How to learn to code on freeCodeCamp

Today, I want to share my thoughts on becoming a web developer without spending money on courses.

If you’re looking for a completely free and accessible way to start, FreeCodeCamp is an excellent choice. I’ll walk you through its features and how it can help you kickstart your journey in web development.

FreeCodeCamp offers an intuitive and beginner-friendly learning curve.

Allow me to walk you through the course:

It starts with the Responsive Web Design Certification, which teaches the basics of modern web development. Responsive design ensures that your web pages look great on any device—whether it’s a mobile phone, tablet, or desktop. This certification begins with HTML and CSS, the foundation of web development, which are very basic yet essential tools for creating and styling web pages.

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The platform provides detailed instructions, clear goals, and an interactive interface where you can test your code as you learn. It even covers accessibility, which might not make much sense when you start coding but becomes vital as you gain experience and care about making websites accessible to everyone. If you need more time, you can skip certain sections and revisit them when you dive deeper.

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As you progress, you’ll encounter practical tools like CSS frameworks, which are incredibly helpful for styling your web pages. You’ll also complete projects, such as building a tribute page or creating a personal portfolio website. These projects not only help you practice but also allow you to create tangible results to showcase in your portfolio. You don’t have to complete all the projects if they feel repetitive—just focus on what suits your goals and learning style.

Moving beyond the basics, FreeCodeCamp introduces JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures, which are crucial for programming. JavaScript is the backbone of interactive web applications, and mastering its concepts will prepare you for real-world scenarios. Though seemingly boring at first, regular expressions become invaluable when solving specific problems in your projects.

FreeCodeCamp also includes advanced sections, such as Front End Libraries Certification, where you can learn frameworks like React and Redux. React is widely used in the industry, and Redux complements it by efficiently managing the state of your applications, especially in larger projects.

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For your information, here are some certificates I achieved, which indicate the hours I put into completing the courses.

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If you’re interested in backend development, the API and Microservices Certification teaches you how to write server-side code using Node.js and Express.js. Yes, you hear right. With the JavaScript language you picked up alongside the front end web development, you can build backend service with it. If you’re into web development, JavaScript is a powerful and popular language for both front end and backend.

The database is an essential part of the backend. In freeCodeCamp, you can access tutorials about MongoDB, a database used to store and retrieve data. While security is briefly covered, in real-world scenarios, larger companies often have dedicated teams to handle this aspect, so developers can focus on building their applications.

Finally, the Coding Interview Preparation section is a great resource if you’re preparing to land your first job. It includes algorithm challenges and projects to test your knowledge and improve your problem-solving skills.

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Some people criticize FreeCodeCamp for spoon-feeding instructions, but I think this structure is helpful for beginners with no prior experience. It gradually builds your confidence and teaches you how to think like a programmer. Over time, you’ll become more independent and capable of tackling coding challenges on your own.

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Consistency is key when learning to code. Even if you’re busy, dedicate a little time each day to practice. FreeCodeCamp helps you build a portfolio with every assignment, and while it’s tempting to look up solutions online, resist the urge. Struggling with a problem and solving it on your own is critical to developing real programming skills.

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Lastly, don’t worry too much about writing perfect code as a beginner. Focus on understanding concepts and improving over time. Attend meetups or join online communities to stay motivated and share your journey with others who share similar goals.

For those deciding between FreeCodeCamp and Harvard’s CS50, it depends on your goals. FreeCodeCamp is perfect for becoming a web developer, while CS50 dives deeper into computer science concepts, making it a great complement if you want a more comprehensive understanding of programming.

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In summary, FreeCodeCamp provides everything you need to start your web development journey for free. Take it step by step, stay consistent, and enjoy the process. Before you know it, you’ll be building projects, applying for jobs, and achieving your goals as a web developer!