Learning web development can sometimes feel isolating, and with a plethora of information, it can be challenging to know where to start.
When I decided to start a self-hosted blog in 2013, I never would have thought it would inspire me to pursue a different path. Writing, designing, and managing a website sounded fun, but I needed to figure out where to begin or how to find reliable support when things inevitably broke.
Then, one fateful day (read: after an extensive Google search), I stumbled upon a few helpful gems of educational online goodness.
Here are seven tech communities and online learning resources to help make learning to code less daunting – especially when testing a new idea or troubleshooting a tricky block of code.
1. CodeNewbie
CodeNewbie started as a weekly Twitter chat and podcast by Saron Yitbarek featuring guests from different backgrounds and technical levels. It has since grown into a supportive international community of software and tech enthusiasts. Follow Codenewbie on Twitter @codenewbies for updates.
2. Edx.org
Edx.org is a MOOC that offers free and premium online tutorials for web development, game design development, computer science, and programming, among many other topics. Are you looking for a beginner-friendly course? Start with the popular Introduction to Computer Science, or CS50x for short. The self-paced course is a great kick-off point for learning computer science and a programming language’s basic syntax and logic.
3. Shay Howe
Shay Howe has excellent online tutorials that explain how to create website structures and layouts using HTML and CSS. The tutorials are approachable and written to take students from beginner to intermediate at their own pace.
4. CSS Tricks
CSS Tricks is a blog and web design community forum that publishes helpful and practical tips (and tricks) for writing CSS. You can search Google for any “how to” tutorial regarding CSS, and CSS Tricks will be among the top search results. Level up your CSS skills and sign up for their newsletter.
5. Web Development Bootcamp
Web Development Bootcamp by Colt Steele on Udemy. Colt Steele is a former Lead Instructor and Curriculum Director at Galvanize and was a Senior Course Developer at Udacity. Steele’s Udemy course is a 60+ hour Web Development Bootcamp packed with topics and features 13+ projects relevant for all skill levels – beginner or more advanced. So, make sure your favorite beverages and snacks are fully stocked and ready for this behemoth!
6. Frontend Mentor
Frontend Mentor – Build a portfolio, complete challenges, and boost confidence. Frontend Mentor features dozens of challenging projects for users to complete and add to their professional portfolios. Projects range from building simple web components and mock-ups to multi-page websites and apps. Most of the projects are free, and premium challenge options are available after signing up for a subscription.
7. Treehouse
Treehouse is an extensive online learning library for courses. As a member since 2013, I’d start with the Frontend Web Development Track or take the placement survey to help you better flesh out your learning goals.
Learn to write web and mobile applications or level up your skillset. Tutorials and workshops are updated (or added) almost daily. The learning platform also allows students to track their learning progress.
Treehouse’s community forum support is excellent for getting project feedback and posting questions. When you use my Treehouse affiliate link to sign up, you’ll get a 7-day FREE trial and 50% off your first month at Treehouse.
What resources have helped you along in your learn-to-code or upskilling journey?