Coding is now becoming a vital talent not just for web developers, but everybody. With increasingly more activities performed online, basic expertise of coding can go an extended manner for everybody who desires to build a private website, collect an expert portfolio, create a blog, etc.
Luckily, there are a variety of sources to be had online to assist anybody who wants to learn to code anywhere and anytime. if you’re a programmer looking to hold your coding skills sparkling or someone looking to pick up fundamental coding competencies, right here are 20 best apps to learn to code whenever, everywhere:
What is coding
Computers are amazing, but they can’t think for themselves, well yet at least. They are reliant on others to give them directions. Coding is a set of instructions that tell computers how to perform their tasks. Coding allows us to develop computer software, games, apps, and websites.
Why learn coding
Coding can have huge impacts on both your personal and your professional life. Some of the major reasons why everyone should learn to code or at least understand what is coding:
It will increase your earning potential massively – Experienced coders and programmers can charge extremely high hourly rates, especially if they are working as freelance or contract developers.
Many coders won’t work for less than $100 per hour, which will give you an income to live up to all your wildest dreams. And the best thing? The fact that there is a shortage of coders out there means that people will happily pay you ridiculous amounts, especially once you have some experience.
You could work for yourself – While many people who understand what is coding hold down traditional contracts at large companies, a huge percentage choose to work in freelance roles.
As a freelance coder, you will have the ability to work where you want to, when you want to, and how you want to. In reality, there is so much work out there for coders that you will be able to only work on projects that you enjoy.
You can work on your projects – If you have an entrepreneurial streak, then learning how to code could be the trigger that results in you developing the next viral app or website.
Below, we will list the best apps to learn coding for beginners.
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Types of coding language
There are dozens of coding languages. A few languages are all-purpose (or multipurpose), but most serve a specific function. CSS, for example, primarily functions to make things look pretty. JavaScript, a relatively old language, exists to make web pages more functional. There are specialized languages that are great if you need something super specific, but all you need to get started are a few common ones.
HTML
When I asked you to open the source code for this web page, it took you to lines of code written in HTML. Short for Hypertext Markup Language, HTML serves as the bones of the Internet. It tells web pages what should be displayed and where and how they’ll fit within a given style sheet.
It also tells your browser where to look for content like images and videos that you may want to include in your project, as well as where to find the style sheet you’re working off of.
One thing to be aware of: HTML technically isn’t a “programming language” because it doesn’t use logic-based expressions like, let’s say, Python does. HTML is a markup language — but much like the debate of coder vs. programmer vs. developer — you’re unlikely to be faulted for calling it a programming language, especially if you are new.
CSS
CSS is the stylesheet. If you open up a CSS file, you’ll see a lot of references to font families, colors, and font formatting styles (like bold, underlined, or italics). When your browser loads a page, the HTML tells it “Make this part of the page look like a header. OK?” It also says “Here’s where to look to understand what a header should look like.” This will always be a CSS file.
Javascript
Javascript is the language that brings interactivity to a web page. When you click a button on a website, for example, it’s JavaScript that makes the button look like you’re clicking it. The controls for video players on the web and animations are also often Javascript.
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Python
Python is arguably the most well-known coding language out there, and would be the first thing that comes to a lot of people’s minds when asked ‘What is coding?’. As an extremely versatile language with relatively simple syntax and a lot of use cases, Python is a great language for beginners to learn.
It is the most common language taught in school, and it is also at the forefront of a range of up-and-coming technologies – including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
This means that there will be plenty of jobs for Python developers in the future, making it a good language to learn and become fluent in.
If you like the sound of Python, there are many, many resources out there to help you get started. It might be hard to choose one, so make sure to look around. Our best suggestions are edX, Coursera, and Udacity.
The average salary of a coder
The national average salary for a computer programmer or coder is $48,381 per year. However, once you specialize in a certain area of coding, you have the potential to earn a higher wage.
Salary expectations differ based on your job location and years of experience. Some of the highest-paying areas for coders include parts of New York, California, and Texas.
How long does it take to learn coding
Most coders agree that it takes three to six months to be comfortable with the basics of coding. But you can learn coding faster or slower depending on your preferred pace.
20 Best apps to learn coding as a beginner
- Mimo
- Codecademy
- Programming Hero
- Grasshopper
- Code Avengers
- Treehouse
- Udemy
- Dash
- FreeCodeCamp coding app.
- Sphero Edu
- Udacity
- Encode
- SoloLearn
- Programming Hub
- Pythonista
- Enki
- Khan Academy
- CodeHub
- CodeGym
- Codemurai
Mimo
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You may have come across those language learning apps that get you to practice for five or 15 minutes every day, and Mimo takes the same approach to coding. Create a free account, decide how much time you want to devote to your new project daily, and then follow the exercises as instructed.
Mimo is certainly intuitive and straightforward to follow (even for beginners) and it starts with the very basics of coding. You can choose between several coding languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Java, Swift, C++, SQL, and PHP), and the platform immediately shows how the code runs as you write it.
This is very practical if there’s something more specific you want to pick up. As well as typing out code, you get exercises where you have to spot mistakes or drag script elements into the right order, so it keeps the learning experience varied.
Codecademy
Codecademy combines step-by-step lessons on your browser with optional exercises you can do on mobile, so it allows you to keep up with your coding practice wherever you are. While it’s not the most thorough virtual coding school out there, Codecademy is a very useful introduction to the basics, with an intuitive and friendly interface, and explanations of terms and syntax as you go.
A wide variety of app and web programming languages are covered as well: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, Python, Ruby, C++, PHP, Go, Swift, SQL, and more. The portal can guide you through specific ‘career paths’ with a clear progression from one lesson to the next, but it’s also possible to just browse around and pick and choose what you want to do—there’s a wealth of material at your disposal.
Programming Hero
If you’re an absolute beginner and want to move at your own pace, then Programming Hero could be just what you’re looking for. It’s very friendly, with jargon-free language and coding challenges that are turned into mini-games, so you never feel like you’re slogging through difficult concepts.
As you work your way up through the different challenges, the platform will help you make your own game, and it covers coding languages including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and SQL.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper is developed by Google, and is one of the more accessible ways for beginners to start coding in this list—you can dive in and be typing and arranging commands in minutes. While it focuses exclusively on JavaScript, the concepts that the platform covers (including loops and functions) apply to any programming language.
Coding exercises are set up like puzzles to solve, with a well-judged balance of instructions, actual coding, and results on the screen. To begin with, you just have to move elements around on a screen before you get to type anything, and the progression speed is nice and steady.
Code Avengers
There’s a wide range of paths available on Code Avengers—from exercises suitable for kids to courses that can help you get an actual job in coding.
The coding languages covered are HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python, with some extra web development and design tutorials thrown in (covering more general topics). The layout is easy to get to grips with and includes teaching instructions, code samples, and the result of your coding all together on the same screen.
Treehouse
Treehouse is based largely around videos and programming exercises, and although its entry point is still accessible enough for beginners, the platform is aimed at people who are seriously thinking about a career in coding. You’ll get a 7-day free trial but after that, lessons start at $25 a month, so Treehouse is not the best idea if you just want to play around with a few basics.
Users go through a very clear progression of tutorials and exercises, with a neat sandbox feature called Workspaces, where you can try out experiments of your own.
The platform may come across as too formal or too heavy for some (the free trial will help you work this out), but it’s a comprehensive learn-to-code package that covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, PHP, and more.
Udemy
While Udemy may seem a bit chaotic and has pricing varies a lot, it’s still one of the best online resources for someone looking to learn to code. It goes from the basics to the most complex programming concepts, and in that sense is on a par with platforms such as Treehouse.
If you’re unfamiliar with the portal, you should know that Udemy works as a sort of online marketplace, in which anyone can create a course. This means teaching styles differ quite a bit—this is great if you find a teacher you connect with, but problematic if you don’t. Content quality can also differ, but most of the material on this platform is top-notch.
Udemy courses cover a whole range of topics, but as far as coding goes you’ve got everything from web and mobile development, to artificial intelligence. There’s a really big stack of stuff to go through.
Dash
Dash offers shorter courses than other platforms on this list, and has a relatively narrow focus, concentrating on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for web development. But that’s not necessarily a disadvantage if you’re looking for a brief overview of the fundamentals of these specific coding languages.
The Dash interface certainly impresses, with a coding window on one side and a nice big preview of your finished webpage on the other. It has five well-laid out and easy-to-follow projects, including a responsive blog, a small business website, or even a browser game that looks great on desktop or mobile.
This is another one of the best apps to learn coding for beginners.
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FreeCodeCamp coding app.
FreeCodeCamp is a huge collection of more than 6,000 tutorials and, as the name suggests, they’re all completely free to use. They cover HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, React, Java, SQL, and several other coding languages, and if you need help at any point, then there are some busy forums packed with pointers and advice.
There are some drawbacks, though. FreeCodeCamp isn’t quite as polished in terms of the interface and the course structure as some of the other entries on our list, and you don’t get as much hand-holding. Also, the platform doesn’t offer mobile apps either, so it’s all done through your browser on a computer.
Sphero Edu
Sphero Edu is an interactive platform letting its users create, contribute, and learn with Sphero robots. The platform encourages creativity through discovery and play. You can order a Sphero robot to test out your codes.
Sphero Edu caters to coders of different levels: from Beginners, Intermediate, to Pros. Beginners can draw paths that represent code for their robot to follow. Intermediate coders can use code blocks to learn more advanced logic.
Udacity
If you want to take your coding skills to another level, you might want to check out Udacity. Udacity offers nano degrees in a variety of topics including but not limited to coding and programming. You can expect quality content as their courses are developed in partnership with industry experts from Facebook, Google, Amazon, Github, and more.
While some of the courses on Udacity are free, you will have to pay $200 per month to be able to take the nano degree. Nanodegrees start at a certain time, but you can always work at your own pace, however quickly or slowly as you want. Udacity also allows you to download the lessons so you can continue learning even while offline.
Encode
Encode provides in-depth lessons on coding in small chunks, so even if you only have a few minutes to spare, you can go over a section within the app. What makes Encode a great app to learn to code with is that it starts from the beginning before introducing more advanced concepts such as coding languages.
The lessons are also packed with interactive coding challenges to help make learning enjoyable.
This is one of the best apps to learn coding as a beginner.
SoloLearn
SoloLearn is a series of apps with the largest collection of free code learning content for different levels. Each app is designed for a specific coding language: they have apps for JavaScript, HTML, SQL, CSS, Python, C++, PHP, and jQuery, to name a few. They have thousands of programming topics to help you learn coding concepts, brush up on your programming language, or stay aligned with the latest coding trends.
Programming Hub
If you’re looking for a “one-stop solution” for your learning needs, Programming Hub might be the app for you. Available in both Android and iOS devices, Programming Hub offers lessons in Java, C Programming, C++, HTML, JavaScript, and R Programming all in one app. Their bite-sized interactive courses are designed to make your learning more interesting.
Programming Hub also has one of the largest collections of pre-compiled programs you can use for practice and learning. It has an offline compiler for learning and practicing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript without needing an internet connection.
Pythonista (iOS)
Python is a scripting language that has become a favorite among others, serving many uses from tools to more sophisticated applications. What makes Pythonista popular among iOS users is that the app offers the core Python command line and libraries as well as programming hooks into iOS itself. With Pythonista, iOS users can automate tasks, such as editing photos to copying clipboard content to another app.
Enki
Enki is useful for both beginners and developers with experience. Enki helps you improve your developing skills daily as the app consists of five-minute daily workouts. Enki allows you to enjoy a learning experience personalized for you.
If you have a busy schedule, this app might just be suitable for you. The five-minute daily workouts help you gain tiny portions of information daily. Every day, you will get a notification to remind you of your daily workout.
This means that even on a hectic schedule, you still have the chance to learn during your limited free time.
Khan Academy
It’s kind of a library of all things. Learn anything by using your Android or iOS device. An impressive thing about this app is that, despite its rich information, it is free! Just download it on your mobile devices, and you’re good to go.
The app offers you numerous videos, interactive exercises, and articles to study. It is the best app for sharpening your skills. The learner enjoys tests, practice exercises, instant feedback, and quizzes which make the learning process exciting. This app can be used offline, by downloading any content or videos to read or watch later when you are offline.
CodeHub
CodeHub is the best platform if you are dedicated to learning to code quickly and efficiently. Each course has 50 lessons in total, so it gives a vast amount of information and you can choose to take the courses however you feel most comfortable learning.
The lessons are divided into 4 levels, giving you the ability to choose your category of strengths in each department so if you have any prior coding knowledge you can skip the basics.
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CodeGym
programming from the very beginning. You will undertake 600 mini-lectures and 1200 tasks to complete the entire class.
The course includes four quests in playing format, with each journey containing ten levels that involve tasks and lectures. As it might be hectic to type long codes in a smartphone, these app developers incorporated a system that will enable the learner to code faster through auto tips and examples.
Every solution can be written and reviewed immediately. It also comes with a help section to lend you a hand when you are stuck.
Codemurai
If you are searching for an app designed to have fun while learning code with your Android or iOS devices, consider Codemurai. It allows students to learn many programming languages, like JavaScript, TypeScript, Swift, etc.
The app was designed to help any beginner take high-demanding programming skills and become a pro through pocket-size coding lessons. The courses in this app were developed by industry gurus on applications, and game and web development. The training includes exciting challenges and exercises. The students earn coins or badges as a reward by completing courses.
We hope you went enjoyed reading this content on the best apps to learn coding for beginners.
FAQs 20 Best Apps to Learn Coding as a Beginner
Watch video tutorials.
Read books and ebooks.
Complete coding projects.
Find a mentor and a community.
Consider enrolling in a coding boot camp.
There are many good programmers out there who were self-taught!. But yes, you can be a self-taught programmer. However, it will be a long, tedious process.
If you have an interest in coding and graphic design, then there’s nothing to say you shouldn’t learn skills in both areas. They often work hand-in-hand, so having knowledge and skills in both areas could be desirable for certain career paths. You could also think about pursuing something in between like UI design, which is a very in-demand career right now
You can use freeCodeCamp. They have thousands of videos, articles, and interactive coding lessons that are all freely available, so they’re worth checking out.
You’re never too young to start picking up new skills, but when it comes to picking something to learn full-time (like which classes to take at school, for instance), what’s important is choosing projects that align with your career goals (if you have them already).
Conclusion
The resources are available everywhere for anyone who wants to learn the basics or sharpen their coding skills. Try out these apps, take a few minutes off of your daily routine, and commit yourself to a learning journey.
Learn about the best apps to learn coding for beginners.
