10 Amazing Free Resources to Learn Coding & Web Development
So, you want to learn how to code. That’s awesome! But it can be tough to know where to start. Coding bootcamps can cost a fortune, and many online courses are hidden behind expensive subscriptions. It’s easy to feel stuck, wondering how you can possibly gain the skills you need for a career in tech without a big budget.
What if you could access a complete, university-level education in web development, build a portfolio of real-world projects, and join a global community of learners, all for free?
That’s the reality today, thanks to an incredible number of high-quality, free resources. This guide is built for students who are ready to learn and build. We’ve done a deep dive to find the best platforms for learning coding and web development that are genuinely free forever, allowing you to go from an absolute beginner to a job-ready developer.
But what if you could access a world-class education in AI and prompting, taught by experts from Google, DeepLearning.AI, and top universities, all for free?
That’s the incredible reality of the modern learning landscape. This guide is built for students who are eager to learn but are on a budget. We’ve done a deep dive to find the best resources for learning AI that are genuinely free forever or offer extensive free tiers, allowing you to build valuable, career-ready skills
What Can You Actually Do With These Resources?
Before we dive into the list, it’s helpful to understand what makes these resources so game-changing for students.
Learn Job-Ready Skills: Master the full stack of web development, from HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to backend technologies like Node.js and databases.
Build a Professional Portfolio: Create a collection of impressive, real-world projects that you can showcase to potential employers.
Get Hands-On Practice: Solve hundreds of coding challenges and get feedback on your code from a community of peers and mentors.
Earn Free Certifications: Gain valuable credentials to add to your resume and LinkedIn profile to prove your skills.
Quick Comparison Table
Tool Name
freeCodeCamp
The Odin Project
Microsoft Learn
MDN Web Docs
W3Schools
Harvard’s CS50
Developer Roadmaps
Khan Academy
Exercism
Code.org
Best For
Full-Stack Curriculum & Certs
Project-Based Web Development
Official Microsoft Certifications
The “Bible” of Web Standards
Quick Reference & Examples
Foundational Computer Science
Visual Learning Paths
Intro to Programming Concepts
Code Practice with Mentorship
Fun, Gamified Introduction to Coding
Pricing Model
Completely Free
Completely Free
Completely Free
Completely Free
Completely Free
Free Course Access
Completely Free
Completely Free
Free (Non-Profit)
Completely Free
Ease of Use
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner to Intermediate
Intermediate
Beginner
Intermediate
Beginner
Beginner
Intermediate
Beginner
1. freeCodeCamp
Best for: A comprehensive, self-paced curriculum that takes you from zero to a full-stack developer with free certifications.
freeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization that has helped millions of people learn to code for free. It offers a massive, project-based curriculum covering everything you need to become a web developer. You learn by building, and after completing each section’s five required projects, you earn a respected, completely free certification. It’s one of the most complete and supportive learning communities on the internet.
Use Case Example: A student with no prior experience wants to become a web developer. They start with freeCodeCamp’s “Responsive Web Design” certification, build five projects like a tribute page and a portfolio site, and earn their first certification to put on their resume.
Pricing Details: Completely Free. Everything—the entire curriculum, all the projects, and all eleven certifications—is 100% free, forever. There are no paid plans.
What You’ll Need: A web browser.
Learning Curve: Beginner. The curriculum is designed to take you from the very basics, step-by-step.
What to Watch Out For: It’s entirely self-paced, which requires a lot of self-discipline. You have to be motivated to keep yourself on track.
Beginner Tutorial: The best way to start is to simply sign up and begin the first lesson.
2. The Odin Project
Best for: A rigorous, project-based curriculum focused on building a deep understanding of web development.
The Odin Project has a simple philosophy: you learn best by building. It provides a highly structured, open-source curriculum that guides you through building a portfolio of complex, real-world projects. Unlike other platforms that hold your hand, The Odin Project teaches you how to think like a developer, forcing you to solve problems and find answers independently, just like you would on the job.
Use Case Example: A student wants to build a portfolio that truly impresses employers. They follow The Odin Project’s path and build complex projects like a clone of a social media site or a web-based Etch-a-Sketch, demonstrating a deep understanding of the technologies.
Pricing Details: Completely Free. As an open-source project, the entire curriculum is 100% free and maintained by a community of volunteers.
What You’ll Need: A computer that can run Linux or a virtual machine. The curriculum requires a real developer environment setup, not just a browser.
Learning Curve: Beginner. It’s designed for absolute beginners, but its approach is more challenging and less hand-holding than other platforms.
What to Watch Out For: The requirement to install Linux or a dual-boot system can be a significant hurdle for some beginners. It requires more setup than browser-based platforms.
Beginner Tutorial: The best way to start is with their “Foundations” path directly on the website. You can see a great overview of the philosophy here on YouTube.
3. Microsoft Learn
Best for: Official Microsoft training and certifications for technologies like Azure, C#, and Power Platform.
Microsoft Learn is Microsoft’s official platform for free, interactive online training. It offers hundreds of learning paths and modules on a huge range of technical topics, with a special focus on their own technologies like Azure (cloud computing), C#, and the Power Platform (low-code development). It’s an incredible resource for gaining in-demand skills and earning official Microsoft credentials.
Use Case Example: A student is interested in a career in cloud computing. They complete the “Azure Fundamentals” learning path on Microsoft Learn, gaining a foundational understanding of cloud services and earning a credential they can add to their LinkedIn profile.
Pricing Details: Completely Free. All the learning paths, modules, and tutorials on the Microsoft Learn platform are free. Many also prepare you for official Microsoft certification exams (for which there is a fee).
What You’ll Need: A web browser and a Microsoft account.
Learning Curve: Beginner to Intermediate. The platform offers content for all skill levels, from absolute beginners to experienced professionals.
What to Watch Out For: The content is naturally focused on Microsoft’s ecosystem. While these are valuable skills, you’ll want to supplement them with other resources for a broader education.
Beginner Tutorial: You can find a great official guide on how to get started with the platform here on YouTube.
4. MDN Web Docs
Best for: The official, comprehensive documentation for all web technologies (the “Bible” of web dev).
The Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) Web Docs is the ultimate source of truth for web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It’s not a step-by-step course, but an incredibly detailed and accurate reference guide written by the community and experts who build the web. When you have a question about how a specific piece of code works, MDN is the most reliable place to find the answer.
Use Case Example: A student is learning about CSS and can’t remember all the possible values for the
displayproperty. They search “MDN display” and get a detailed page with clear explanations and interactive examples forblock,inline,flex,grid, and more.Pricing Details: Completely Free. It’s an open-source documentation project, free for everyone.
What You’ll Need: A web browser.
Learning Curve: Intermediate. While it has beginner guides, the documentation can be very technical and is most useful once you have a basic understanding of coding concepts.
What to Watch Out For: It’s a reference, not a curriculum. It will tell you what something is, but not necessarily how to use it in a larger project.
Beginner Tutorial: MDN has a great “Getting Started with the Web” guide here on their website.
5. W3Schools
Best for: Quick, simple explanations and interactive “try it yourself” examples.
W3Schools is one of the oldest and most popular resources for learning web development. It provides simple, to-the-point tutorials and references for a huge range of technologies. Its standout feature is the “Try it Yourself” editor, which lets you experiment with code examples live in the browser, making it a fantastic resource for quick lookups and hands-on practice.
Use Case Example: A student needs a quick reminder of the syntax for an HTML
<table>. They go to W3Schools, find a simple example, and use the “Try it Yourself” editor to play around with the code until they understand how it works.Pricing Details: Completely Free. The entire website, including all tutorials and examples, is free to use. They offer paid certificates, but the learning content is free.
What You’ll Need: A web browser.
Learning Curve: Beginner. It’s designed to be very simple and is one of the most accessible resources for beginners.
What to Watch Out For: While great for beginners, its explanations are sometimes oversimplified. For a deeper, more technical understanding, you’ll eventually want to graduate to MDN Web Docs.
Beginner Tutorial: The best way to start is to pick a topic like HTML and follow their tutorial path. You can see an overview here on YouTube.
6. Harvard's CS50
Best for: A world-class introduction to the fundamentals of computer science.
CS50 is Harvard University’s legendary introductory course to computer science, and they make the entire course available online for free. It’s not just about web development; it’s about learning how to think like a programmer. The lectures are incredibly engaging, and the problem sets are challenging and rewarding. It’s the best way to build a strong, foundational understanding of the core principles of computer science.
Use Case Example: A student wants to understand the “why” behind the code, not just the “how.” They take CS50 and learn foundational concepts like algorithms, memory, and data structures, which makes them a much stronger and more knowledgeable programmer.
Pricing Details: Completely Free. You can watch all the lectures, access all the problem sets, and submit your work for free. You only need to pay if you want a verified certificate from edX.
What You’ll Need: A web browser.
Learning Curve: Intermediate. It’s designed for beginners with no prior experience, but the pace is fast and the problem sets are famously challenging.
What to Watch Out For: This is a university-level course that requires a significant time commitment and a lot of hard work.
Beginner Tutorial: The best way to start is by watching the first lecture, which is a famous and inspiring introduction to the world of computer science here on YouTube.
7. Developer Roadmaps (roadmap.sh)
Best for: Visual learning paths to understand what to learn and in what order.
Developer Roadmaps is an incredible community-driven effort that provides clear, visual roadmaps for various tech career paths. If you’ve ever asked, “What should I learn next to become a frontend developer?”, this site has the answer. It lays out all the essential technologies and concepts in a step-by-step chart, giving you a clear picture of the entire learning journey.
Use Case Example: A student has just finished learning the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They visit roadmap.sh, look at the “Frontend Developer” roadmap, and see that the next logical steps are to learn a version control system like Git, a package manager, and then a framework like React.
Pricing Details: Completely Free. This is an open-source project, and all the roadmaps and guides are free.
What You’ll Need: A web browser.
Learning Curve: Beginner. The roadmaps themselves are very easy to read and understand.
What to Watch Out For: This is a map, not the car. It tells you what to learn, but you’ll need to use other resources on this list (like freeCodeCamp or MDN) to actually learn each topic.
Beginner Tutorial: You can find a great guide on how to use the roadmaps effectively here on YouTube.
8. Khan Academy
Best for: A friendly, non-intimidating introduction to the core concepts of programming.
Khan Academy is a non-profit organization famous for its free, world-class education on a huge range of subjects. Their computer programming section is a fantastic starting point for absolute beginners who might be intimidated by more intensive courses. It uses simple, interactive “talk-throughs” to teach the fundamentals of programming using JavaScript to create drawings and animations.
Use Case Example: A high school student is curious about coding but has never written a line of code before. They start with Khan Academy’s “Hour of Code” and, within an hour, have learned the basics of JavaScript by drawing a snowman with code.
Pricing Details: Completely Free. As a non-profit, all of Khan Academy’s courses and content are 100% free forever.
What You’ll Need: A web browser.
Learning Curve: Beginner. It’s one of the most gentle and welcoming introductions to programming available.
What to Watch Out For: The curriculum is focused on the absolute fundamentals. It’s a great starting point, but you’ll need to move on to a more comprehensive resource like freeCodeCamp to learn job-ready skills.
Beginner Tutorial: The best place to start is their “Intro to JS: Drawing & Animation” course here on their website.
9. Exercism
Best for: Practicing your coding skills and getting free, one-on-one mentorship from real developers.
Exercism is a non-profit platform focused on helping you master a programming language through practice and human mentorship. You solve coding challenges in over 60 different languages, and after you submit your solution, you can request feedback from a volunteer mentor. This one-on-one feedback from an experienced developer is an incredibly valuable resource that is almost impossible to find for free anywhere else.
Use Case Example: A student has learned the basics of Python but wants to improve their ability to write clean, efficient code. They complete a challenge on Exercism and a mentor reviews their code, suggesting a more efficient way to structure their loop, leading to a real improvement in their skills.
Pricing Details: Completely Free. The entire platform, including all the coding challenges and the human mentorship, is 100% free, supported by donations.
What You’ll Need: A computer with the language you want to learn installed, and the Exercism command-line interface.
Learning Curve: Intermediate. It’s designed for people who have already learned the basic syntax of a language and are ready to start practicing and improving.
What to Watch Out For: Mentorship is provided by volunteers, so the wait time for feedback can vary. The setup requires using the command line, which can be a bit tricky for absolute beginners.
Beginner Tutorial: Exercism has a great “Getting Started” guide that walks you through the setup process here on YouTube.
10. Code.org
Best for: A fun, gamified, and highly accessible introduction to the concepts of coding.
Code.org is a non-profit dedicated to making computer science accessible to everyone, especially young learners. It offers a huge range of free, engaging activities and tutorials that teach the fundamental logic of programming through fun, game-like challenges, often featuring popular characters from games and movies. It’s a fantastic, pressure-free way to see if coding is right for you.
Use Case Example: A student is unsure if they want to learn to code. They try an “Hour of Code” activity on Code.org, like the Minecraft or Star Wars tutorials, and have a great time learning basic programming logic by dragging and dropping code blocks.
Pricing Details: Completely Free. As a non-profit, all of their courses, activities, and resources are 100% free.
What You’ll Need: A web browser.
Learning Curve: Beginner. It’s designed for absolute beginners, including children, making it one of the most accessible platforms available.
What to Watch Out For: It focuses on the foundational logic of programming, often using block-based coding. To become a professional developer, you’ll need to move on to a resource that teaches text-based languages.
Beginner Tutorial: The best way to start is with one of their “Hour of Code” tutorials here on their website.
Which Resource Should You Start With?
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the options? Here’s a quick guide:
If you want a complete, structured curriculum from start to finish… choose freeCodeCamp or The Odin Project. They are the most comprehensive paths to becoming a job-ready developer.
If you want a gentle and fun introduction to the very basics… start with Code.org or Khan Academy. Their gamified approach is very motivating.
If you want a university-level understanding of computer science fundamentals… there is nothing better than Harvard’s CS50.
If you just want to practice and get better at a language you already know… go to Exercism and get feedback from a real human mentor.
Your Journey into Coding Starts Now
As you can see, you have access to a world-class education in coding and web development without needing to spend a single rupee. From comprehensive, project-based curricula to interactive tutorials and one-on-one mentorship, these free resources provide a clear path for any student to build the skills that are shaping the future.
The best way to learn to code is by writing code. Pick one resource from this list that excites you the most, whether it’s a full curriculum or a fun interactive course, and write your first line of code today. You’ll be amazed at what you can build.
Written By
Prateek Singh.
Last Updated – August, 2025
About The Author
Prateek Singh believes the best way to learn is to get your hands dirty. He went from talking to customers in sales to building the online platforms they use. IndiaShouldKnow.com is his way of sharing that practical, hands-on knowledge with you.
FAQs About AI Use.
Can I trust every answer an AI tool gives me for my studies?
A: No, you should not trust every answer completely. Think of an AI as a super-smart assistant that has read most of the internet—but not every book in the library is accurate.
AI can sometimes make mistakes, misunderstand your question, or use outdated information.
It can even “hallucinate,” which means it confidently makes up an answer that sounds real but is completely false.
Rule of Thumb: Use AI answers as a great starting point, but never as the final, absolute truth. Always double-check important facts.
How can I verify the information I get from an AI for my academic work?
A: Verifying information is a crucial skill. It’s like being a detective for facts. Here are four simple steps:
Check Your Course Material: Is the AI’s answer consistent with what your textbook, lecture notes, or professor says? This is your most reliable source.
Look for Reputable Sources: Ask the AI for its sources or search for the information online. Look for links from universities (.edu), government sites (.gov), respected news organizations, or published academic journals.
Cross-Reference: Ask a different AI the same question, or type your question into a standard search engine like Google. If multiple reliable sources give the same answer, it’s more likely to be correct.
Use Common Sense: If an answer seems too perfect, too strange, or too good to be true, be extra skeptical and investigate it further.
What is the difference between using AI for research and using it to plagiarize?
A: This is a very important difference. It’s all about who is doing the thinking.
Using AI for Research (Good ✅):
Brainstorming topics for a paper.
Asking for a simple explanation of a complex theory.
Finding keywords to use in your library search.
Getting feedback on your grammar and sentence structure.
You are using AI as a tool to help you think and write better.
Using AI to Plagiarize (Bad ❌):
Copying and pasting an AI-generated answer directly into your assignment.
Asking the AI to write an entire essay or paragraph for you.
Slightly rephrasing an AI’s answer and submitting it as your own original thought.
You are letting the AI do the thinking and work for you.
How can I use AI ethically to support my learning without violating my school's academic honesty policy?
A: Using AI ethically means using it to learn, not to cheat. Here’s how:
Know the Rules: First and foremost, read your school’s or professor’s policy on using AI tools. This is the most important step.
Be the Author: The final work you submit must be yours. Your ideas, your structure, and your arguments. Use AI as a guide, not the writer.
Do the Heavy Lifting: Use AI to understand a topic, but then close the chat and write your summary or solve the problem yourself to make sure you have actually learned it.
Be Transparent: If you used an AI in a significant way (like for brainstorming), ask your professor if you should mention it. Honesty is always the best policy.
Can an AI's answer be biased? How can I detect this in its responses?
A: Yes, an AI’s answer can definitely be biased. Since AI learns from the vast amount of text on the internet written by humans, it can pick up and repeat human biases.
Here’s how to spot potential bias:
Look for Opinions: Does the answer present a strong opinion as a fact?
Check for One-Sidedness: On a topic with multiple viewpoints (like politics or economics), does the AI only show one side of the argument?
Watch for Stereotypes: Does the answer use generalizations about groups of people based on their race, gender, nationality, or other characteristics?
To avoid being misled by bias, always try to get information from multiple, varied sources.
Is it safe to upload my personal notes, research papers, or assignments to an AI tool?
A: It is best to be very careful. You should not consider your conversations with most public AI tools to be private.
Many AI companies use your conversations to train their systems, which means employees or contractors might read them.
There is always a risk of data breaches or leaks.
A Simple Safety Rule: Do not upload or paste any sensitive information that you would not want a stranger to see. This includes:
Personal identification details.
Confidential research or unpublished papers.
Your school assignments before you submit them.
Any financial or private data.
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