“Top Free Websites to Learn Coding for Students”

Afzaal Blog

 




When I started learning to code, I had two problems:

  1. I was broke.
  2. I had no idea where to begin.

I couldn’t pay for fancy courses. I didn’t own a credit card. And I definitely wasn’t going to ask my parents to buy me another “online thing.” So, I had to find something free — something real — and it had to work.

Good news? I found it.
Great news? I’m about to share it with you.

Whether you want to build websites, make apps, or just earn some extra money while studying, these websites are 100% free and perfect for students. No tricks. No hidden costs. And yes — no credit card needed.

1. freeCodeCamp

Website: freecodecamp.org

This was my starting point. And honestly, it’s still one of my favorites.

freeCodeCamp gives you lessons on:

  • HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  • Python
  • Data science
  • Machine learning
  • APIs

You read, you try the code, and boom — it’s like having a smart friend who doesn’t charge you. Best part? You even get certificates when you finish the courses.

2. Khan Academy

Website: khanacademy.org

Khan Academy feels like school, but way cooler. The animations are fun, and the teachers don’t yell.

They teach:

  • HTML, CSS
  • JavaScript
  • Computer science basics
  • Animation and game coding

The website is easy to use, and everything is broken into short, simple lessons. I watched a lot of these while eating chips. Learning was actually fun.

3. W3Schools

Website: w3schools.com

W3Schools is the site you go to when you want quick answers or just want to play with code right away.

You can learn:

  • Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
  • Backend stuff like PHP, SQL, and Python
  • Responsive design with Bootstrap

It also has a “Try it Yourself” button on every lesson, so you don’t even need to download anything. Just code in the browser. Simple and fast.

4. The Odin Project

Website: theodinproject.com

If you’re serious about becoming a full-stack developer (front and back end), The Odin Project is gold.

It teaches:

  • Full web development
  • Git and GitHub
  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • Node.js, React, and more

It feels like a proper bootcamp — but free. Yes, actually free. I almost thought it was a trap. It wasn’t.

5. CS50x by Harvard (on edX)

Website: cs50.harvard.edu/x

This course is from Harvard. Yes, the fancy one. But it’s free.

It’s not the easiest course, but it teaches the real core of computer science. You’ll learn:

  • Problem solving
  • Algorithms
  • Programming in C, Python, and more

If you want to understand how and why code works — not just copy-paste stuff — this is for you.

6. Sololearn

Website: sololearn.com

Sololearn is like a mini coding app for your phone or browser. You can learn while waiting for the bus, sitting in class (don’t tell my teacher), or during lunch.

It has lessons on:

  • Python
  • JavaScript
  • C++, Java, HTML, and more

You learn in small steps and test your code right away. And yes, they even have quizzes and a fun coding community.

7. Google’s Grasshopper App

App only: Search “Grasshopper” in Play Store or App Store

If you’re totally new to coding, start here.

Grasshopper teaches JavaScript through fun little puzzles. It feels more like a game than a lesson. And it’s made by Google, so it works well.

Great for kids, teens, or tired students who just want something chill.

Bonus: YouTube Channels (Because, duh!)

Okay, YouTube isn’t a website just for coding — but it has some of the best free coding tutorials ever. Search these names:

  • Programming with Mosh
  • Web Dev Simplified
  • BroCode
  • Traversy Media

They explain things in a friendly, clear way. I learned how to build my first full website from a YouTube video — while eating noodles.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a degree. You don’t need money. And you definitely don’t need a credit card.

All you need is:

  • Wi-Fi
  • A bit of curiosity
  • A willingness to break stuff (and fix it)

These websites helped me start from zero. Today, I’m building real projects, working with clients, and making extra income while I study.

If I can do it, so can you.

So grab your laptop, pick a site, and start typing your first line of code. You might be surprised where it takes you.

P.S. If you want a full learning path (with what to learn first), let me know — I’ll send you my personal cheat sheet for free. No card. No login. Just help.


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