In today’s increasingly digital world, learning to program is one of the most valuable skills you can acquire. Whether you want to build websites, create apps, or dive into data science, programming opens up numerous opportunities across various industries. With the growing demand for tech professionals, there are now countless resources available online to help you learn to code. However, with so many options, it can be difficult to determine which courses are worth your time and money.
This article explores some of the top programming courses in 2024, offering both beginner-friendly options and advanced courses for those looking to enhance their skills. From free tutorials to in-depth paid programs, this guide will help you find the right course to start or advance your programming journey.
1. Harvard University’s CS50: Introduction to Computer Science (edX)
Best for: Beginners who want a comprehensive introduction to computer science.
Harvard’s CS50 is widely regarded as one of the best introductory programming courses available online. This free course, hosted on edX, covers fundamental concepts of computer science, including algorithms, data structures, memory management, and web development. You’ll learn languages such as C, Python, SQL, and JavaScript, making it a solid foundation for anyone serious about coding.
While challenging, CS50 is perfect for beginners due to its structured content and hands-on approach. The course includes weekly problem sets and projects that help solidify the concepts learned in the lectures. Though the course is free, there’s an option to pay for a certificate, which can be a great addition to your resume.
- Duration: 12 weeks (self-paced)
- Cost: Free (with a certificate option for $199)
- Platform: edX
2. Python for Everybody (Coursera)
Best for: Beginners looking to specialize in Python programming.
Python is one of the most popular programming languages due to its simplicity and versatility. Python for Everybody, taught by Dr. Charles Severance on Coursera, is an ideal course for beginners. The course starts with the very basics of programming, such as installing Python, variables, loops, and functions. As you progress, you’ll move into more complex concepts like databases and web scraping.
The program consists of five courses that take you from zero programming knowledge to being able to write scripts, analyze data, and create basic web applications. With the real-world applications covered, this course prepares learners to use Python in a professional setting.
- Duration: Approximately 8 months (self-paced)
- Cost: Free (with a certificate option for $49/month)
- Platform: Coursera
3. The Complete Web Developer Bootcamp 2024 (Udemy)
Best for: Aspiring full-stack web developers.
Udemy’s Complete Web Developer Bootcamp by Colt Steele is one of the most popular web development courses, and for good reason. This comprehensive course covers everything you need to know to become a full-stack web developer, from HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to more advanced topics like Node.js, MongoDB, and Express.js.
The course is highly practical, with over 60 hours of video content, 100 coding exercises, and multiple projects. You’ll build real-world applications like a Yelp-like review site, a social network, and various API integrations, which can serve as great portfolio pieces when applying for jobs.
- Duration: 60+ hours (self-paced)
- Cost: $18 to $150 (often discounted)
- Platform: Udemy
4. Machine Learning Specialization (Coursera – Andrew Ng)
Best for: Intermediate learners interested in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Machine learning is one of the fastest-growing fields in technology, and the Machine Learning Specialization on Coursera, taught by Andrew Ng, is considered the gold standard for anyone looking to break into the field. This course covers the basics of machine learning, including supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and deep learning.
The course is part of a specialization that includes three modules. You’ll work with programming languages like Python and tools like TensorFlow to build models and make predictions based on data. This program is highly regarded and widely recommended for both students and professionals looking to enter the data science or AI industry.
- Duration: 3 months (self-paced)
- Cost: Free to audit (with a certificate option for $49/month)
- Platform: Coursera
5. FreeCodeCamp
Best for: Learners looking for an entirely free, community-driven platform to learn web development.
FreeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization that offers free coding lessons covering topics from basic HTML and CSS to more advanced JavaScript frameworks like React and Node.js. What makes FreeCodeCamp stand out is its project-based learning approach. Learners complete challenges and real-world projects, earning certifications in areas like front-end development, back-end development, and data visualization.
The community aspect is also a huge draw, with millions of users worldwide who contribute to forums, open-source projects, and coding meetups. FreeCodeCamp is an excellent resource for self-taught learners who want a hands-on approach without paying for premium content.
- Duration: Varies (self-paced)
- Cost: Free
- Platform: FreeCodeCamp
6. Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate (Coursera)
Best for: Those interested in automating tasks with Python for IT-related work.
Google offers this Python Automation certificate on Coursera, designed specifically for IT professionals or individuals looking to automate routine tasks. The six-course program teaches you how to use Python to write scripts, automate tasks, and work with Git and GitHub for version control.
This course is beginner-friendly but focuses on practical skills used in IT support, such as troubleshooting, cloud computing, and working with large datasets. It’s an excellent program for anyone looking to improve their Python skills within the context of IT.
- Duration: 6 months (self-paced)
- Cost: $49/month (financial aid available)
- Platform: Coursera
7. MIT OpenCourseWare: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python
Best for: Self-motivated learners who want access to one of the best educational resources from a top university for free.
MIT’s OpenCourseWare (OCW) is an incredible resource that provides free access to many of the institute’s courses, including the highly-regarded Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python. This course is designed for students with little to no programming experience and teaches the fundamentals of computer science using Python.
The course includes lecture notes, assignments, and exams from MIT, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. While there is no official certificate, it’s an excellent resource for learners who want the rigor of an MIT education without the cost.
- Duration: Varies (self-paced)
- Cost: Free
- Platform: MIT OpenCourseWare
8. Codecademy Pro
Best for: Interactive learners who want to learn coding through practical exercises.
Codecademy offers a wide range of coding courses, and its Pro version provides learners with an even deeper and more interactive experience. Codecademy’s courses cover multiple languages, including Python, JavaScript, Java, Ruby, and more. It’s known for its hands-on approach, where you write code directly in the browser and receive immediate feedback.
The Pro version also includes quizzes, projects, and career paths tailored to specific programming jobs, like web developer or data scientist. Codecademy is an excellent option for beginners who learn best through doing rather than listening to lectures.
- Duration: Varies (self-paced)
- Cost: $39.99/month
- Platform: Codecademy
9. Stanford University’s Algorithms Specialization (Coursera)
Best for: Those looking to dive deep into algorithms and data structures.
The Algorithms Specialization from Stanford University, available on Coursera, is an in-depth course for learners interested in algorithms and how they work. This is a more advanced course, so it’s best suited for individuals with some prior coding experience, particularly in Python or Java.
This program covers essential topics such as graph theory, greedy algorithms, dynamic programming, and network flows. If you’re pursuing a career in software engineering or want to participate in coding competitions, this course will equip you with the necessary problem-solving skills.
- Duration: 4 months (self-paced)
- Cost: Free to audit (with a certificate option for $49/month)
- Platform: Coursera
10. Khan Academy: Computer Programming
Best for: Beginners looking for a completely free and well-organized introduction to coding.
Khan Academy is famous for offering free educational content across a variety of subjects, including computer programming. The Computer Programming section of Khan Academy offers lessons in JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and SQL. The platform’s interactive environment makes it a great resource for beginners who want to get their hands dirty with code from the start.
Khan Academy’s videos and exercises are designed to build foundational programming skills while encouraging creative projects, making it a fantastic option for younger learners or those new to the field.
- Duration: Varies (self-paced)
- Cost: Free
- Platform: Khan Academy
Whether you’re just starting your programming journey or looking to build on your existing skills, these courses offer high-quality learning experiences tailored to different goals and experience levels.
