6 Programming Apps for Beginners
Programming is an in-demand skill that can give your career a boost. Even if you don’t plan to become a computer scientist, software engineer, or data scientist, programming can still help you in a competitive job market.
Many people are interested in programming but don’t really know how to get started. Today, there is a wide range of programming languages and countless resources, which can get overwhelming for the beginner.
The key is to start small. Try one of these accessible online programming apps to learn the basics and help you feel confident in your own skills. From there, you can take your education in any direction you choose!
Udacity
Unlike many generalized eLearning platforms, Udacity is dedicated only to the tech industry. With courses in subjects like programming, data analysis, and more, it’s the perfect platform for people who want to build a career in tech and business.
Not only does the platform offer a range of courses that are designed to teach you the most marketable skills, but Udacity is also self-paced and project-based, with support whenever you need it. Udacity can be pricey (depending on the course—some are free!), but if you’re looking for a high-quality programming course, you’ll get what you need out of the platform.
Codeacademy
One of the go-to eLearning apps for beginning coders, Codeacademy offers free courses in many popular languages. Although their more advanced courses do require a “Pro” plan, it is relatively affordable.
You can easily browse their catalog and see which courses will help you reach their goals. Codeacademy marks certain courses as “beginner-friendly” and also indicates which courses are “Pro” content so you can find the best courses for your needs.
Grasshopper
Want to start learning JavaScript in a fun, casual way? Pick up the Grasshopper app and learn right from your phone! You’ll gradually build up to more challenging lessons and learn the basics of programming without the pressure.
Grasshopper is user-friendly, accessible, and approachable for people who have never tried coding before. It’s a great foundational tool to get you started and prepare you for more challenging coding courses.
Kahn Academy
Intended to be a worldwide resource for students of all ages, Khan Academy is free and offers courses in programming. In addition to “Hour of Code” lessons, they also provide introductory courses in HTML/CSS, SQL, and more. It’s an approachable resource that’s perfect for complete beginners.
Mimo
If you struggle with abstract learning but still want to get the basics of programming, Mimo can help. This app gamifies learning to code, but it also directs your learning based on what you want to make or do with your programming skills. Many people find that they’re more motivated to learn this way!
Mimo offers a great user interface, several language options, and the motivation you need to learn core coding concepts.
Encode
Another fun app for learning to code, Encode is an Android program that offers a number of languages, including JavaScript, Python, CSS, and HTML. If you’re short on time, phone apps are a great way to learn the basics of coding before you move on to more difficult concepts. With Encode, you can learn the basics for free but must pay for more advanced lessons.
The Best Languages to Learn in 2021
Once you’ve chosen a programming app, the next question is what language you should learn. These days, there are seemingly countless options! If you know which languages are most common in your field, then that’s probably the best way to go. Or, if you’re preparing for a tech-heavy career like software engineering, then you’ll probably need to learn a few different languages.
If you’re not sure exactly what you’ll be doing with your coding skills, however, it’s best to learn one of the most popular programming languages. You’ll make yourself more marketable and offer something extra on your resume, helping you to land jobs more easily.
It’s never been easier to learn how to code. With apps catering to different learning styles, you can quickly and easily pick up new skills for the modern workplace. Coding is one of those skills that will continue to become more important in the future, so now is the best time to get started!
