Discover Coding Tips Straight from the Elite Programmers of the App Development Sector
Learning to Code Without a Degree: A Comprehensive Guide
Learning to code is not an insurmountable task, even for those without a degree or extensive practice. With the right resources and a self-driven approach, anyone can become a coder. In this article, we'll explore some of the best online resources for learning to code, suitable for beginners and seasoned learners alike.
Online Course Platforms
Several platforms offer comprehensive courses in programming languages. BitDegree, for instance, provides free and paid courses in HTML, CSS, Python, and JavaScript, complete with a token reward system to incentivize learning and discounts for premium classes. Udemy offers over 170,000 courses across various skills, with thousands of web development and programming classes tailored for beginners and advanced learners. Sololearn, a popular platform, offers a free basic plan with over 20 coding courses on Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more, using bite-sized lessons.
Coding Practice Platforms
Practice makes perfect, and coding practice platforms are essential for honing your skills. GeeksforGeeks offers a blend of free and paid courses, tutorials, livestreams, and coding challenges on a wide range of languages. CodeChef features monthly contests, tutorials, and community forums, ideal for beginners and those preparing for coding competitions. LeetCode, renowned for coding practice focused on interview preparation, hosts regular contests and company-run competitions, with community discussions.
YouTube Channels
Beginner-friendly tutorials in web development, Python, JavaScript, and more can be found on channels like freeCodeCamp, Traversy Media, and The Net Ninja. Thenewboston covers topics such as C programming language, Android development, Python, MySQL, among others.
Blogs and Books
Eloquent JavaScript by Marijn Haverbeke offers an in-depth coverage of JavaScript, practical exercises, and an interactive online coding environment, making it ideal for web development learners. The C Programming Language by Kernighan and Ritchie is a classic book offering foundational understanding of programming through C, providing deep insights on how computers work at a low level. Blogs on platforms like GeeksforGeeks provide tutorials, explanations, and coding problem solutions to support learning.
AI-Assisted Coding
AI-assisted coding tools like GitHub Copilot and Tabnine can expedite learning and coding efficiency, though these are more beneficial for users who have some coding basics already.
Conclusion
With the growing demand for coders, a self-paced curriculum involving foundational courses, coding practice, and real-world projects can be structured without a formal degree. Combining platforms like Sololearn or BitDegree for courses, GeeksforGeeks and LeetCode for practice, plus books like Eloquent JavaScript, covers both theory and application comprehensively. The tech industry is expected to grow, with many new programming languages emerging, and a strong foundation in coding can open up a series of career options, including work with disruptive technologies like AR/VR, Blockchain, or AI. So, if you've been hesitant to pursue coding because you believe it requires a degree and years of practice, think again!
Technology plays a significant role in the self-paced curriculum for learning to code without a formal degree, as online course platforms like BitDegree and Udemy offer comprehensive courses in various programming languages. Furthermore, education-and-self-development can be boosted by AI-assisted coding tools such as GitHub Copilot and Tabnine, enhancing learning efficiency for those who already have coding basics.
