7 Best Codecademy Alternatives for Beginners (2024)
Ruja Awal
·
14 March 2024
Codecademy, despite being a top recommendation for learning programming, is not a one-stop solution for all learning approaches. If you are looking for something comprehensive and not too handhold-y, there are better alternatives you can opt for.
Below are the 7 best Codecademy alternatives that we think are better at teaching programming for different learning styles.
We had to make a few considerations so as to not make this a generic list. They are:
Focus on learning approach
Since learning approach/method is the most important factor when learning to program, we focused on listing out platforms based on how they teach programming instead of focusing on how similar/different they are to Codecademy.Removal of similar platforms
We excluded similar platforms also because different platforms with similar offerings only make decision-making more complex. We want you to spend less time choosing between platforms and more time actually learning.Reader’s search intent
Not everyone who looks for alternatives to Codecademy will be looking for a similar platform. They could also be searching for alternative approaches to learning or simply exploring new methods and platforms.Industry acceptance and reputation
We have considered the chosen platforms' industry acceptance and reputation. This allows you to make decisions based solely on your preferences without worrying about the platform’s quality.
Programiz PRO
If you are looking to get started with programming, especially in Python, you can not go wrong with Programiz PRO.
Programiz PRO has one of the best Python courses on the internet. Our Master Python Learning Path has 6 curated courses — Learn Python Basics, Practice: Python Basics, Python Intermediate, Practice: Python Intermediate, DSA with Python, and Python Interview Questions — all designed to help you learn Python seamlessly and confidently approach a career in tech.
Programiz PRO and Codecademy share a few similarities — text-based learning materials, interactive learning with quizzes and challenges, a real-time AI assistant, and a code editor that works in your browser.
However, the platforms differ in the materials and methods. Codecademy’s resources are too handhold-y and are considered jack of all trades. But, Programiz PRO lets you struggle with problems, providing significant room to grow.
💸 Pricing
- Unlimited access to all courses and project saves in Playground
Coursera
If you want a remote Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science from top universities, we recommend Coursera.
Coursera provides high-quality, credit-eligible specialization courses and degrees from top institutions and universities like IBM, Microsoft, Stanford University, Princeton University, etc.
Even though Coursera is more expensive than Codecademy, its certifications are more valuable. Additionally, unlike Codecademy’s text-based learning, Coursera offers structured video materials, rigorous assessments, and peer-reviewed projects, improving the learning experience.
💸 Pricing
- Access to 7,000+ courses and specializations from 170+ leading companies and universities, 1,000+ projects
- Unlimited access to all the courses within the selected learning program
* Financial aid for deserving students
MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare is just like Coursera, but free. It provides video lectures, slides, assignments, and course content, but only from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is like remotely attending the university (for absolutely free).
OCW and Codecademy significantly vary in approach and content type. Unlike Codecademy, which is interactive, OCW takes a traditional academic approach with video lectures, slides, and assignments. Further, OCW content is comprehensive and covers all levels, whereas Codecademy can feel a bit too surficial and handhold-y.
However, if you are looking for certifications, OCW is not a good option.
The Odin Project
If you are looking to get into web development and a roadmap is all you need, The Odin Project is a great alternative.
While both TOP and Codecademy emphasize hands-on learning, only Codecademy provides an interactive experience in between lessons through quizzes and coding challenges. TOP only gives you end-of-lesson projects and does not force you to write code while learning.
If you can keep up your motivation and have enough drive to stick to TOP's curriculum, you will learn mostly the same things as with Codecademy's full-stack career path, but for free.
freeCodeCamp
Similar to The Odin Project, freeCodeCamp is also an alternative for learning web development. But, unlike The Odin Project, which only provides end-of-lesson projects, freeCodeCamp makes you write code at every step.
As the name suggests, you get all the courses and projects ranging from web development to machine learning for 100% free. They also provide free professional certifications.
While Codecademy feels a bit too handhold-y, freeCodeCamp allows you to apply the skills in building real-world projects as they progress, making for a better learning experience. Plus, you will build a portfolio while you are learning.
LeetCode
LeetCode is the best alternative if you want to learn programming by diving straight into solving challenges.
Also, if you aim to eventually land a job at the biggest tech companies like FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google), LeetCode is the right platform for you.
LeetCode primarily focuses on preparing individuals for technical interviews and improving problem-solving skills. It provides over 3,000 coding problems covering various difficulty levels and specific topics like DSA and System Design.
While Codecademy mostly only scratches the surface of interview preparation through guided interview preparation courses, LeetCode delves much deeper into the more advanced concepts, preparing you for technical interviews.
💸 Pricing
- Access to all premium features
Pluralsight
Learning to code for work and your company is paying for it? Pluralsight is tailor-made for you.
Pluralsight is known as the place to go for employee upskilling in the IT space. That reputation is a testament to its quality and value. They have video courses ranging from short introductions on new tech to in-depth courses that teach the nitty-gritty of things. This makes Pluralsight great for everyone; beginners and experienced programmers.
For example, if you are looking for a quick rundown on Python, Pluralsight's Flying Through Python is comparable to similar courses from Codecademy for similar purposes.
Codecademy and Pluralsight differ in their teaching approach — Codecademy is mostly text alongside interactivity; Pluralsight is mostly video-based. If you prefer watching videos over reading text, Pluralsight will be great for you.
💸 Pricing
- Access to a core library of 5,000 courses — skill assessments, and learning paths
Final Thoughts
When you're deciding between one of these Codecademy alternatives, it's best to start by thinking about this:
- How do you learn best?
- What do you want from your learning resource?
- What is it that Codecademy is not providing you?
If you can answer these questions, choosing the right alternative should be much easier.