What are the best coding courses online?

Browse the coding courses below—popular starting points on Coursera. Coding Interview Preparation: Meta Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming: The University of Edinburgh Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose: Princeton University Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding: University of Michigan Vibe Coding Fundamentals: University of Colorado System Vibe Coding Essentials - Build Apps with AI: Scrimba

How do I choose the right coding course for my goals?

Start by identifying why you want to learn to code—whether it’s for web development , data science , app development , or general problem-solving. For a structured, beginner-friendly path, try the Meta Front-End Developer Certificate or Google IT Automation with Python . If you're interested in AI , start with Learn to code with AI by Scrimba. For web and software fundamentals, try Introduction to JavaScript Programming from Microsoft.

Which coding course should I start with as a beginner?

These beginner-friendly courses are ideal for learners with no prior programming experience: Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) – One of the most popular beginner coding courses globally. Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming by the University of Edinburgh – Teaches coding logic through visual programming. Crash Course on Python by Google – A short and structured introduction, ideal for learners in tech-adjacent roles.

What’s the difference between a coding course, Specialization, and Professional Certificate?

A course focuses on a specific language or skill—like Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML and CSS . A Specialization combines several courses to build proficiency—like Python for Everybody , which starts from the basics and builds up to data handling. A Professional Certificate prepares you for a job or career transition—such as the Meta Back-End Developer Certificate or IBM Full Stack JavaScript Developer Certificate .

Can I take free coding courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning coding on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many coding courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in coding, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What skills can I learn in coding courses?

Coding courses typically cover a wide array of essential programming skills including: Basics of programming languages like Python , Java , and JavaScript Web development techniques including HTML , CSS , and frameworks like React Software engineering principles and best practices Data structures and algorithms Mobile app development for iOS and Android Database management and SQL Cybersecurity basics and applications Developing and deploying software applications in cloud environments

Do I need prior experience in coding to start courses?

No prior coding experience is necessary to begin with beginner courses. The coding curriculum is designed to support learners at various levels: Absolute beginners can start with introductory programming concepts and simple coding tasks. Intermediate learners can build upon foundational skills with more complex programming projects. Advanced professionals can explore specialized topics such as machine learning or full-stack development .

What career opportunities are available with skills in coding?

Skills in coding can open doors to a variety of technical roles including: Software Developer Web Developer Data Analyst Systems Engineer Database Administrator Cybersecurity Analyst Professionals in these roles use coding skills to build software, manage data, secure digital assets, and solve complex technical problems.

Top Coding Courses - Learn Coding Online

Explore the Coding Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Mobile App Developers
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Prompt Patterns, Generative AI, Large Language Modeling, Responsible AI, AI Personalization, Mobile Development, ChatGPT, Anthropic Claude, Artificial Intelligence, LLM Application, Software Development Tools, Software Testing, Apple iOS, AI Product Strategy, Test Automation, Software Development, Machine Learning Methods, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
8.8K reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Creative Coding for Designers Using Python
Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Generative AI, Simulations, Computer Graphics, Python Programming, Creative Design, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Algorithms
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Pearson
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Management, Cloud Security, Application Security, Cloud Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Applications, IT Security Architecture, Identity and Access Management, Data Integrity, Secure Coding, Private Cloud, Security Awareness, Data Centers, Data Management, Personally Identifiable Information, Threat Modeling, Security Testing, Security Controls, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Service Level
Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Data Warehousing for Business Intelligence
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Business Intelligence, Data Warehousing, Relational Databases, Data Visualization, Decision Support Systems, Business Intelligence Software, Data Modeling, Business Process Management, Database Management Systems, Databases, Dashboard, SQL, Star Schema, Performance Measurement, Data Governance, Oracle Databases, Data Integration, MicroStrategy, Data Visualization Software
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.1K reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Pearson
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): Unit 4
Skills you'll gain: Application Security, Cloud Applications, Cloud Security, Identity and Access Management, Secure Coding, Security Awareness, Threat Modeling, Security Testing, Data Security, Software Development, Verification And Validation, Software Quality Assurance, Threat Management, Single Sign-On (SSO), Authentications, Multi-Factor Authentication
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google
Get Started with Python
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Python Programming, NumPy, Pandas (Python Package), Data Analysis, Scripting, Data Manipulation, Data Visualization, Algorithms, Debugging
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

Start my career

Change my career

Grow in my current role

Explore topics outside of work

Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Whizlabs
Design security solutions for applications and data
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Azure, Cloud Security, Data Governance, User Provisioning, Data Management, Data Security, Secure Coding, Cloud Applications, Application Security, Identity and Access Management, Key Management, Encryption
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Front-End Development Capstone Project
Skills you'll gain: HTML and CSS, React.js, Front-End Web Development, Mockups, Web Design and Development, Web Development, Figma (Design Software), Web Design, UI Components, Application Deployment, Web Analytics and SEO, Databases, Software Development, GitHub
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
54 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Virtualization, Docker, and Kubernetes for Data Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Site Reliability Engineering, Docker (Software), Containerization, Kubernetes, Virtualization, Devops Tools, Microservices, Application Deployment, Virtual Machines, Cloud Development, Database Management, GitHub, Cloud-Based Integration, Scalability
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
41 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Infosec
CISSP Domain 8: Software development security
Skills you'll gain: Application Security, Risk Management Framework, Secure Coding, Software Testing, DevSecOps, Software Development Life Cycle, Web Applications, Vulnerability Scanning, Software Development Methodologies, Application Programming Interface (API), Database Application, Software Architecture, Agile Methodology
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Codio
Advanced Django: Introduction to Django Rest Framework
Skills you'll gain: Django (Web Framework), Postman API Platform, Restful API, Data Validation, Authentications, Authorization (Computing), Application Programming Interface (API), API Design, JSON, Object-Relational Mapping, Model View Controller, Python Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
49 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Codio
Advanced Django: Building a Blog
Skills you'll gain: Performance Tuning, Django (Web Framework), Authentications, PostgreSQL, Object-Relational Mapping, Model View Controller, Cloud Hosting, User Accounts, Application Security, Configuration Management, Python Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
113 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks