Learning to code is a great way to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Additionally, coding is a creative outlet that can provide opportunities to develop websites and applications that bring your visions to life.
Coding skills are in-demand in today’s job market and can enhance job prospects. Careers that require coding skills offer lucrative compensation packages and good career outlooks. Learning to code will make you competitive in the job market.
Even if you don’t want to pursue a coding career, learning to code can be a fun and rewarding hobby. You can build your website or video game or learn the skills if you enjoy problem-solving and thinking outside the box.
Learning to code can be a beneficial investment of your time and efforts, whether you want to pursue a tech career or simply want to widen your horizons. Enrolling in an online coding class is one of the best ways to learn coding skills.
The 10 Best Online Coding Classes
- Noble Desktop—Full-Stack Web Development Certificate
- NYC Career Centers—JavaScript for Front-End
- Practical Programming—- Web Development Level 2
- NextGen Bootcamp—Computer Science Summer Program for High School Students
- NYIM—SQL Bootcamp
- Noble Desktop—Python for Data Science Bootcamp
- NYC Career Centers—Front-End Web Development Certificate
- Practical Programming—- Python Immersive
- Noble Desktop—REACT Development Bootcamp
- Practical Programming—JavaScript Programming Bootcamp
#1: Noble Desktop—Full-Stack Web Development Certificate (Live Online)
Noble Desktop’s Full-Stack Development Certificate gives students a comprehensive understanding of front-end and back-end web development. Through an interactive curriculum that employs lectures, projects, and practice exercises, students can immediately apply lessons from class to real-world projects. Expert instructors teach courses in small cohorts of twelve students, ensuring a personalized and supportive learning environment.
The curriculum begins with a deep dive into front-end development, where students learn the basics of web development and how to use programming languages, like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, to build dynamic websites. Students then shift to learning server-side programming and using the MERN tech stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js) for more efficient development of full-stack web applications. Students will end the course after completing several projects they will polish and include in a portfolio. Finally, students can elect to add a free SQL Bootcamp that teaches students techniques to turn raw data into useful insights using SQL queries.
Key Information
The total cost of the Full Stack Web Development Certificate is $7,995. Noble offers a few flexible payment options, including:
- Installment Payments: After paying a deposit of $799.50, students will pay eight installments throughout the program.
- Financing: After paying a deposit of $799.50 and upon approval by Leif, students pay their tuition over 18 months with no interest. Payments will be about $399.75 per month.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits: The certificate program is approved for training veterans and other eligible military personnel.
The Full Stack Web Development Certificate is offered both full-time and part-time. The full-time course lasts for 17 weeks, with classes on Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The part-time course lasts ten months, and classes are taken on weekends. There are no prerequisites required for this course.
More Details
Noble offers ten 1-on-1 mentoring sessions to students to help them achieve their career goals. In these sessions, students can help polish their portfolio, resume, and LinkedIn profile, receive tips on applying to jobs, and practice technical interviews. These mentorship sessions are also a great way to stay accountable in the job search process and ensure you understand any challenging topics before heading into the workforce. Noble also offers a single free retake on any module or the whole program within a year of graduation.
Still on the fence? Hear from some recent alumni of the program. A former alumnus of Noble’s Full Stack Web Development Certificate said the program “greatly improved [his] ability to code effectively, ” allowing him to gain more confidence in his skill set and put his best foot forward in the job market. Another alumnus recommended Noble “highly for beginners and professionals seeking to be reassured they are programming most efficiently.”
#2: NYC Career Centers—JavaScript for Front-End (Live Online)
The JavaScript for Front-End course offered by NYC Career Centers provides students with a comprehensive understanding of JavaScript programming to create the user-facing side of websites. The curriculum covers key topics such as variables, data types, conditional statements, loops, functions, and object-oriented programming concepts. Students learn to manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM) to create dynamic and interactive web pages. The course delves into event handling, form validation, and asynchronous programming using AJAX and JSON. It also introduces students to popular JavaScript libraries and frameworks like jQuery and React. Students gain practical experience building responsive, user-friendly web applications through hands-on exercises and projects. By the end of the course, students are equipped with the skills to develop front-end components, enhance user experience, and create engaging web interfaces using JavaScript.
Key Information
Those interested in this advanced JavaScript course can enroll for $975. This course does not qualify for payment plans or student financing. This 18-hour course is completed over three sessions. The sessions are Monday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm ET. This bootcamp is offered to all learners 18 and over. Before enrolling in this course, students should have experience using HTML and CSS to build webpages. Working knowledge should be equivalent to Career Centers Advanced HTML and CSS class.
More Details
Students have access to the supplemental material from the course during and after completion of the course. Additionally, students can take advantage of the one-year retake policy, which allows students to retake any part of the course or program for free to refresh their understanding of a concept. Finally, a certification of completion is provided to all students upon graduation, which can be uploaded to your portfolio or LinkedIn to show proficiency in the subject.
#3: Web Development Level 2—Practical Programming (Live Online)
Web Developers looking to take their foundational web development skills to the next level should consider enrolling in Practical Programming’s Web Development Level 2 course. The curriculum covers essential concepts such as responsive design, user authentication, and data management. Students learn to create dynamic and interactive web applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. The course focuses on back-end development with Python frameworks such as Flask and Django, enabling students to build robust and scalable web applications. Additionally, students gain practical experience working with databases, integrating APIs, and deploying web projects to production servers. By the end of the course, students are equipped with the skills to develop full-stack web applications, handle complex data interactions, and create seamless user experiences in a professional web development environment.
Key Information
The Web Development Level 2 course costs $975, which is due before the start of class. Learners that want to enroll in this course and will not be reimbursed by their employer can receive a $100 discount. The bootcamp is offered in both full-time and part-time formats. The full-time program lasts three, with classes three days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm ET. The part-time program is three weeks, with classes every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 PM ET. This course requires that students have basic HTML and CSS coding experience equivalent to their Web Development Level 1 class.
More Details
Students have access to all class recordings, available for one month after the class. Additionally, students can take advantage of the one-year retake policy, which allows students to retake any part of the course or program for free to refresh their understanding of a concept. Finally, a certification of completion is provided to all students upon graduation, which is shareable on LinkedIn.
#4: NextGen Bootcamp—Computer Science Summer Program
High school students interested in pursuing a career in computer science should consider enrolling in NextGen Bootcamp's Computer Science Summer Program for high schoolers. This program offers a curriculum designed to introduce high schoolers to fundamental concepts in computer science. The course covers various topics, including programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving techniques. Students learn to write code in languages such as Python and JavaScript, gaining hands-on experience in building applications and solving coding challenges. The program also explores core computer science concepts like variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and object-oriented programming. Additionally, students dive into data structures such as arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and algorithms like searching, sorting, and recursion. By the end of the program, high schoolers gain a solid foundation in computer science principles and practical programming skills that can be applied to various domains and future studies in the field.
Key Information
Parents looking to enroll their high schoolers in the program can do so for $3,995. This course is a six-week program with weekly classes from 10:00 am—1:00 pm. The curriculum included 95 hours of hands-on instruction delivered live online. This program is beginner-friendly and requires no prerequisites or prior coding experience.
More Details
High school students can receive support before the course with any software setup to ensure their computer meets the technical requirements of the class. They will also be able to access supplemental material from the course during and after completion of the course. Students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
Many alumni of this program have left rave reviews of this course. One student mentioned that “the instructors were very nice and taught the information in a way that was easy to follow and understand.” A parent of another student said the program helped her son, who had previous coding experience, “realize the gaps in his knowledge, filled them, and propelled him to learn more deeply about CS and stay passionate.”
#5: NYIM—SQL Bootcamp
NYIM's SQL Bootcamp offers a comprehensive curriculum to teach participants the fundamentals of SQL (Structured Query Language) for data analysis and database management. The course covers data manipulation, querying databases, and data modeling. Participants learn to write SQL queries to retrieve and manipulate data, including filtering, sorting, and joining data from multiple tables. The program also delves into advanced SQL concepts such as aggregate functions, subqueries, and data normalization. Additionally, participants gain practical experience working with real-world databases, understanding database design principles, and optimizing SQL queries for performance. By the end of the bootcamp, participants have acquired the skills to effectively work with databases, extract meaningful insights from data, and manage data-driven projects using SQL.
Key Information
The SQL bootcamp costs $975, due before the first session. The SQL Bootcamp is an 18-hour course offered in a full-time and part-time format. The full-time program is 3 days long, and classes are three weekdays from 10:00 am—5:00 pm. Students enrolled in the part-time course have classes twice a week in the evenings. This is a beginner-friendly bootcamp that covers SQL levels 1-3. Enrolling in this course requires no prior knowledge; however, students should be comfortable using a computer.
More Details
NYIM offers a single free retake of any module or the whole program within a year of completion. Additionally, students can access recordings of each class for up to a month after the class. These two options are especially helpful if a student needs a course refresher, wants additional practice, or misses a lesson. Students can also receive software set-up support before the bootcamp begins. Upon completion of the bootcamp, students receive a certificate of completion, which can be shared on LinkedIn to certify competency in SQL.
An alumnus of the SQL Bootcamp mentioned that the curriculum “covered quite a bit of content and solidified [his] understanding of SQL.”
#6: Noble Desktop—Python for Data Science Bootcamp
Noble's Python for Data Science Bootcamp curriculum teaches participants the practical skills needed for data analysis and manipulation using Python. The course covers various topics, including Python programming fundamentals, data cleaning and preprocessing, exploratory data analysis, and data visualization. Participants learn to utilize popular Python libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization. The program also introduces participants to statistical concepts and techniques essential for data science, including hypothesis testing and regression analysis. Additionally, participants gain hands-on experience working with real-world datasets and applying data science methodologies to extract insights and make informed decisions. By the end of the bootcamp, participants have acquired the skills to apply Python for data analysis tasks, conduct exploratory data analysis, and visualize data effectively using Python libraries.
Key Information
Price
The full cost of the bootcamp is $1,495. No discount or financial aid options are available, as Noble aims to keep their base tuition affordable. The bootcamp is 30 hours and offered in both a part-time and full-time format to accommodate various schedules. One full-time option offers class sessions Monday—Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The part-time option offers classes two weekdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm over six weeks.
Prerequisites
While Springboard students come from various backgrounds, the bootcamp requires that students understand basic programming languages, like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, before enrolling. Students who don’t meet this requirement can enroll in Springboard’s Foundation's program to gain these skills before beginning the core Software Engineering Career Track program. Enrolling in this course requires no prior knowledge; however, students should be comfortable using a computer.
More Details
Noble offers a single free retake on any module or the whole program within a year of graduation. Students can also access recordings of each class for up to a month after the class. These two options are especially helpful if a student needs a course refresher, wants additional practice, or misses a lesson. Students can also receive software set-up support before the bootcamp begins. Upon completion of the bootcamp, students receive a certificate of completion, which can be shared on LinkedIn to certify competency in SQL.
#7: NYC Career Centers—Front-End Web Development Certificate
Those passionate about enhancing their front-end programming skills should consider enrolling in the Front-End Web Development Certificate program NYC Career Centers offers. This project-based, hands-on curriculum equips students with the skills to excel in front-end web development. The program covers essential topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive design, and user experience (UX) principles. Participants learn to build and style interactive web pages using HTML and CSS, incorporating responsive design techniques to ensure optimal display on various devices. The program also dives into JavaScript, teaching students how to add interactivity and dynamic functionality to websites. Additionally, students gain practical experience in implementing industry best practices, optimizing website performance, and debugging code. By the end of the program, participants will have the skills necessary to create visually appealing and engaging websites, effectively utilizing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and adhere to modern web development standards.
Key Information
Price
The full tuition cost is $3,495 and is due in full before the start of class. Tuition includes 108 hours of instruction and all course material. The course is offered in both full-time and part-time formats. The full-time curriculum takes four months, with students attending classes on weekdays. The part-time course is four months, with classes in the evenings. Enrolling in this course requires no prior knowledge; however, students should be comfortable using a computer.
More Details
The course's extra materials are available to students both during and after they have finished the course. Additionally, students may benefit from the one-year retake policy, which entitles them to a free repeat of any portion of the course or program to refresh their memory of a particular topic. All graduates receive a certificate of completion, which they may post to their portfolio or LinkedIn to demonstrate their mastery of the subject.
While no current reviews exist for this particular course, an alumnus of another course offered by NYC Career Centers said they “learned a good deal and feel much more confident in my skills after this class.”
#8: Practical Programming—Python Immersive
The Python Immersive Program is a thorough curriculum focused on mastering Python programming. The program covers fundamental concepts such as variables, data types, control flow, functions, and object-oriented programming. Participants learn to solve coding challenges, work with external libraries, and utilize Python's extensive ecosystem for web scraping and data analysis tasks. The program also delves into advanced topics such as algorithmic problem-solving, recursion, and file input/output. Participants gain practical experience through hands-on projects, including building web applications and working with databases. By the end of the program, students will have a solid foundation in Python programming and are prepared to apply their skills to real-world projects and pursue further specialization in various domains.
Key Information
The full tuition cost is $1,495 and is due in full before the start of class. The course is 30 hours and is offered full-time. Classes are Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Enrolling in this course requires no prior knowledge; however, students should be comfortable using a computer.
More Details
The school has a one-year retake policy, which allows students to repeat any portion of the course or program to refresh their memory of a particular concept. Additionally, students have access to class recordings of each session for up to a month following the class. All graduates receive a certificate of completion, which they may post to their portfolio or LinkedIn to demonstrate their mastery of Python.
There are several reviews from students who previously took this course. One student said, “I have a strong foundation from which to keep learning and progress with the projects that interest me after this course.” Another student offered that this “is a great course for [beginners] who want to learn basic Python and for someone who has some programming experience and wants to consolidate their knowledge and refresh their memory.”
#9: Noble Desktop—React Development Bootcamp
Noble Desktop's React Development program helps students master React, a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces. The program covers essential topics such as React components, JSX syntax, state management, and React Router for creating dynamic and interactive web applications. Participants learn to utilize React's virtual DOM and component-based architecture to develop reusable and scalable UI components. The program also delves into advanced React concepts such as hooks, context, and higher-order components. Participants gain hands-on experience through coding exercises and projects, building real-world React applications. By the end of the program, participants have acquired the skills necessary to develop modern and responsive web applications using React and are prepared to work on React-based projects professionally.
Key Information
Those looking to enroll in this bootcamp can do so for $2,995. Noble offers an installment payment plan. Students will pay a deposit of $299.50 and then pay three equal installments throughout the program. This bootcamp is 72 hours, and classes are four weekdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This course has a prerequisite and requires students interested in enrolling in this bootcamp to be comfortable with JavaScript programming equivalent to Noble’s JavaScript Programming Bootcamp. Prospective students should understand the basics of HTML and CSS and the fundamentals of JavaScript development with Node.js, Express.js, and MongoDB.
More Details
Noble offers a single free retake on any module or the whole program within a year of graduation. Students can also access recordings of each class for up to a month after the class. These two options are especially helpful if a student needs a course refresher, wants additional practice, or misses a lesson. Students can also receive software set-up support before the bootcamp begins. Upon completion of the bootcamp, students receive a certificate of completion, which can be shared on LinkedIn to certify competency in React.
A recent alumnus of the React bootcamp commended the program's hands-on curriculum that required students to write their own code, saying, “It forced me to find out what I knew and, more importantly, what I didn’t know and helped me better understand the concepts.”
#10: Practical Programming—JavaScript Programming Bootcamp
Key Information
The full tuition for the JavaScript Programming Bootcamp is $2,496, which includes 120 hours of hands-on, project-based instruction. Classes are offered during the weekday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This course requires students to be comfortable using HTML and CSS. If you are not proficient in these languages, consider enrolling in the Web Development Level 1 class.
More Details
The school has a one-year retake policy, allowing students to free repeat any portion of the course or program to refresh their memory of a particular concept. Additionally, students have access to class recordings of each session for up to a month after class. All graduates receive a certificate of completion, which they may post to their portfolio or LinkedIn to demonstrate their mastery of JavaScript.
While there are no current reviews of this course, a review of a similar course offered by Practical Programming said the program offers a “great pace, good detail, and gave very practical and usable knowledge and skill.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Different Types of Online Coding Classes?
There are two approaches to online learning: live online classes and on-demand programs.
Live online classrooms, often known as synchronous classes, feature instructors and students interacting in real-time via video conferencing or internet platforms. These classes have a predetermined schedule, and students must attend sessions at particular times. The benefits of live online classrooms include direct engagement with teachers, rapid feedback, organized learning environments, peer cooperation, and responsibility. They can, however, be rigid for students with time restrictions, provide technological hurdles, and limit customized attention.
On-demand classes, also known as self-paced or asynchronous classes, allow students to learn at their own speed without the constraints of a predetermined timetable. These flexible classes enable students to learn when and where they wish. On-demand programs are designed to accommodate a variety of learning styles and speeds, emphasizing personalized learning and mastery-based methods. They also provide personal time management and stress relief. However, some students may find it difficult to maintain self-discipline and procrastination, peer engagement and social connection may be limited, and students may confront accountability difficulties without external deadlines.
What Will I Need for an Online Coding Class?
Students must have a laptop or desktop computer with a high-speed internet connection. While Apple computers are typically recommended for software engineering and web development courses, Windows or Linux computers can be used. The computer must have a macOS 10.15, Windows 10, Ubuntu 18.0 or newer operating system. Live online classes also require that you have a webcam and Microphone to participate in class. Generally, you should contact those administering the class to learn about additional minimum or recommended tech specifications needed to take their course.
Can I Learn Coding Online for Free?
Basic programming languages and web principles may be learned through YouTube videos and online courses. Self-teaching gives learners more control over their learning, including what they study and how much time they devote to learning to code. While learning to code is not impossible, it may be difficult. Without a built-in accountability or support network to keep you going, your learning may get sidetracked due to a lack of desire, impostor syndrome, or other personal situations. This frequently results in greater time spent self-teaching or on guided courses. Enrolling in a coding class or bootcamp offers structured curricula that ensure you achieve proficiency in the coding language most relevant to your career path.
Is It Better to Learn Coding in a Live or Self-paced Class?
Live online classes offer a similar experience as traditional classroom formats. Expert instructors teach these courses in a classroom, allowing you to engage with your instructor and fellow cohort members in real-time. You can actively receive feedback on assignments and assistance when you are stuck. On the other hand, self-paced classes lack a traditional format but provide greater flexibility to students in shaping their learning environment.
Below are a few pros and cons to consider when deciding between live or self-paced coding classes:
Pros:
- Real-time Interaction: Students can build connections with teachers and students. Students may ask questions, request answers, and participate in conversations, encouraging active involvement and rapid response.
- Structured Learning Environment: Live online classes provide an organized learning environment with established timetables and deadlines. A structured learning environment can help students establish routines, stay organized, and build academic discipline.
- Accountability: The fixed schedule and regular class sessions in live online classes promote accountability. Students are encouraged to attend sessions, complete assignments, and actively engage, lowering the risk of failure.
Cons:
- Limited Flexibility: Live online classes adhere to a schedule that may not suit everyone's availability or time zones. Students with other commitments or time constraints may find attending classes at the specified times challenging.
In a self-paced class or bootcamp, students complete their curricula at a pace that fits their schedule, often over a much extended period. Students typically dedicate 20 hours or less per week to coursework. Schools typically pair students with a mentor who assists them in setting and completing course milestones, but this may not always be the case.
Pros:
- Flexibility: Self-paced classes allow students to decide when and where to study. Students can more easily balance their coursework with other commitments, like work, family, or personal interests.
- Individualized learning: Self-paced sessions accommodate a variety of learning methods and paces. Students may move through the subject at their own pace, spending more time on difficult ideas and moving rapidly through familiar ones.
- Less Pressure: Self-paced programs do not have rigid deadlines, so they can relieve the stress and anxiety of keeping up with a set class schedule. Students may work at their own speed and establish attainable goals that work for them, resulting in a more comfortable learning atmosphere.
Cons:
- Lack of Structure: While the flexibility of self-paced classes can benefit some students, others may struggle without a fixed schedule, finding it difficult to keep motivated and disciplined without regular class sessions and deadlines.
- Accountability Challenges: Some students may struggle to remain on track or complete assignments or examinations if they do not get regular check-ins and external accountability. This absence of outward structure can potentially hinder development and completion rates.
- Self-Discipline: Self-paced lessons require self-discipline and motivation to complete lessons promptly. Students must be proactive regarding time management, goal planning, and remaining on track. If students are not self-motivated, procrastination can be a major barrier.