Learn to code with these online learning platforms

Technology has brought about an era of progress and intellectual productivity that has arguably never been seen before. Some of the greatest developments of the 21st century have been observed in the profoundly immense connection machine known as the Internet as well as other technological innovations in AI (Artificial Intelligence), software, apps and the myriad possibilities of Big Data.

All these trends have one thing in common, code, which (for the unacquainted) is the language we use to tell machines what to do.

Coding is quickly transitioning from a layman’s secondary skill to that of a top priority. It has been said that coding will be the new language of the 21st century. Employers and organizations are quickly realizing this fact. Schools and universities are offering courses on crafting code and programming has even found its way into popular culture.

Of course, as the trend picks up pace, so too will the demand for adequate knowledge and training. This fairly recent gap in demand is being filled by a surge of education platforms that act as gold mines for coders looking to learn the ropes or sharpen their skills.

Aside from getting a private home tutor Singapore or buying a bunch of books for self-study, you can now learn to code online. However, navigating the sea of options available online may be a little daunting as the market of service providers becomes even more saturated. To help cut through the noise, here’s a list of some places where you can learn to code online.

CODECADEMY
We’ll start off with one of the more well-known platforms out there. It’s user-friendly, comprehensive, well-organized and highly-reputable, Codecademy is without a doubt one of the biggest players in the space. It is popular as a source for learning beginner syntax for a diverse range of programming languages including; Javascript, HTML/CSS, PHP, Python and Ruby.

Users are presented with an interface that features (among other things) guides as well as fluid functionality for writing/editing code. With a platform that does most of the work for you, all you’re really required to do is sit back and get school-ed in, put in the effort, patience and attention. To help speed up the learning curve, code comments are available. These are especially useful when something new comes up and should be remembered or archived throughout your learning experience.

2. LEARN STREET
Whether you are just about to start on your journey into the wonderful world of code or a novice coder with some basic knowledge, looking to expand your skill set, Learn Street is a visually pleasant, well-designed platform which primarily focuses on three types of courses; Ruby, Python and Javascript, arguably among the most powerful and widely used programming languages available today.

Learn Street isn’t just a simple playground for budding new coders though, as users advance through courses they will find that the interface offers the opportunity to challenge the mind with problem solving and code puzzles. Participants are able to take on projects that have been created by the developers of Learn Street themselves in order to simulate real-world situations. Coders that are feeling confident can try their hand at enrolling as a teacher on the platform to pay it forward and share what they have learned. Learn Street isn’t just a comprehensive platform filled to the brim with resources, but a community built by coders for coders.

3. CODECOMBAT
Next on the list is something a little different. Codecombat offers the chance to learn to coding through a unique interactive multi-player experience. CodeCombat is a platform that helps students understand and apply various computer science skills through playing a game.
Playful, fun and vibrant, it is great for kids and has been re-packaged as an open source project.

Levels have been designed to methodically teach users crucial aspects of coding and how a well-structured script can perform complex functions as well as resolve difficult tasks or issues. Courses have been specifically play-tested to excel in the classroom, even for teachers who have little or no prior experience with code.

4. UDACITY
This is where the big boys play, with advanced, intermediate and novice courses as well as intimidating projects to try out, Udacity delves in deep, covering high-level topics like robotics or design theory. Even professional coders stop by to sharpen their skills and pick up a new trick or two.

All courses are summarized before you even begin, outlining details such as difficulty levels, the purpose of the course, the prerequisites and the final assignment at the end of the module.

Udacity is known for helping the community to better understand different levels of tech development including web, mobile, HTML5 and app development. Experts in various fields guide and explain material through intro videos or snippets of advice.

5. HACK DESIGN
Hack Design functions a bit more like a cookbook than anything else, with a prominent DIY vibe, the ‘courses’ featured in the archives are made up of articles, videos, images, infographics or audio resources from around the Web.

There aren’t any specially designed projects or tasks to complete, neither is there a unique twist to the way content is displayed. Hack Design is instead a giant resource pool for those who know what they’re looking for to roll up their sleeves and dive in.

Content is segregated by level and ranges from introductory to advanced. There is a recommendation feature which allows users to rate and suggest different resources within the platform to help others navigate their way around.