My Coding Journey: Online Learning Platforms That I Use

Photo by Bilol Abdunazarov

Introduction

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of online learning and professional development to discover the platforms for learning and growing in programming. This list covers platforms that offer tutorials, interactive coding experiences, virtual work opportunities, and more.

Things to consider when choosing a course

I think the best way to choose a new course is often by seeking recommendations from someone in the same field who has likely tried different options, as first-hand insights can guide you towards the most effective and relevant learning experiences.

To ensure that the chosen platform fits your specific needs, you should consider several factors, including:

1. Content Quality ⟶ you can ask from friends or do a little bit research to find out how good the course you are going to learn is
2. Price ⟶ you can often find free materials to learn any topic you want
3. Community ⟶ learning with someone is much more fun and effective
4. Industry Recognition ⟶ a platform with positive feedback and recognition from experts in the field adds credibility to the courses

Even though you might not know anyone to ask for help, you can still do your research online about the reputation of the platform and course within the industry and read reviews from other learners. This can help you make an informed decision and select a platform that is respected and trusted within the learning community.

Video-Based Learning Platforms:

1. YouTube ⟶ you can learn programming languages and software development from a vast array of tutorials, lectures, and coding walkthroughs provided in this platform.
2. Coursera ⟶ this platform offers a wide range of courses (including programming and computer science), and you can earn certficates from top universities and institutions.
3. Udemy ⟶ this is one of the largest online learning platforms that provides excellent resources for learning programming, web development and other technical skills.
4. LinkedIn Learning ⟶ this is integrated with the professional networking site LinkedIn, and it offers video courses on coding and technology-related skills for your career and professional growth.
5. EdX ⟶ this platform offers a wide range of free courses developed by best universities and institutions worldwide. You only need 2 things to learn: internet and desire.
6. Scrimba ⟶ this interactive coding platform doesn’t let you sleep while watching a video lesson because you can code along with instructors in real-time using an in-browser coding interface.
7. Codecademy ⟶ this platform provides everyone with the learning tools, resources and opportunities to build something meaningful with technology.
8. Khan Academy ⟶ you can learn math, science, computing and more through practice exercices and instructional videos at your own pace.
9. MIT OpenCourseware ⟶ Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a free and open collection of material from thousands of its courses, covering the entire MIT curriculum.
10. Sololearn ⟶ a mobile-friendly online platform that offers interactive coding lessons, challenges, and a supportive community to make accessible and engaging resource for learning various programming languages.

Text-Based Programming Platforms:

1. FreeCodeCamp ⟶ in this platform, you can learn to code by building projects step-by-step right in your browser and you can also earn free verified certifications along the way.
2. OpenEDG ⟶ this platform offers educational, assessment, and certification programs to set skill standards and promote programming and IT-related technologies globally.
3. W3Schools ⟶ this is a free school for web developers and covers all the aspects of web development through simplified and interactive learning experiences.
4. Programiz ⟶ you can find a structured approach to learn programming concepts and languages through tutorials, examples, and coding exercises for various programming languages.
5. Tutorialspoint ⟶ this platform helps you learn technical and non-technical subjects through its clear and to-the-point content.
6. GeeksforGeeks ⟶ this computer science portal provides tutorials and practice problems for a variety of topics such as algorithms, data structures, and programming languages.
7. Javatpoint ⟶ an online learning platform that offers tutorials on computer science related technologies to help learners develop practical coding skills in widely used programming languages.
8. Guru99 ⟶ you can learn a wide range of topics, including software testing, programming languages, and technology tools through free tutorials in this platform.
9. Microsoft Learn ⟶ this is an official platform by Microsoft that provides free, interactive online training courses and documentation for a variety of Microsoft technologies.
10. Google Digital Garage ⟶ a free online learning platform by Google that offers courses on digital skills, including coding, web development, and many other topics.

Skill-Driven Platforms:

1. ProjectSet ⟶ this platform offers on-demand videos and live masterclasses for self-paced learning of soft skills, hands-on practice in projects and competitions, with the ability to showcase acquired skills in a digital profile.
2. Bright Network ⟶ if you want to take part in skill-building workshops and networking events, this is a good place to start.
3. Forage ⟶ you can gain practical skills and insights into various industries through interactive online projects in virtual work experience programs offered on this platform.
4. Springpod ⟶ similar to the above, this platform also connects students with industry professionals and employers through virtual work experience programs.

Problem-Solving Platforms:

1. CodingBat ⟶ you can build your coding skill in Java and Python by solving problems in this free site of live coding problems. The problems have short problem statements and are easy to understand.
2. Edabit ⟶ this platform focuses on gamified coding challenges to make the process fun and addictive. You can gain XPs (experience points), unlock achievements and level up.
3. HackerRank ⟶ companies use this platform to assess and hire talented programmers, while learners sharpen their tech skills by solving problems, taking part in competitions, and earning certificates here.
4. Codewars ⟶ this platform offers coding challenges (aka “kata”) where users can solve problems in various programming languages and skill levels, while also engaging with a community to review and discuss solutions, promoting collaborative learning and improvement.
5. LeetCode ⟶ this is the best (but a bit difficult) platform to help you enhance your skills and expand your knowledge through algorithmic problems. Once you understand programming concepts and practiced solving problems in other platforms mentioned above, you can then jump to this platform to prepare for technical interviews.

Conclusion

From interactive coding experiences to skill-driven programs and problem-solving challenges, there’s a platform for every learner. Therefore, never stop learning :)

What other platforms do you use for your learning journey? Share your favorites!

I look forward to sharing my journey in the next posts, where I will let you guys know where I am going next, so stay tuned! Feel free to browse my personal webpage and connect on LinkedIn to know what I have been up to.