Programming and Code: Check out 5 sites to learn to program for free

Have you always wanted to create programs, games, or simply understand how certain software works? For that you need to know how to program. However, computer programming is not something that simple and when looking for a specialized course on the subject it is usually very expensive. Fortunately, there are several services on the Internet that can help you to explore the amazing and challenging world of programming at no cost!

What is programming and what is it for?

Before commenting on the sites that offer programming courses for free, we need to understand what it actually means program And what is this skill for? If we are going to take the definition of the word literally, we will say that programming means an action of planning and giving instructions to some device so that it works in a specific way.

In other words, the programming deals with code and algorithms that create instructions interpreted by an electronic device for it to perform a task. For example, imagine that you are a class teacher at a school. In the school environment, it is common to see the teacher talking to the students in this way: “read the page and then complete the exercise”.

In this case, we noticed that there were instructions from the teacher, hoping that they would be carried out in the way they were planned, without deviations from the purpose or objective. Programming is basically that, only involving code and programming languages, not people.

Programming is one of the pillars that sustains and moves the world of technology, present in various devices of our daily lives: from refrigerators to smartphones. It is up to the programmer to create code and use programming writing languages ​​so that all these devices work the way they are supposed to.

Can you imagine, for example, a situation in which the computer restarts itself several times, or deletes files without the user's command? What if that app you use every day starts behaving strangely or keeps crashing? Programming is the guarantee that programs perform their tasks correctly and that the user is not harmed.

The uses of programming

If you are interested in how to program or expand your knowledge in the area, you may also have thought about what kinds of things you would like to create and develop using code and programming languages.

Well, know that the possibilities are many. It all depends on your interest in what you would like to work with and specialize in your day to day. Below are some options for finding your way around what types of projects you can do as a programmer.

Operational systems

Whether Windows, Linux or Mac on computers, or Android and iOS on smartphones, none of these electronic devices would work without an operating system.

It "cake recipe" that manages all device processes is purely software programming and ensures that your computer and smartphone will work correctly.

Website creation and maintenance

In addition to a good dose of creativity, an essential element for creating and managing websites and web content is knowing and knowing how to use certain programming languages.

Unlike languages ​​intended for creating programs and software, languages ​​such as HTML, JavaScript, among others, they are programming languages ​​focused on the practicality and flexibility of the Internet world.

Apps

One of the most popular applications of programming today is in the development of applications for mobile devices. The creation and management of these small and large smartphone programs behave similarly to computer software.

The difference lies in the most current languages ​​that programmers use and the different frameworks (work environments) necessary for their coding and implementation.

GAMES

If you dream of one day creating your own digital game, know that knowing programming is essential to complete a game project.

Whether in the development part, graphic design or even animation, the designer needs to master one or more programming languages ​​and different software tools to transform his idea into a real digital creation.

Programming languages ​​to learn and master  

Programming is an area that encompasses many types of languages. And as there are several fields of activity in which specific languages ​​perform better, you may feel a little lost not knowing where to start your studies in view of the different opportunities in the job market.

Therefore, we list below 5 programming languages currently used, exploring the different characteristics of each one of them, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of application that the programmer has in mind.

Python

Born in the 1990s, the language Python (despite having a snake as a logo, it has nothing to do with the pet) can be used for various purposes in programming: from web applications, electronic games and even artificial intelligence for the robotics industry.

One of the main features of Python that have made this language so popular in recent years is its clear and modern syntax, characterizing it as a high-level language. In addition, starting to program in Python is very easy, allowing programmers to write code that is readable, organized and with a high degree of reusability by other companies and programmers.

C

Created in 1972, C It is one of the oldest programming languages ​​in existence. Despite this, it is far from obsolete or outdated. To this day it receives constant updates and remains one of the most used among programmers. Such success is due to its accessibility, autonomy, portability and, above all, simplicity to create simple programs or complex projects.

Among the main uses of C are the programming of software with functions directly related to the target device (specific hardware components such as sound or video cards). In addition, the language also allows you to create from databases to text editors.

Java

Emerged in the 90s, the language Java remains one of the most used in programming today. And although it divides opinions, its coding syntax is similar to older languages, such as the C language. One of the highlights of the Java language is that it is cross-platform. From the moment the developer creates and finalizes a code, it becomes available for use on other platforms, depending on the portability level of their language.

Mastering the Java language means you'll have a whole market of mobile devices and apps to explore. Especially in portable devices with Android, the most used operating system in the world.

C++

As its name implies, the language C++ it is an evolution of C. Appeared in the 1980s, this language inherited several elements from its “mother”, but it is aimed at more complex applications and solutions in the computing world.

By specializing in C++, a programmer is able to develop electronic games, image or audio editors, operating systems and programs for research and scientific calculation.

C#

If the C language were a Pokémon, we could say that the C# It's its latest evolution. But nerdy comparisons aside, this language was created by Microsoft in 2002 and is widely used in its most popular programming platform, Visual Studio.

Taking all that C and C++ had the best and adding several other functionalities and resources, C# emerged to make application development more flexible (in this case for projects and platform solutions). . NET framework, also from Microsoft).

This language attracts many developers, since one of its differentials is having a coding syntax strongly based on Java and C++, making the programming task more familiar and simple for those who already master these languages.

Extra: PHP

Of the five languages ​​mentioned in this article, one that we could not fail to mention is the PHP. This language so popular in the world of web development is the acronym for Personal Home Page, later transformed into PHP Hipertext Preprocessor.

Currently, PHP is mainly used to create dynamic websites on the internet. These types of sites require content managers (CMS) that have many features for publishing texts, photos, videos and links. Examples of this are WordPress, Joomla and Drupal platforms, etc.

Unlike other web languages, PHP is distinguished by its portability and reusability in different types of environments and platforms. These features attract many beginners and experienced programmers in the world of website coding.

Free courses for you to learn how to program

Usually, when thinking about learning to program, our first ideas go to college courses like Computer Science/Engineering, Information Systems, or similar or even short-term technical courses. However, these two options usually demand so much an investment of money and time that many do not have.

Fortunately, there are several online teaching platforms dedicated exclusively to teaching programming languages ​​and how to program for both laypeople and students or computer professionals who want to specialize.

Below we list five sites that provide free courses and knowledge to users interested in learning how to program and who want to become subject matter experts. Several of them offer certificates of completion, so you can really prove that you have dedicated yourself to your studies, know how to program and are able to develop programs, applications or even games.

Just be aware that all of them are developed completely in English, so you will have to have a minimum knowledge of the language to understand the teachings and perform the exercises. Don't forget to check the forums for each platform to clear up any doubts with other users.

1. BitDegree

O BitDegree offers several free courses: from programming to game development. Its system works with conventional online courses and others that include gamification. The latter increase achievements and interaction in the learning process. The advantage of the platform is that you can choose the best language for you to start learning.

The site offers a variety of programming languages, but the most popular are:

• HTML
• CSS
• PHP
• JavaScript
• SQL
• jQuery

2. Code Academy

O Code Academy is one of the best teaching platforms in the computing area to learn to program. The site covers from introductory studies on the main uses of a specific language, showing projects for the student to practice and activities to develop.

With all its content available only in English, Code Academy provides specific classes on each of the main programming languages:

• HTML
• JavaScript
• CSS
• PHP
• jQuery
• Python
• Ruby

3. MIT Open Courseware

The service OpenCourseWare Initiative brings all MIT undergraduate and professional training courses (the famous and prestigious “Massachusetts Institute of Technology”) to the online environment, offering a high level education to its users.

There are many subjects available, most of which focus on Computer Science, with the option of taking a full degree or choosing to take individual courses in Python, C, C++ or Java, for example.

4. Free Code Camp

O Free Code Camp is a huge community specializing in open source programming, offering daily challenges, projects to develop and certificates that attest to the programmer's proficiency and quality.

When using the services offered by the site, the student has complete freedom to do everything at his own time, without having to worry about deadlines and schedules. All content is free and the user even has access to a tool that finds other programmers close to him.

Some of the languages ​​and skills covered by Free Code Camp are:

• HTML5
• CSS3
• javascript
• Node.js
• React.js
• D3. js
• Database
• Git and Github

5. Code School

O Code School It is an online learning platform that offers free and paid courses. It is currently used by over 1 million users worldwide, organized into different learning paths and defined by different languages ​​and skills.

Some of the courses included in the service are:

• HTML and CSS
• JavaScript
• Ruby
• Elixir
• PHP
• Python
• iOS
• Databases

6. hacker Rank

HackerRank is a great option for anyone who wants to learn programming in quick doses. It has learnings like “Learn programming in 30 days”, logic courses and much more.

In addition, HackerRank also has a network of companies and professionals at its disposal, who can have access to how users are doing in courses and contact them for job opportunities. Cool huh?

7. codementor

You know that, to learn programming, the most important thing is to get your hands dirty, right? That's why Codementor is a great option, as it has curated projects for students to train their skills and all code used in it is reviewed by mentors who send feedback and suggestions for improvement. Amazing, huh?

8. Stackoverflow

This one is a little more complex and less learning, being focused more on developers and programmers who need to ask questions, serving as a great code discussion forum. Honestly, if you work with programming, at least once a month you will visit this site — bookmark it!

9. W3Schools

W3Schools is currently one of the most popular sites with free programming courses among the dev community around the world. With courses ranging from HTML to more unique situations such as XML, as well as classes on how to configure the Raspberyy Pi, the page is a great choice for anyone who wants to enter this world.

10. GeekforGeeks

With courses ranging from topic introduction to interview preparation, the site GeekforGeeks is seen by many programmers as one of the top online learning platforms available on the market today.

In addition to the courses, the site has a powerful library with answers to specific topics that can be of great help to the doubts that arise during users' learning.

Source: Towards DataScience