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There are many online educational resources that tailor to helping computer science majors and professionals. Many computer science resources are available completely for free.
You can leverage mobile apps, open online courses, websites, podcasts, and blogs to supplement computer science degree materials. Resources such as blogs and podcasts can also help with continuing education. It pays to keep abreast of industry news and discussion in the fast-moving world of computer technology.
Apps to learn and practice coding
There are dozens of apps — many of them free — that allow mobile phone users to learn to code. These apps have made learning to code more convenient than ever, and, for beginners, easier than ever. Coding apps like those listed below can even help experienced programmers or supplement college courses.
Available on: Android and iOS
Learn: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Node, React, Java, Swift
Description: Codemurai uses thousands of mini-lessons created by industry leaders to teach all the most popular coding languages, including JavaScript, Python, and HTML, along with over a dozen more. Lessons cover the foundations of web, game, and mobile app development.
Available on: Android and iOS
Learn: Java
Description: Easy Coder is a mobile app for learning Java that utilizes short, interactive lessons, quizzes, and programming challenges to teach fundamental programming concepts. The app’s built-in Java compiler allows learners to instantly test code as they learn.
Available on: Android and iOS
Learn: Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS
Description: Encode is an Android-only app that teaches the major coding languages, consisting of short mini-lessons followed by interactive challenges. The app does not require an internet connection to run, allowing learners to use it virtually anywhere.
Available on: Android and iOS
Learn: JavaScript, Java, Python, React, SQL
Description: Enki is a popular free app for learning how to code, designed for daily use in short sessions. Lessons, practices, and quizzes use spaced repetition algorithms that adapt to learners’ individual needs. Learners can also buy a subscription plan to access certain advanced lessons.
Available on: Android, iOS, Desktop
Learn: JavaScript
Description: Grasshopper teaches beginner to intermediate level JavaScript using a game-like structure. The app uses interactive visual puzzles and real-time feedback to supplement short lessons and quizzes and to boost problem-solving skills. Learners can even collect virtual achievements as they develop their skills.
Available on: Android and iOS
Learn: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, C++, Swift, Python
Description: Mimo is an app for teaching beginner-level coding fundamentals through interactive mini-lessons designed for daily use in short blocks. The app’s structure often resembles a game, with various achievements and badges offered for positive reinforcement as learners progress.
Available on: Android and iOS
Learn: HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript
Description: Programming Hero teaches coding fundamentals for web, mobile app, and game development using a combination of self-guided mini-projects and game-like design features. While users complete short programming projects, challenges, and exercises, they can design their own game from scratch.
Available on: Android and iOS
Learn: Python, Assembly, HTML, C++, JavaScript, CSS, Java
Description: Programming Hub is Google’s Editor’s Choice app for learning coding, and was developed in part by Google experts. The app caters largely to intermediate learners looking to learn multiple coding languages. Completion of the app’s different courses results in an e-certification.
Available on: Android and iOS
Learn: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Python, Java, C++, PHP, SQL, Swift
Description: Solo Learn is a free app that offers over 20 courses on coding fundamentals such as Python, JavaScript, and data science. Students can also use the online code playground to test code. Completing courses results in earning a professional certification.
Online computer science courses
There are currently many providers for online open courses in computer science, some of them from top colleges and universities. Auditing computer science courses for free can arm you with new knowledge at no cost. You can also pay to take online computer science courses to earn a certification or college credit.
Class Central is a search engine for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), free online courses available for anyone to enroll. Through the search engine, students can find free online computer science courses at top schools, along with reviews and other helpful feedback.
Codecademy is an online platform that offers free courses in 12 different coding languages, including JavaScript, Python, and CSS. Learners get free daily practice and interactive lessons with a basic plan. For $19.99 monthly under an annual plan, students can get additional practice and support.
Coursera is a popular MOOC provider that works with hundreds of colleges and universities worldwide. Auditing courses through the Coursera platform is free, but earning grades or certificates requires you to pay. A membership to earn professional certificates through Coursera costs $39 monthly.
edX is an MOOC provider created by Harvard and MIT that features fully online mini-degree and certificate programs in a variety of areas, including computer science and coding. Auditing courses is free, but for students in a certificate program, individual courses cost between $50-$300.
Khan Academy is a nonprofit that offers free online educational materials on a variety of subjects, including computer programming. A typical Khan Academy course consists of a series of short videos accompanied by practice exercises. Educators often use this platform to supplement classroom learning.
MIT OpenCourseware is a free online collection of nearly all of MIT’s undergraduate and graduate course materials, including video lectures, textbooks, and web demonstrations. MIT is a preeminent university for computer science, making this archive a goldmine for people interested in programming and coding.
Founded by Stanford instructors, Udacity is a for-profit MOOC platform that offers free courses in computer science and programming, as well as professional certifications and Udacity Nanodegrees. Nanodegrees, abbreviated degree programs in coding and computer programming topics, typically cost $700-$15,000.
Udemy is a MOOC provider that primarily tailors to nontraditional students. The platform features both free and paid courses as well as certificates in computer science and programming. Most paid courses on Udemy cost $20-$200, though the site routinely offers discounts and coupons to members via email.
Computer science networking, forums, and inspiration
You can build your coding skills and knowledge of computer science concepts by immersing yourself in online communities for networking and inspiration. These resources can help you find answers to tough questions and helpful feedback in a pinch. You can also find computer science job opportunities and internships through networking sites and online communities.
CodePen is an online web development community for testing and sharing user-created code snippets. The ability to gain live feedback on your code-writing from a community of all skill levels makes this an essential resource for people learning to code.
Coderwall is a collaborative learning platform for software developers. Beginners can find abundant programming tips, knowledge, and tools on Coderwall in a variety of topics, including JavaScript, iOS, and front-end development. The site also features a regularly updated job postings section.
GitHub is an online platform for collaborative software projects. Developers use GitHub to edit software together while keeping track of each others’ changes. Beginning developers can expect to encounter this site early on, because it is a popular and useful platform for collaborative work.
LinkedIn is a social media site for professional networking. People use LinkedIn to manage their professional…