Programming

The Ultimate Guide to Online Programming Courses: Free and Paid Options Reviewed

Learning to program is a valuable skill that can open doors to a variety of career opportunities. Whether you are a beginner wanting to get started or an experienced developer looking to sharpen your skills, there are numerous online courses available to help you achieve your goals. In this comprehensive review, we will explore some of the best free and paid programming courses available today, including those offered by Udemy and Alison.

Free Online Programming Courses

1. Coursera: Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) by the University of Michigan

Overview:
This course is designed to introduce beginners to programming and Python. It covers the basics of Python programming and teaches you how to write simple programs.

Pros:

• Taught by experienced instructors.
• Easy to follow and beginner-friendly.
• Free to audit.

Cons:

• Certification requires payment.
• Limited advanced topics.

Best For:
Beginners who want to learn Python programming.

2. edX: CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science by Harvard University

Overview:
Harvard’s CS50 is an entry-level course that introduces students to the basics of computer science and programming using languages such as C, Python, SQL, and JavaScript.

Pros:

• Comprehensive curriculum.
• High-quality instruction.
• Free to audit.

Cons:

• Certification requires payment.
• Challenging for complete beginners without a technical background.

Best For:
Learners who want a rigorous introduction to computer science and programming.

3. Khan Academy: Computer Programming

Overview:
Khan Academy offers free programming courses that cover JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and SQL. The interactive lessons and exercises make learning engaging and fun.

Pros:

• Completely free.
• Interactive and beginner-friendly.
• Wide range of topics.

Cons:

• Limited advanced topics.
• Less structured than some other courses.

Best For:
Beginners and intermediate learners looking for a flexible, interactive learning experience.

4. Alison: Diploma in Computer Programming

Overview:
Alison offers a free diploma course in computer programming that covers the basics of various programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, and HTML.

Pros:

• Free to enroll.
• Covers multiple programming languages.
• Provides a structured learning path.

Cons:

• Certification requires payment.
• Limited depth compared to more specialized courses.

Best For:
Beginners who want an overview of different programming languages.

5. YouTube Channels

YouTube is a treasure trove of free programming tutorials. Here are some noteworthy channels:

• freeCodeCamp: Offers full-length courses on various programming languages and technologies.
• Programming with Mosh: High-quality tutorials on Python, JavaScript, and other programming languages.
• Traversy Media: Tutorials on web development, JavaScript, Python, and more.
• The Net Ninja: Comprehensive tutorials on front-end and back-end development.

Pros:

• Completely free.
• Wide variety of topics and levels.
• Learn at your own pace.

Cons:

• Quality varies between channels.
• Lack of structured learning path.

Best For:
Self-motivated learners who prefer video tutorials and want to learn specific programming languages or tools.

Paid Online Programming Courses

1. Coursera: Python for Everybody Specialization by the University of Michigan

Overview:
This Coursera specialization consists of multiple courses that take learners from basic programming concepts to more advanced topics in Python.

Pros:

• Comprehensive and beginner-friendly.
• Taught by experienced instructors.
• Includes a capstone project.

Cons:

• Requires payment for certification.
• Time-consuming.

Best For:
Beginners who want a structured program with a recognized certification.

2. Udacity: Full Stack Web Developer Nanodegree

Overview:
Udacity’s Full Stack Web Developer Nanodegree covers front-end and back-end web development. It includes projects that provide hands-on experience with various web development tools and technologies.

Pros:

• Project-based learning.
• Mentorship and career support.
• Up-to-date curriculum.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Requires significant time commitment.

Best For:
Aspiring web developers looking for a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience.

3. Pluralsight: Programming Courses

Overview:
Pluralsight offers a wide range of programming courses covering languages like Python, JavaScript, C#, and more. The platform also includes paths and assessments to help guide your learning.

Pros:

• Wide variety of topics and languages.
• High-quality content.
• Personalized learning paths.

Cons:

• Subscription-based model can be costly over time.
• Limited hands-on projects.

Best For:
Intermediate and advanced learners looking to expand their programming skills across various languages.

4. LinkedIn Learning: Programming Foundations

Overview:
LinkedIn Learning provides a series of programming foundation courses that cover basic to intermediate programming concepts in various languages.

Pros:

• Wide variety of courses.
• Monthly subscription gives access to entire library.
• Learn at your own pace.

Cons:

• Monthly fees can add up over time.
• Some courses may be outdated.

Best For:
Professionals looking to upgrade their skills and hobbyists interested in learning specific programming languages or concepts.

5. Udemy: The Complete Python Bootcamp

Overview:
This Udemy course is designed for beginners and covers Python programming from basics to advanced topics, including web development and data science applications.

Pros:

• Comprehensive and beginner-friendly.
• Lifetime access with one-time payment.
• Includes practical exercises and projects.

Cons:

• Quality can vary with different instructors.
• No formal accreditation.

Best For:
Beginners who want a comprehensive Python programming course with practical exercises.

Conclusion

Choosing the right programming course depends on your goals, budget, and learning style. Free courses like Coursera’s Programming for Everybody, Harvard’s CS50 on edX, and various YouTube channels are great for beginners and those on a budget. Alison’s free diploma course provides a structured introduction to multiple programming languages. Paid options like Coursera’s Python for Everybody Specialization, Udacity’s Nanodegree programs, Pluralsight, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer more comprehensive and structured learning experiences for those serious about advancing their programming skills.

No matter where you start, the most important thing is to stay committed and keep practicing. Programming is a skill that requires continuous learning and application. Happy coding!