Coding Resources I Recommend for Beginners
Coding Resources I Recommend for Beginners
Learning to code can feel intimidating when you first start, especially if you rely on accessibility tools or if you have no idea where to begin. Over the years I have tried a wide range of platforms, tools, and learning environments. Some worked well, some did not, and some were excellent depending on your learning style. Today I want to share the resources that have actually helped me or that I have personally tested.
If you have a resource you love, let me know and I will include it in a future list. There is no one perfect way to learn, and everybody benefits from different approaches.
Free and Beginner Friendly
FreeCodeCamp is one of the best places to start if you want to learn web development. It is a community driven nonprofit that teaches HTML, CSS, JavaScript, accessibility, and more. The curriculum is free, the community is helpful, and the platform is extremely accessible.
W3Schools is another resource I use all the time. It has simple tutorials, reference guides, and quick examples. It is great if you want to learn web concepts or need a reminder on something without digging through long documentation.
Paid Options That Can Be Worth It
Codecademy is a good platform if you like structured, interactive lessons. The free tier is limited, but the paid tier offers a wide variety of paths including web development, Python, Swift, and AI related material. I have used Codecademy quite a bit and found it generally accessible.
Udemy offers a massive library of courses. Because anyone can publish a class, quality varies. Some instructors are excellent, while others do not explain concepts clearly or use visual-only descriptions. Still, it is a good option if you want variety and low prices during sales.
LinkedIn Learning is helpful if you already have access through work, school, or your library. It is well organized and aimed at professional development. The accessibility varies by instructor, but the overall structure is reliable.
Swift and App Development Resources
For those who want to learn app development for Apple platforms, we offer the free Apple App Development class through Techopolis Online Solutions. It uses a Google Classroom environment that is accessible and flexible. I have taken and helped with this class myself.
Apple also offers Develop in Swift materials, which are great for beginners. These are official resources designed to support new iOS developers.
AI Tools That Support Learning
AI can help you learn to code more efficiently. For example, Google Gemini lets you paste in a YouTube link and extract all the source code shown in the video. This is especially useful for blind learners who cannot see what the instructor is typing.
Notebook LM is another tool worth exploring. It allows you to load documents, guides, or transcripts and then ask questions or get explanations.
These tools do not replace learning, but they can remove barriers and help fill in gaps.
Community and Social Learning
If you want to learn alongside others, join the Techopolis Discord. It is a supportive community with channels for coding help, accessibility questions, and app development discussions. Sometimes learning is easier when you can ask questions in real time.
YouTube creators can also be a great way to supplement your learning. I personally follow Sean Allen for Swift, Paul Hudson from Hacking with Swift, Traversy Media for web development, and Fireship for quick industry overviews. They each offer a different style and depth, which can help you explore new topics without pressure.
Final Thoughts
These are all resources I have personally used or evaluated. Some are great for total beginners, some are better once you have a little experience, and some help fill in the gaps when you get stuck. If you have a resource you love, share it in the comments. I am always looking for new tools to try and to recommend to others.
Resource Links
FreeCodeCamp: https://www.freecodecamp.org
W3Schools :https://www.w3schools.com
Codecademy: https://www.codecademy.com
Udemy: https://www.udemy.com
LinkedIn Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/learning
Techopolis Apple App Development Class Google Classroom: https://classroom.google.com/c/Nzg3MT...
Techopolis Online Solutions: https://www.techopolisonline.com
Google Gemini: https://gemini.google.com
Notebook LM: https://notebooklm.google
Techopolis Discord: https://techopolisonline.com/discord
Sean Allen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SeanAllen
Hacking with Swift: https://www.hackingwithswift.com
Traversy Media: https://www.youtube.com/c/TraversyMedia
Fireship: https://www.youtube.com/c/Fireship