Developers

Hey, it's Dorian here. When I started my coding journey, I was determined to do it without spending a fortune. Along the way, I found a treasure trove of resources that helped me learn to code for practically nothing. Let me share with you the gems that made all the difference.

FreeCodeCamp

FreeCodeCamp was a game-changer for me. It's a comprehensive, project-based learning platform that's completely free. The curriculum is designed to make you job-ready, offering a perfect blend of guidance and self-driven learning. What I loved most was the opportunity to build projects that I could add to my portfolio, all while contributing to an open-source community.

The Odin Project

After dabbling in Udemy courses, I stumbled upon The Odin Project. Like FreeCodeCamp, it's project-based and covers a wide range of topics beyond its initial focus on Ruby on Rails. It's an excellent resource for building your portfolio and gaining practical experience. Even if you don't stick with it, the project ideas alone are worth checking out.

YouTube

YouTube was indispensable in my learning process. It served as a source of motivation, inspiration, tutorials, and real-world coding examples. Creating my channel was my way of giving back, inspired by creators like Traversy Media, Derek Banas, Fun Fun Function, Wes Bos, and LevelUpTuts. The wealth of free content available is incredible, and it's a platform I highly recommend to every aspiring developer.

Your Local Library

Yes, the library! It might seem old-fashioned, but it was an invaluable resource for me. Not only did I get access to free books, but my library also offered free subscriptions to Lynda and Team Treehouse. It's worth checking out what your local library has to offer, especially if they provide access to paid learning platforms for free.

Codecademy, edX, Coursera, and Udemy

I experimented with Codecademy but found it too hand-holding for my taste. edX and Coursera offer courses from prestigious universities for free, but I found the content overly complex and the delivery too dry for my beginner's mind. Udemy, however, was a mixed bag. While it's a paid platform, you can find free courses and vouchers for discounted courses. It's a great place to start, but don't get too caught up in collecting courses you'll never finish.

Final Thoughts

These resources played a crucial role in my development as a self-taught programmer and web developer. The key takeaway? You don't need to spend a lot of money to learn to code. With determination and the right resources, anyone can embark on this journey. So dive in, start building, and remember to enjoy the process.

Thanks for reading, and if you're on your coding journey, I'd love to hear about the resources that have helped you. Until next time, happy coding!