Learn to Code

RefSeek's guide to the 25 best free resources for learning to code. All listed sites offer lessons and reference material for free though most require account registration.

  • Code Academy
    Provider of online courses on the most popular programming languages.
    codecademy.com
  • Code for Life
    Nonprofit initiative that delivers free, open-source games that teach programming basics.
    codeforlife.education
  • Code.org
    Non-profit dedicated to expanding K-12 access to computer sciences.
    code.org - Ages: 6-18
  • Coursera
    Lectures by world-class professors and reinforced through interactive exercises.
    coursera.org
  • Dash
    Free online courses in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript from General Assembly.
    dash.generalassemb.ly
  • EdX
    Computer science courses from top universities and institutions.
    edx.org
  • Hackr.io
    Outstanding search engine for finding the best online programming courses and tutorials.
    hackr.io
  • Hour of Code
    Links to hundreds of one hour introductory coding activities and tutorials.
    hourofcode.com
  • Khan Academy
    Self-paced learning with extensive video library, interactive challenges, and assessments.
    khanacademy.org - Also see: Khan Academy Hour of Code
  • SoloLearn
    Hundreds of text and video-based lessons on a dozen programming languages.
    sololearn.com
  • Stack Overflow
    Large online community for programmers to learn, ask questions, and share knowledge.
    stackoverflow.com
  • Typing.com
    Free, ad-supported platform teaching typing, online safety, and digital literacy.
    typing.com
  • W3Schools
    Tremendous resource offering tutorials and reference material on HTML, PHP, SQL, and more.
    w3schools.com

Game-Based Learning

  • Daisy the Dinosaur
    Free app with a drag-and-drop interface that teaches kids the fundamentals of programming.
    apple.com - Ages: 5+
  • Hopscotch
    Popular visual coding app that teaches kids block-based programming through games.e
    gethopscotch.com
  • Lightbot
    Educational puzzle game that teaches the fundamentals of programming.
    lightbot.com - Ages: 5+
  • Microsoft MakeCode
    Interactive coding tool integrated with LEGO, Minecraft, and micro:bit.
    microsoft.com
  • Scratch
    Teaches students to program while they build interactive stories and games.
    scratch.mit.edu - Also see: ScratchJr, Machine Learning for Kids (add-on)
  • Swift Playgrounds
    Play games, solve puzzles, and learn Swift--a programming language created by Apple.
    apple.com/swift/playgrounds

Learn to Code (not free)

  • Code Avengers
    Coding education platform that supports both instructor-led and self-directed learning.
    codeavengers.com
  • Grok Learning
    Offers a problem-based learning approach that teaches new concepts through coding challengs.
    groklearning.com
  • LinkedIn Learning
    Hundreds of professionally-produced business and technology courses.
    linkedin.com
  • Pluralsight
    High-quality courses in HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Ruby, Python, .NET, databases, and more.
    pluralsight.com
  • Treehouse
    Learn Objective-C, HTML, CSS, PHP, Ruby, Swift, SQL, Python, Java, and more.
    treehouse.com
  • Tynker
    Students can create games, apps, and artwork. Progress from visual block-based to text-based coding.
    tynker.com - Ages: 7+
  • Udacity
    Very expensive but respected provider of online courses and certificates in computer sciences.
    udacity.com

Teacher Resources

  • Code.org for Teachers
    Curriculum and classroom resources for K-12 coding education.
    code.org
  • CodeHS
    Curriculum, teacher tools, administrator insights, and professional development.
    codehs.com
  • Google CS First
    Course materials, structured curriculum based on engaging themes, and student progress tracking.
    csfirst.withgoogle.com - Ages: 9-14
  • Teaching Kids Programming
    Bridge courseware for introducing students to text-based core code programming.
    teachingkidsprogramming.org