Are you looking to learn programming in 2023?
Learning to program is a valuable skill that can open up a world of opportunities, both personally and professionally. With the proliferation of online learning platforms, it’s easier than ever to get started with programming. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine which platform is the best fit for you.
To help you out, we have compiled a list of the 7 best online course platforms to learn programming in 2023. These platforms offer a range of courses for beginners as well as experienced programmers, and have a reputation for providing high-quality education.
In this article, we will introduce you to these platforms and discuss their features, pricing, and course offerings.
Whether you want to learn a specific programming language or dive into a new field like machine learning, you’ll find a platform on this list that can help you achieve your goals.
In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 7 best online course platforms to learn programming, along with my top 3 platforms, so you can choose the best one.
Udemy
Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of high-quality bootcamps and courses on a variety of topics, including programming.
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Educative
Educative is an interactive online platform that offers coding and programming courses, as well as hands-on projects and live coding environments.
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Pluralsight
Pluralsight is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses on topics such as programming, IT, and creative skills.
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What Are The Best Online Course Platforms to Learn Programming?
Several of the Online Course Platforms we listed in this article provide courses for a wide array of subjects and topics. However, In reviewing the course platforms, we solely looked at them from a programmer’s perspective.
Namely, we are looking at the quality of the courses, teachers, material and user experience for learning to program. Other factors include value in terms of price and how much you are getting for the platform.
My top picks are Udemy, Educative and Pluralsight.
However, any of the platforms in this list will serve you greatly in your journey to learn programming.
Here are my top picks for the 7 best online course platforms to learn programming:
1. Udemy
Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses in a variety of subjects, including programming.
With over 100,000 programming courses available on the platform, Udemy is a great resource for those looking to learn a new programming language or improve their existing skills. From beginner-level tutorials to advanced courses, Udemy has something for every level of programmer.
Additionally, Udemy’s flexible, self-paced format allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. With a variety of course formats including video lectures, interactive exercises, and projects,
Udemy’s programming courses provide a comprehensive learning experience. Whether you’re looking to learn a specific programming language like Python or Java, or want to dive into a new field like data science or machine learning, Udemy has a course to suit your needs.
Some of my favourite programming courses are from Udemy, Including “100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp for 2023“, “Web Developer Bootcamp with Flask and Python in 2022” and “Ultimate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate SAA-C03”.
Overview
- Wide range of courses: Udemy offers a wide range of programming courses, covering a variety of languages and topics. This includes popular languages like Python, Java, and C++, as well as specialized subjects like data science and machine learning.
- Flexible, self-paced format: Udemy’s courses are designed to be flexible and self-paced, allowing students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. This makes it easy to fit learning into a busy schedule, and allows students to progress at a pace that is comfortable for them.
- Interactive exercises and projects: Many of Udemy’s programming courses include interactive exercises and projects, which allow students to apply their learning and practice their skills in a hands-on way. These activities help students to better understand the material and build their skills in a more practical setting.
- Expert instructors: Udemy’s programming courses are taught by experienced professionals and experts in their field. This ensures that students are learning from knowledgeable and qualified instructors who can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the course.
Pricing
- Prices are paid per course ranging from $10 – $140
- Udemy offers a 30 day money back guarantee
- Udemy usually runs sales that can discount courses from $138 to under $30
What I Liked/Disliked About The Course Platform
What I Liked:
- Huge catalog of courses in many different languages
- Some of the courses offered can be your one-stop solution to learn a specific language
- The quality of courses and amount of material provided in each course is more than most platforms
What I Disliked:
- Most of the courses are geared towards beginner programmers, you will hardly find a very specialized programming course
Wrap Up
If you are not looking for a monthly subscription and are just looking to learn a single specific skill, Udemy is the choice for you.
Do take a look at some great Udemy alternatives if you want to get a better idea of the choices you have.
2. Educative
Educative is a comprehensive online learning platform that offers a wide range of programming courses for students of all levels. From beginner-level tutorials to advanced courses, Educative has something for every programmer.
With a focus on hands-on learning and interactive exercises, Educative’s programming courses are designed to help students build practical skills and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
Whether you’re looking to learn a specific programming language like Python or Java, or want to dive into a new field like data science or machine learning, Educative has a course to suit your needs.
Additionally, Educative’s courses are taught by experienced professionals and experts in their field, ensuring that you’re learning from knowledgeable and qualified instructors.
Some of the courses that may appeal to users are “Mint Your Own NFT”, “Become A C++ Programmer” and “Python 3 Beginner to Advanced”.
Overview
- Hands-on learning: Educative’s programming courses are designed to be hands-on and interactive, with a focus on practical skills and applying knowledge to real-world situations. Many courses include exercises and projects that allow students to practice their skills and build practical experience.
- Wide range of courses: Educative offers a wide range of programming courses, covering a variety of languages and topics. This includes popular languages like Python, Java, and C++, as well as specialized subjects like data science and machine learning.
- Expert instructors: Educative’s programming courses are taught by experienced professionals and experts in their field. This ensures that students are learning from knowledgeable and qualified instructors who can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the course.
- Comprehensive course materials: Educative’s programming courses include a range of course materials, including video lectures, interactive exercises, and quizzes. This allows students to learn in a way that best suits their needs and learning style.
Pricing
Educative’s pricing runs on a subscription basis
- 7 days free trial
- $17 per month to be billed annually for the Standard Subscription
- $21 per month to be billed annually for the Premium Subscription for unlimited access
- $59 to be billed monthly for a Standard Subscription
Additionally, courses can be purchased individually but range in prices.
What I Liked/Disliked About The Course Platform
What I Liked:
- Great user experience and sleek coding environments
- The courses place a good emphasis on industry experience and interview readiness
- The platform is specifically designed for programmers, so courses and user experience is more tailor-made than large course platforms
What I Disliked:
- Not much, it’s a fantastic platform
Wrap Up
If you are looking to fully dive into the programming industry and learn as much as you can in this area, Educative is the platform for you.
3. Pluralsight
Pluralsight is a leading online learning platform that offers a wide range of programming courses for individuals and businesses. Its comprehensive course library covers a variety of programming languages and technologies, including C#, Java, Python, and HTML/CSS.
Pluralsight’s courses are taught by experienced industry professionals and are designed to provide learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the rapidly changing world of technology.
Whether you are a beginner looking to learn programming for the first time or an experienced developer looking to expand your skillset, Pluralsight has a course to suit your needs.
Overview
- Comprehensive course library: Pluralsight offers a wide range of programming courses, covering a variety of languages and technologies.
- Expert instructors: Pluralsight’s courses are taught by experienced industry professionals who are passionate about teaching and have real-world experience in the topics they cover.
- Industry-Centric Learning: Pluralsight places a big emphasis on getting users ready for industry applications, providing projects and specialized application-based courses.
- Flexible learning options: Pluralsight offers a variety of learning options, including self-paced courses, instructor-led training, and customizable learning plans, so learners can choose the option that best fits their needs and schedule.
Pricing
Pluralsight’s pricing runs on a subscription basis
- 10 days free trial
- $29 per month to be billed monthly for the Standard Plan
- $45 per month to be billed monthly for the Premium Plan
See a detailed review on Pluralsight Pricing here.
What I Liked/Disliked About The Course Platform
What I Liked:
- There are courses for extremely specific niches in programming which are difficult to find in other course platforms
- “Paths” allow for newer programmers to find the right courses and not get lost
- Great user experience and interface
What I Disliked:
- Some of the content from courses are slightly out of date and could do with some updating
Wrap Up
If are looking for a platform that can provide ready-made course paths for your specific goals, Pluralsight is the right option for you
4. Linkedin Learning
LinkedIn Learning (previously known as Lynda.com) was founded by Lynda Weinman and her husband Bruce Heavin in 1995 as an online learning platform for creative professionals. In 2015, LinkedIn, a social networking platform for professionals, acquired Lynda.com and rebranded it as LinkedIn Learning.
The platform now offers a wide range of courses in various subject areas, including programming, business, and design, among others. It is designed to help individuals learn new skills and advance their careers through online learning.
Some programming courses include “Artificial Intelligence for Students”, “Learning C++” and “Machine Learning with Python: Foundations”.
Overview
- Integration with LinkedIn: LinkedIn Learning is integrated with LinkedIn, which means that you can easily share your completed courses and certifications with your professional network on the platform. This can help you showcase your skills and knowledge to potential employers or clients.
- Beginner-Friendly: Many of the courses are tailored towards those looking to pick up programming, as opposed to those looking for a deep dive.
- Long Free trial: LinkedIn Learning offers a free trial for individuals, which allows users to access a selection of courses for a limited time. This can be a good option for those who want to try out the platform before committing to a subscription.
- Great course quality: LinkedIn Learning’s courses are taught by leading experts in their respective fields, and it is a great option for anyone looking to get into programming
Pricing
Linkedin Learning’s pricing is on a subscription basis:
- 30 days free trial
- $29.99 per month to be billed monthly
- Or $24.99 per month to be billed annually
See a detailed review on How Much is Linkedin Learning here.
What I Liked/Disliked About The Course Platform
What I Liked:
- Integration with Linkedin makes it great for those looking to showcase their skills to future employers
- The platform is great for those just looking to diversify their skills and learn programming
- Very affordable and long free trial duration to see whether the platform is for you
What I Disliked:
- It is not very specialized for programmers, most of the courses are tailored for beginners and new programmers
Wrap Up
If you are looking for a course platform that can help you get job-ready and better prepare you for your next interview application (especially through Linkedin), then Linkedin Learning is for you.
5. Codecademy
Codecademy is a leading online platform that offers coding and programming courses for individuals of all skill levels. Whether you are a complete beginner looking to learn programming for the first time or an experienced developer seeking to expand your knowledge and skills, Codecademy has a course to suit your needs.
With interactive lessons and projects, Codecademy provides a hands-on learning experience that allows you to practice your skills as you progress through the course. In addition, Codecademy offers a variety of programming languages to choose from, including popular options such as Python, Java, HTML, and many more.
With a wide range of courses covering a variety of programming languages and concepts, Codecademy is a valuable resource for those looking to learn or improve their programming skills.
Some of the courses include: “Build Chatbots with Python”, “Introduction to Game Development” and “Pass the technical Interview with Python”.
Overview
- Interactive lessons and projects: Codecademy’s courses feature interactive lessons and projects that allow you to practice your skills as you progress through the course. This helps you to learn by doing, rather than simply reading or watching lectures.
- Wide range of courses: Codecademy offers a wide variety of programming courses covering a range of languages and concepts. This means that you can find a course that aligns with your interests and career goals.
- Personalized learning plans: Codecademy offers personalized learning plans that help you track your progress and set goals for your learning journey. This can help you stay motivated and on track as you work through the course.
- Great user experience and community: The Codecademy website is extremely easy to navigate and very user friendly. Additionally, it has a vibrant community that is very responsive to provide help.
Pricing
Codecademy offers 3 different plans
- The Basic Plan is Free and offers access to a limited range of courses
- $13.99 per month for the Pro Lite Plan that offers a wider range of courses and certificates upon the completion of courses
- $19.99 per month for the Pro Plan that offers unlimited access to all of Codecademy’s features
See a detailed review on Codecademy’s Pricing here.
What I Liked/Disliked About The Course Platform
What I Liked:
- Codecademy is built specifically for programmers and their catalog caters to both beginners and extremely specialized learners
- The User Interface and the community are excellent and always available to help
- The courses are very focused on industry readiness, and you can definitely find something that is suited for your career.
What I Disliked:
- Not much, this is an excellent platform for those all-in on programming
Wrap Up
If you are looking to commit yourself to learning programming regularly at an affordable price, Codecademy is for you.
6. FreeCodeCamp
FreeCodeCamp is a comprehensive and free online platform that offers coding and programming courses for individuals of all skill levels. With a wide range of courses covering a variety of programming languages and concepts, FreeCodeCamp is a valuable resource for those looking to learn or improve their programming skills.
In addition to its coding courses, FreeCodeCamp also offers a variety of resources and tools for programmers, including a code editor, a developer community, and a job board. These resources and tools can help you practice your skills, connect with other developers, and find job opportunities in the tech industry.
Whether you are just starting out in programming or have been working in the field for years, FreeCodeCamp has something to offer.
Some of the courses they offer include “Scientific Computing with Python”, “Machine Learning with Python” and “Coding Interview Prep”.
Overview
- Completely free: One of the main advantages of FreeCodeCamp is that it is completely free to use. This means that you can access all of the platform’s courses and resources without having to pay any fees.
- Wide range of courses: FreeCodeCamp offers a diverse selection of coding and programming courses covering a variety of languages and concepts. This means that you can find a course that aligns with your interests and career goals.
- Community and support: FreeCodeCamp has a large and active developer community that can provide support and guidance as you work through the courses. The platform also offers one-on-one support from experienced developers through its mentorship program.
- Career resources: In addition to its coding courses, FreeCodeCamp offers a range of resources to help users advance their careers, including a job board and information on how to prepare for technical interviews.
Pricing
- As the name suggests, it is completely FREE!
What I Liked/Disliked About The Course Platform
What I Liked:
- Incredible amount of resources for a free platform
- A great community and support culture to help you get through each course
- Lots of resources on career readiness and interview prep, which is great for industry readiness
What I Disliked:
- Some of the courses are extremely video heavy, however, how can you not like a free platform!
Wrap Up
If you are looking for a free option, FreeCodeCamp is without a doubt, the best option for you.
7. Coursera
As a highly reputable and widely recognized online learning platform, Coursera offers a diverse selection of programming and technology-related courses taught by expert instructors.
With flexible learning options, including the ability to learn at your own pace and through a mobile app, Coursera is a convenient and effective resource for those looking to gain new skills and advance their careers. In addition, many courses offer the opportunity to earn a certification upon completion, further demonstrating your knowledge and expertise to potential employers.
Some of the courses offered by Coursera include “Google IT Automation with Python” by Google, “Bachelor of Science in Computer Science” by University of London and “Python for Everybody” by University of Michigan.
Overview
- Wide range of courses: Coursera offers a wide range of programming and technology-related courses, including those in computer science, software engineering, data science, and more. This means that you can find a course that aligns with your interests and career goals.
- Expert instructors: Coursera’s courses are taught by leading experts in their respective fields, so you can be confident that you are learning from the best.
- Professionally-endorsed courses: Many of Coursera’s courses are endorsed by large organizations such as University of Michigan. This ensures that you will be guaranteed a quality course experience.
- Certification: Many Coursera courses offer the option to earn a certificate upon completion, which can be added to your resume and can demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Pricing
Coursera offers both free and paid courses.
- The free courses on Coursera cover a variety of topics and provide a good introduction to the platform.
- The pricing for Coursera Specializations and Degrees varies depending on the specific program. Some Specializations and Degrees may be offered for a flat fee, while others may be priced on a subscription basis.
- Coursera also offers financial aid for those who cannot afford to pay for a Specialization or Degree.
What I Liked/Disliked About The Course Platform
What I Liked:
- The courses come with professional certificates that can be used to boost your resume for job applications
- The courses are endorsed by large organizations and hold themselves to a high standard of education
- Some of the courses can be matched to the standards of a University course, condensed into a few months
What I Disliked:
- Many of the courses have a very long duration, which is not ideal for someone looking to learn a new skill quickly
Wrap Up
Overall, if you are looking for an option that will bring you as close to a formal education as possible, Coursera is for you.
Learning a skill through a Course Platform vs formal educations?
Online courses and degrees are both popular options for those looking to learn new skills or advance their careers. However, there are some key differences between the two that are worth considering.
One of the main advantages of online courses is their flexibility. With online courses, you can typically learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home. This can be a great option for those who have busy schedules or who prefer to learn on their own terms. Online courses also tend to be more affordable than traditional degrees, as they do not require you to pay for things like tuition, room and board, or other fees.
On the other hand, degrees can be a more comprehensive and structured way to learn. Degrees typically require a more in-depth study of a subject and may include hands-on learning experiences, such as internships or research projects.
Degrees can also be more valuable in terms of career advancement, as they can demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and expertise to potential employers. However, degrees can be more expensive and time-consuming than online courses, as they typically require a longer commitment and may involve additional costs such as tuition and fees, which is a substantial factor to consider.
Ultimately, the choice between online courses and degrees will depend on your personal goals and circumstances. Both options have their own benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
Related: 7 Best SQL Courses For Beginners in 2023 (Ranked)
Conclusion and Final Words
In conclusion, there are many great online course platforms available for those looking to learn programming. From comprehensive platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning to more specialized options like Codecademy and FreeCodeCamp, there is a platform to suit every need and budget.
Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your personal goals and learning style, as well as your budget and schedule. Whether you are a beginner looking to get started in programming or an experienced developer seeking to enhance your skills, there is an online course platform that can help you achieve your goals.
Read More: 7 Best Python Courses For Beginners in 2023 (Ranked)
