It's no secret that the developments in Silicon Valley has definitely caused a shift in the technology industry. Hundreds of thousands of people are now seeking out any programming courses they can find so that they may better educate themselves on the art of code. We've compiled a list of some of the best coding options that we've found, in no particular order.
1. Codeacademy: Free
Codecademy is one of the many online training classes for beginners. It gives you the basics and provides constant feedback on your progress. Being free, it is one of the easiest ways to become introduced to coding languages like JavaScript, SQL, HTML, and more. Despite its ease of use and quick learning abilities, it is not recommended past the beginner stage as it will not teach you how to troubleshoot code or how to merge codes together.
2. code.org: Free
Code.org® is a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to computer science, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color. Their easy-to-understand lesson plans are fit for all ages, and they offer a fun, open environment to learn about different types of coding platforms. They also offer university-level classes for those who are craving more than just the basics.
3. SitePoint: Free (or $99/year for premium)
SitePoint offers several free ebooks, screencasts, and video tutorials to get your future in coding started. The real meat of the program is their Premium option, which offers nearly $3,000 in training for $99 a year. That's just $8.25 a month to access 80+ ebooks, over 5,000 training videos, assistance from real people, and more.
4. Udemy: Varies
Udemy is a lot more than just programming, but that's what it's best known for. Lessons in Python, Java, and Cloud are the top classes being offered right now. Each lesson is taught by an expert in the subject and each course is available on-demand. The biggest benefit? You can learn at your own page, on your own time, on any device. Prices for each course typically run between $75 and $200.
5. Khan Academy: Free
Khan Academy's mantra is "For free. For everyone. Forever." They are another nonprofit organization that offers free online training courses for just about everything under the sun. One of their shining stars is their programming section, which has stellar reviews from beginners and intermediate players alike. Khan Academy offers lessons for several different programming languages -- in 36 different languages.
6. Learn Code the Hard Way: $30 per course (or free ebooks)
7. Fullstack Academy: Starting at $15,000 (or ≈$2,000 for part-time)
Fullstack Academy is for those who are serious about getting into the programming industry, and their price tag reflects that. They offer an immersive, 13-week onsite bootcamp to prepare you for software engineering roles in the industry. If you aren't ready for the dedication of an 80-hour week programming code on campus, they also offer a range of part-time classes that you only need to attend two days a week.
8. Startup Institute: Starting at $9,000
Startup Institute is located in both Boston and New York. Unlike other coding "bootcamps", Startup Institute provides one to four works of prepatory work to get you in the correct mindset as well. Offering either 8- or 12-week programs for you to learn everything you need to know about your chosen track, Startup Institute can provide you with lessons on web design, digital marketing, sales & account management, and web development.
9. Thinkful: Starting at $9,000
Thinkful is so dedicated to your success that they offer a 6-month guarantee: get a job or get your money back. Certainly that is enough to pique a developer's interests. As suggested in the two bootcamps above, Thinkful is different in the fact that it is completely remote and gives you access to a 1:1 mentor. Another benefit is they offer lessons in specific skillsets for $300 a month with an estimated "graduation" of 3 months.
Of course there is fine print to their job guarantee, but if you are dedicated to your work you shouldn't need to worry.
What are other classes, lessons, or tools that have helped you develop your coding ability? Share in the comments!
