There are many great online resources to help you get started and develop your programming skills. Whether you’re looking for structured courses, coding challenges, or hands-on projects, here are the best resources for new developers:

Online Courses and Platforms

These platforms offer structured lessons, from beginner basics to advanced topics.
- FreeCodeCamp – A comprehensive, project-based curriculum covering web development, Python, JavaScript, and more.
  freecodecamp.org
- Codecademy – Interactive coding exercises and courses for various languages, including Python, JavaScript, and Ruby.
  codecademy.com
- Udemy – Affordable courses from various instructors on a wide range of topics, including programming, web development, and software engineering.
  udemy.com
- Coursera – Online courses from universities like Stanford and Harvard, offering beginner to advanced programming lessons.
  coursera.org
- edX – Free and paid courses from top universities covering computer science, programming, and more.
  edx.org
Full Curriculums

For a comprehensive learning experience with hands-on projects.
- The Odin Project – A free, full-stack curriculum with projects that teach web development, JavaScript, Git, Node.js, and more.
  theodinproject.com
- CS50 by Harvard University – A beginner-friendly, highly recommended computer science course that teaches fundamental concepts in programming, algorithms, and data structures.
  cs50.harvard.edu
YouTube: Follow-Along Projects and More

YouTube is a fantastic resource for follow-along coding tutorials. You can find project-based lessons that guide you through building real applications, offering a great way to learn by doing. Additionally, many YouTube videos cover specific concepts in bite-sized formats, which makes it easy to focus on one thing at a time.
Coding Challenges & Practice Platforms

Sharpen your skills and improve problem-solving with coding challenges.
- LeetCode – A great platform to practice coding challenges, especially useful for interview prep.
  leetcode.com
- NeetCode – A curated collection of coding challenges organized by category, perfect for systematic problem-solving practice.
  neetcode.io/roadmap
- HackerRank – Offers coding challenges and interview preparation problems for beginners to advanced learners.
  hackerrank.com
Interactive Documentation & Community Support

Learn by exploring documentation and joining coding communities.
- MDN Web Docs – Offers in-depth, beginner-friendly tutorials and documentation on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and APIs.
  developer.mozilla.org
- Stack Overflow – A go-to Q&A platform for developers of all levels to find solutions and share knowledge.
  stackoverflow.com
- GitHub – Learn version control and find open-source projects to contribute to.
  github.com
- Reddit (r/learnprogramming) – A helpful community for beginners to ask questions and share resources.
  reddit.com/r/learnprogramming
Career Development & Roadmaps

Guides for where to focus and how to map out your learning.
- Roadmap.sh – A visual guide to help you decide which programming languages, tools, and technologies to learn based on your career goals (e.g., web developer, data scientist).
  roadmap.sh
Paid Bootcamps

If you prefer a structured environment with direct support, paid bootcamps are an excellent option. They offer live instructors, classmates to collaborate with, and a clear curriculum to follow. Many bootcamps also offer career services, such as apprenticeship opportunities or job placement assistance, which can be a great advantage.

I graduated from Code Platoon, which specializes in serving veterans, active duty service members, military spouses and their children. They provide hands-on training and mentorship, helping you transition into a successful tech career. You can learn more about them by checking out their site.
codeplatoon.org

Bottom Line:
Learning to code can be a life-changing skill, and the resources above will give you a strong foundation. Whether you choose self-paced learning or a more structured bootcamp, it’s important to stay consistent and keep practicing.

Next Read:
Coding Challenges vs Personal Projects?

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