Hello and welcome to my little corner of the internet! I am using this space to create a resource for learning to code. I am a beginner myself and am currently learning Python, HTML and CSS, so the resources will be centered around those areas for now. I plan to only add free resources where a subscription is not required, although optional subscriptions may be available. This page is a work in progress and I am updating it in small ways whenever I have some free time. Be sure to check back regularly as I continue adding more resources.
Beginner-friendly websites that teach a variety of coding languages, concepts and tools to get you started. If one resource doesn't click, it's okay to try another one until you find what works best for you. Sometimes when you're just starting out, coding doesn't make much sense and that's okay. The more you are exposed to those concepts, the more they begin to make sense.
Khan Academy has some basics for Python, HTML, CSS & JavaScript. The lessons include written, video and interactive learning styles. The Python course is a bit math-heavy, so if you or your child struggle with math this might not be the best resource to start with.
sololearn's free path gives you five hearts a day to use as you do the lessons. Every time you miss a question, you lose a heart. When you run out of hearts, you will have to wait until they regenerate to continue lessons. I used this as practice sessions while learning with other programs. I used the mobile app version of this and it is linked below in the Mobile App Downloads secton of this page.
Mimo has a cute game-like feel to it. On the free path you only get 2 keys a day to unlock lessons. There are also 9 code playgrounds to practice building things in. I used this for daily practice along with another program as my main learning resource.
W3Schools is widely recommended, and so far I am really enjoying their video tutorials. They are short, bite-sized videos that explain concepts in a way that is easy for an absolute beginner to understand. I have linked their HTML, CSS, and JavaScript tutorials below in the Videos for Visual Learners section of this page.
Easy to follow program that takes small steps to learn Python. I like that you can choose to just use the IDE or start on the learning path at the site intro. I also like that you can access the table of contents to skip around, making this a good choice for either a main program or as a supplement to another program.
The layout of this page did not work well for me personally. It felt a little cluttered once opening individual topics. However, learning styles vary, and this could be a great resource for someone who prefers this type of format.
Easy to access IDE. No need to download, it works from within the browser. Great if you are learning on a device with limited storage like a tablet or chromebook.
I haven't used this one very much. It is one of the more widely recommended IDEs on pc. It does have a learning mode, but I don't feel that it's set up with the absolute beginner in mind.
Currently under construction.
Pydroid 3 is an excellent IDE for mobile devices. I use it on both my phone and tablet without any issues. Since it is free, it does contain ads, but if you use it on airplane mode or turn off wifi and mobile data they shoudln't run. So, I feel like it's best for offline coding.
Good for on the go learning. I used the Sololearn mobile app for daily practice.
I feel like these videos are such a great place for the absolute beginner to start off and that is why I have given them their own section. Like I mentioned above, they are short and easy to understand.
I haven't had the chance to watch this yet, but I noticed that it is widely recommended.
I haven't had the chance to watch this yet, but the comments section on youtube is full of praise for this video. It sounds like this video is going to be full of information that is good for the absolute beginner.
