When I was going through a rough time in life and in my previous job, I decided that it was time for me to learn something new to occupy my mind. Learning to code was that new thing.

Yes, I know, computer programming is a strange thing to jump into head first but I really like being challenged.

Over time I realized that I could actually turn coding into a profitable career and I wanted to share the resources I’ve used along the way.

These days, the barrier to entry for a career in tech is getting lower and lower. On a regular basis, folks are out here learning to code on their own and then securing jobs at major tech companies.

Depending on your location, junior web developers can start out earning anywhere from $50,000 to $80,000 per year!

How am I learning to code?

There are probably hundreds of ways to learn to code these days, so I’m sure you’re wondering how I’m learning right now.

Fancy coding boot camp?

Expensive college courses?

Nope.

I’m taking the self-taught route and I’ve only spent $20 so far…

freeCodeCamp

FreeCodeCamp is a 100% free website that provides a complete self-paced web development curriculum. I’d suggest you start here to see if coding is something you’re interested in.

There are:

• 1,408 coding challenges in front-end and backend development
• 30 projects

6 certificates you can complete:

• Responsive Web Design
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Front End Libraries
• Data Visualization
• APIs and Microservices
• Information Security and Quality Assurance

Udemy

Udemy is a website that has over 80,000 courses in a wide range of topics taught by expert instructors.

I purchased 2 courses from Udemy. The courses are called: “The Complete Web Developer Bootcamp” and “The Modern Python 3 Bootcamp” both by Colt Steele.

Each of these courses normally cost $199.99…

But, you know me, so I got both of these courses when they were on SALE for $9.99!

Although freeCodeCamp is fun, you never leave the platform and you basically repeat whatever they tell you to do in order to pass the challenges. I’ve found that this isn’t really the best way for ME to learn so Udemy was a much better option. Also, you’re able to earn a certificate at the end of each course as proof of completion.

Colt’s boot camps have a nice balance of content and practice, plus he is a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructor.

Udemy has periodic sales for all of their courses on a regular basis. There’s actually a pretty big sale going on right now!

Check out their site and see which courses you can get at a discount.

SoloLearn

SoloLearn is a free mobile and web platform that offers coding lessons in 24 programming topics. There are also coding challenges, a community of coders for peer support, and new content uploaded daily. They have over 25 million learners, 1537 lessons and 11,000+ quizzes.

When I’m not on the computer, I use SoloLearn to cement the information I’ve learned from Udemy. Practice is necessary when it comes to learning a programming language. It’s fun, in depth and free!!!!

Additional resources

Encode

This is another good app but has curriculum limited to the web (HTML/CSS), Javascript and Python. Check it out for extra practice.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

Coursera and edX have online courses in a wide range of subjects from the world’s best universities and educators.

There’s also Codeacademy and Treehouse but I have not taken classes at either one. If you have, please share in the comments.

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I wish you luck with your journey as you start learning to code. Coding has brought a lot of joy to my life so I hope that it does the same for you. The opportunities for growth and success are limitless as well so I truly wish you the best!

$tay Wealthy Friends!