In a world that’s increasingly online and operated by computers, professionals who work in that arena can expect to be in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of web developers and digital designers will grow 8% between 2023 and 2033, twice as fast as the average 4% projected growth rate for all occupations.
But just because you don’t have a computer science degree doesn’t mean you missed your chance to learn how to code. Bootcamps and online courses can teach you various programming languages that are essential for creating websites and apps.
Many of the best online coding bootcamps come with certificates of completion, career coaching and other support resources, but they also can cost thousands of dollars. If you’re unsure whether to make the financial commitment to one of those programs, check out free coding bootcamps and free coding classes online to learn the basics and get a feel for the work.
Can You Complete a Coding Bootcamp for Free?
Yes, some websites offer free coding bootcamps or free individual courses. These can be great options for people who are interested in coding but aren’t ready to commit to a paid bootcamp, which can be a hefty financial investment.
Free online coding classes and bootcamps may be funded by grants, or they may be operated by a volunteer community passionate about helping aspiring or upskilling developers. Exploring these free resources can be an excellent way to start coding or build upon coding knowledge you already have.
Free Coding Bootcamps vs. Paid Coding Bootcamps
If free coding bootcamps exist, why do people spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on paid bootcamps?
While programs and providers vary, paid bootcamps typically have more robust curricular offerings than free bootcamps. They may also have one-on-one mentoring and career services such as mock interviews to help bootcamp graduates polish the soft skills they need to land a job.
Students who enroll in free coding bootcamps may not have access to all the resources paid bootcamps offer, but they can learn to code for free and have foundational skills to start building a portfolio of projects. Learners who complete free coding programs may eventually decide they want to enroll in a paid program to add a new skill or earn a new credential.
Free courses are often self-paced, while paid offerings may include live sessions with instructors who can answer students’ questions in real time.
Where to Find Free Online Coding Bootcamps for Beginners
Below are a few options for online free coding bootcamps.
freeCodeCamp
- Responsive web design
- JavaScript algorithms and data structures
- Front-end development libraries
- Data visualization
- Relational database
- Back-end development and APIs
- Quality assurance
- Scientific computing with Python
- Data analysis with Python
- Information security
- Machine learning with Python
- College algebra with Python
- Certified full-stack developer curriculum
- Foundational C# with Microsoft certification
- A2 English for developers
- B1 English for developers
The mission of donor supported 501(c)(3) charity freeCodeCamp, which was founded in 2014, is to teach people to code for free. Its thorough catalog includes tracks on front- and back-end development, information security, data visualization and more. The organization doesn’t consider itself to be a coding bootcamp, but students can earn certifications for the various tracks they complete.
Students complete hands-on projects throughout these courses, and freeCodeCamp offers a library of guides on topics such as learning Linux for beginners, how to build an AI chatbot and coding career preparation.
The Odin Project
- Full-stack Ruby on Rails
- Full-stack JavaScript
Originating in 2013, The Odin Project has a free, open-source coding curriculum maintained by a volunteer team. Learners start with the Foundations course, where they learn the basics of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git and other necessary components for the developer’s toolbox.
Students can build upon this introductory course by choosing from two learning paths: either a seven-course JavaScript curriculum or an eight-course Ruby on Rails option. Both paths include projects so learners can get hands-on experience with concepts as they are introduced to them.
Skillcrush
- Camp Skillcrush
Curious learners can take a brief quiz on Skillcrush’s website to help them determine if they should explore a career in tech. The company’s free online coding bootcamp teaches the basics of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, visual and web design, and user experience, so learners can get a good feel for whether this is the right avenue for them.
Those who want to go further can pay for Skillcrush’s Break Into Tech job training program, where they choose from full-stack developer, front-end developer or UI/UX designer certificate tracks. The platform also offers paid courses in Python for web apps and data, front-end development, user experience, and visual design.
App Academy
- App Academy Open
Aspiring coders can access App Academy’s Full-Time Coding Bootcamp curriculum at no cost through the platform’s App Academy Open offering.
Unlike the 24-week version of this online bootcamp, which charges tuition and includes real-time training sessions, students can learn with the free bootcamp curriculum at their own pace. The program guides students through setting up a coding environment, then through more than 500 hours of course material, learners explore Git and Github, data structures, SQL, React, Python and more.
Codecademy
- Various individual courses
While not a bootcamp, Codecademy offers free coding classes online in beginner-friendly subjects such as learning HTML, SQL and C# that students can use to learn on their own. Free intermediate-level courses include how to learn React, learning game development with Phaser.js and an introduction to language models in Python.
Learners who complete these free courses, each of which includes hands-on projects, may decide that they want to pursue some of Codecademy’s paid options. The New York-based company offers skill paths—such as a series of lessons, projects and quizzes designed to help students become full-stack engineers—and preparation for popular certifications including those from CompTIA and Amazon Web Services.
However, while some courses and other Codecademy resources are free, learners who want full access to the projects, skill paths and certification prep must pay for one of the site’s subscription plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Free Coding Bootcamps
What are the best online free coding bootcamps?
The best online free coding bootcamps and courses for you are the ones that can help you learn the skills you want and meet your coding goals. Quality programs typically offer a blend of instruction and hands-on projects to help you apply what you learn.
Are free coding courses legit?
Yes, free coding courses can be especially useful for people who are just starting out learning to code or who are already versed in some coding languages and want to add to their skill set. However, a paid bootcamp may be a better option for individuals who are looking for certification or hoping to transition into a career in the tech industry.
How much does a coding bootcamp cost?
Coding bootcamps can cost anywhere from $0 to the same price as a college degree. The cost may reflect what you get from the program; for example, a paid bootcamp may include online live sessions with an instructor, as well as career support such as interview preparation, that free bootcamps may not offer.
Do people actually get hired from coding bootcamps?
Yes, it’s possible to get a job employing the skills you learn from a coding bootcamp; some bootcamps even offer a money-back job guarantee, though these guarantees often come with strict terms and conditions. Some bootcamps include interview preparation and other career services to help program graduates get hired.
