Learning to code has never been more accessible (hanss / Shutterstock.com)
Computers and the Internet are inextricable fixtures in modern life, playing crucial roles in education, finance, commerce, marketing, medicine - almost every field and sector. Like anything, the more we understand about technology, the we can utilize it - and use it to better ourselves and the world around us. The good news is that you don’t need to commit to a four-year university degree to start getting tech savvy - there are a plethora of learn-to-code sites and initiatives brimming with courses and workshops to educate the masses. Find the one that works for you, sign up, and open your mind.
FOR THE KIDS
1. SCRATCH
This bright, simple site is the perfect first step for youngsters aged 8-16 to get a taste of programming. Previously an offline software now reborn as a free website, Scratch provides a collaborative community, where users can create and share stories, games and animations.
COURSES INCLUDE: Visual Programming
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy
2. KIDS LEARNING CODE
The name says it all, right? Kids Learning Code runs technology camps, events and workshops for Canadian children aged 6-17, featuring hands-on learning and a teeny tiny ratio of kids to mentors - 3:1. The learn-to-code initiative comes from the same team behind Ladies Learning Code and Girls Learning Code - a testament to their passion for opening up the computer arts to the masses.
COURSES INCLUDE: Upcoming courses include Ruby, Python and Game design, with new sessions being announced all the time.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to intermediate.
FOR THE ACADEMICS
3. UDACITY
From Stanford University, Udacity makes a range of university courses and ‘nanodegrees’ in web development, software engineering and mobile development available to the public, online, for free. Incorporating real-world projects built by tech leaders such as Google, AT&T and Intuit, Udacity learn-to-code courses assign each student with a coach, who gives personalized feedback and guidance.
COURSES INCLUDE: Web Development, HTML5, Python, Java, Computer Science, Algorithm, AI, among others.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to really hard
4. DASH
Backed by the cool crew at General Assemb.ly, Dash has one mission - to teach you to build awesome websites. With a simple, responsive platform, Dash courses explore the basics of Internet programming, and teach the fundamentals. Feel like getting a bit more nerdy? Check out the wealth of video lectures on the General Assemb.ly site for a more theoretical feel.
COURSES INCLUDE: HTML, CSS and Javascript
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Intermediate
FOR THE PROFESSIONALS
5. TREEHOUSE
Geared towards professionals, Treehouse offers a broad range of tech courses to help bolster job experience or prepare you to start your own business. And for that extra special edge, the social conscious site will donate a learn-to-code account to a public school student - to help improve their job prospects down the line.
COURSES ON OFFER: HTML, CSS, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, Ruby, Ruby on Rails, iOS, Android, UX, Database
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to Hard
FOR THE LADIES
6. GIRL DEVELOP IT
Another site which encourages face-to-face programming meetups, Girl Develop It is a nonprofit which provides both instruction and support for women who want to learn web and software development. The website also provides a treasure trove of supplementary educational resources, conveniently sorted into programming languages and subject matter.
COURSES INCLUDE: Along with informal ‘Code and Coffee’ meet ups, courses include PHP, HTML, Java, CSS, iOS App development, version control and git.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to Hard
FOR EVERYONE
7. CODECADEMY
Still the frontrunner of learn-to-code sides, Codecademy courses are easy-to-navigate, and include a good balance of explanation and hands-on practice. Launched in 2011, the growing online community has created tens of thousands of courses and taken millions of courses.
COURSES INCLUDE: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, Ruby, Python, API
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy - intermediate
