15 places you can learn coding for free

1. MIT open courseware

MIT offers free course content available for you to browse through at your leisure. Choose from courses such as Introduction to Programming in Java, Introduction to Computer Science and Programming and Practical Programming in C.

2. Code Academy

Code Academy is a well-known first stop for those looking to begin their coding education. Students can choose from several different track courses, focusing on JavaScript, PHP, Python, jQuery, Ruby and HTML + CSS.

3. Khan Academy

One of the original free online coding resources, Khan Academy has come a long way. With easy-to-follow course sections with step-by-step video tutorials, Khan Academy is a great place to get started with your coding career.

5. Coursera

The king of online education, Coursera offers free classes from dozens of universities across the country, with a healthy smattering of coding classes for those with the desire to learn.

6. Udemy

Udemy offers a ton of great video courses on everything from personal improvement to computer programming. There are plenty of free courses which are well suited for beginners. Most of the in-depth courses come with a cost, but there are often discounts and 50 percent coupons floating around the Web that can bring down prices.

7. Udacity

Udacity is another great source to jumpstart your coding cognition. You can pay for their guided courses, which include a personal coach to help you develop your skills and lead you in the right direction, or browse their courseware materials pro bono.

8. Google University Consortium

Google's University Consortium offers free courses on mobile/android development, web development and programming languages. The materials tend to be catered for more intermediate to advanced users, although there is a smattering of content for beginners too.

9. edX

edX offers tons of MOOCs, including courses on programming. Current upcoming programming classes include Programming for Everybody (Python) and Programming Mobile Applications for Android Handheld Systems.

10. Harvard University's CS50 class

This free introduction-to-computer-science course is taught with a focus on C, PHP, and JavaScript plus SQL, CSS, and HTML. You will learn the ins and outs of programming, how to think algorithmically and concepts including algorithms, encapsulation, security, and web development. Upon successful completion of the course, you can pay $90 to receive a certificate of verification.

11. Code.org

With Code.org, you can learn the basics of computer science through a drag and drop, feature-packed learning experience. As a self-directed tutorial, complete with lectures from some of the biggest names in programming (think Mark Zuckerberg), you can work at your own pace.

12. Code School

As the name implies, Code School is where you go to learn coding, programming, and related skills. This resource is unique in the way it provides "paths." Each path is focused on specific skills related to a particular programming language, such as Ruby, HTML/CSS and JavaScript.

13. Dash by General Assembly

For true beginners, Dash by General Assembly is a top choice. It teaches HTML, CSS, and JavaScript via browser-based activities and exercises. Learning to code in your browser translates well when it comes time to take on a "real life" project.

14. Code Conquest

For many, the first step into the world of coding is the most challenging. Code Conquest offers a free online guide for beginners, to help you ease into it. Through this free guide, you can learn the basics of coding, complete free coding tutorials, learn how to use a particular coding language and select the coding training that is best for you.

15. TheCodePlayer

TheCodePlayer shows you detailed presentations that outline how others have built websites and apps, among other things, from scratch. Each lesson comes complete with a video and in-depth description.