Whether you’re a web developer who wants to improve your arsenal of existing skills, a non-developer looking to make a career change, or you’re simply interested in taking the steps to become fluent in programming languages, one of the best ways to break into the world of coding is through a decent coding bootcamp. These intensive online (and in-person, though this list is about online bootcamps only) classes take students through a whirlwind of a programming and coding curriculum that will ensure they come out understanding coding and the best practices that come along with it.
Here, we’ve put together a list of the best coding bootcamps that you can sign up for and complete exclusively online. Each of these programs come highly rated by real coding students who have decided to improve their existing web development skill set and, in some cases, make a total career change. We’re breaking down the best online coding bootcamps to help you narrow down your options and figure out which course is right for your career needs or level of existing skill — taking into account cost, curriculum, job opportunities, and class sizes.
From premium priced classes with Ivy-league teachers to free classes to dip your toe into the practice, if you’re interested in becoming fluent in coding, this is where you should look for top-notch instructors and well-designed curriculums that will take your skillset from amateur to coding professional in a few short weeks.
What to look for in a coding bootcamp
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Length of classes/course: Depending on the type of coding and the depth of which you want to study, selecting the appropriate length of your course is vital. If you’re hoping for a quick and easy primer into the world of coding, you won’t want a six-month college-level course. On the other hand, if you’re hoping for something a little more in-depth, you’ll likely want to look for something more substantial than an hour-long course every other week.
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Type of coding: Are you a developer hoping to learn more about Javascript? A beginner looking for a general overview? Coding is an umbrella term that encapsulates HTML, Python, JavaScript, PHP, and other programming languages. While most courses touch on more than one type of coding, be sure to look for a course that offers what you’re most keen to learn.
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Extent of community: Learning to code isn’t as hard as it seems on the surface, but it still takes commitment and stamina. If you know you learn better when you have access to your professor or fellow students to bounce concepts off of, look for a course that focuses on live classes or even a live Slack channel for getting in touch with your peers for studying purposes.
Not so much a coding course, but a great overview of what different types of coders do and the skills they’ll need in the workplace:
BEST OVERALL
Introduction to Computer Programming on Coursera
If you’re looking for an expert-led course to kickstart your web development learning and come out of it with tangible skills, you’ll love this challenging option.
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Length of course: 18 hours
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Skills covered: editing and running programs, Javascript
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Price: $39 per month after 7-day free trial
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTION
Ultimate Coding Bootcamp – Python, Game Dev, Web Dev on Udemy
With over 425K students across 35 courses, instructor Pablo Farias Navarro makes learning the ins and outs of coding and web development both engaging and fun.
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Length of course: 12 hours
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Skills covered: HTML, CSS, C#, Python
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Price: $94.99, but Udemy courses are often *deeply* discounted
BEST FOR PHILOSOPHY-BASED LEARNING
The Software Architect Code: Building the Digital World on edX
This comprehensive course will show you the ins and outs of what it means to be a web developer in an ever-changing digital landscape.
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Length of course: Eight weeks
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Price: Free to enroll (add a verified certificate for $129)
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Skills covered: Software design and understanding the role of a software architect
BEST FOR AN OVERVIEW
Coding for Beginners: You can code! on Skillshare
If you want to start learning to code but are scared to jump into it, this course will help ease you into the basics without overwhelming you with advanced information or concepts.
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Length of course: Self-paced with seven hours of video
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Skills covered: HTML, CSS, C#, Python
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Price: $15/month or $99/year for Skillshare Premium
BEST FOR WEBPAGE DEVELOPMENT
Front End Web Development by Treehouse
If you’re looking for a practical course that will expand your skill set in a community-focused environment, you’ll love this interactive online program.
BEST FOR MORE ADVANCED CODERS
Full Stack JavaScript on Treehouse
If you’re looking for a Javascript-specific course, this deep dive into the popular platform makes it easy to pick up and run with.
BEST FOR DESIGNERS AND CONTENT CREATORS
Creative Coding: Animating SVG with Simple CSS Code on Skillshare
Anyone looking for a fun, creativity-focused coding course will love this engaging alternative to traditional web development classes.
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Length of course: Self-paced
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Skills covered: CSS code and SVG animations
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Price: $15/month or $99/year for Skillshare Premium
BEST FOR MAKING A CAREER CHANGE
Succeeding in Web Development: Full Stack and Front End on Linkedin Learning
More of an overview of what it takes to shift into web development than a skill-specific class, this online course will leave you with a better understanding of the world of web developers.
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Length of course: Self-paced
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Skills covered: Understanding the skills and moves required for success in web development
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Price: $29.99/month after one-month free trial
