Coding involves giving a computer a set of instructions to execute using a programming language like Python or Java. While each programming language has its own way of giving instructions, they all use the fundamental programming concepts covered in this course.

You can find code all around you — from the software we use to order food and stream movies to the programs operating our street lights and satellites. Every computer-based device runs on code.

What kind of jobs can coding get me?

Learning how to code can set you up for a wide range of roles in tech — from software engineering and web development to data science. But it can also help give you an edge in other industries. For example, Marketers can analyze data to learn more about their audiences, and coding skills can help Product and Project Managers better collaborate with engineers.

What are good first coding languages?

Python's often recommended as a great programming language for beginners because of its concise, readable syntax and wide array of uses. Similarly, JavaScript's popularity, versatility, and excellent documentation make it another good choice. Either language is a great option as they support multiple programming styles and approaches to problem-solving — and after taking this course, you'll be ready to jump into both with confidence.

Free

Course

Learn How to Code

New to coding? Start here and learn programming fundamentals that can be helpful for any language you learn.

This course includes

507,665 learners enrolled

This course includes

Skill level
Beginner
Time to complete
Average based on combined completion rates — individual pacing in lessons, projects, and quizzes may vary

2 hours
Prerequisites
None

About this course

Programming is all around us, from the take-out we order to the movies we stream. Whether you’re about to start your journey as a developer or just want to increase your digital literacy, knowing the basics of coding will be beneficial to your career. Instead of teaching a specific programming language, this course teaches programming fundamentals that can be helpful for any language you learn.

Skills you'll gain

Build a programming foundation
Learn variables and functions
Understand control flow

Syllabus

7 lessons • 7 quizzes

Certificate of completion available with Plus or Pro
Earn a certificate of completion and showcase your accomplishment on your resume or LinkedIn.

The platform

Hands-on learning

Animated GIF of an AI provided error explanation within Codecademy's learning environment

An AI-generated hint within the instructions of a Codecademy project

Animated GIF of Codecademy's Job Readiness Checker tool generating a compatibility report for a senior software engineer role

Animated GIF of building a phone screen interview using Codecademy's Interview Simulator

A fill-in-the-blank JavaScript question in a Codecademy assessment

Explore features

Meet the creator of the course

Meet the full team

Zoe Bachman

Curriculum Director

Curriculum Director at Codecademy and creative technologist. She has designed a range of Codecademy courses, including Learn HTML, Learn C#, Learn Alexa, and the beginner-friendly Learn How to Code.

Meet the full team

Earn a certificate of completion

Show your network you've done the work by earning a certificate of completion for each course or path you finish.

Show proofReceive a certificate that demonstrates you've completed a course or path.
Build a collectionThe more courses and paths you complete, the more certificates you collect.
Share with your networkEasily add certificates of completion to your LinkedIn profile to share your accomplishments.

Learn How to Code course ratings and reviews

8,202 ratings

5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star

Fantastic intro course. The mixture of written and practical work really helps the information sink in and is also fun!
BW
Verified Learner
Amazing! I came to this knowing NOTHING about coding. It is written clearly and accessibly to novices and I can't wait to continue learning.
Es H.
Verified Learner
This was my VERY first introduction to coding, and it made me feel really confident about approaching something that I have no background in! I am looking forward to diving deeper into programming now! :)
Bell B.
Verified Learner

Our learners work at

Frequently asked questions about How to Code

Coding involves giving a computer a set of instructions to execute using a programming language like Python or Java. While each programming language has its own way of giving instructions, they all use the fundamental programming concepts covered in this course.

Join over 50 million learners and start Learn How to Code today!

Looking for something else?

Related resources

Related courses and paths

Browse more topics

Code foundations7,946,624 learners enrolled
Computer science6,414,645 learners enrolled
Web development5,327,582 learners enrolled
Data science4,871,183 learners enrolled
Python3,930,316 learners enrolled
For business3,725,417 learners enrolled
JavaScript3,029,038 learners enrolled
Data analytics2,813,281 learners enrolled
IT2,771,928 learners enrolled

View full catalog

Unlock additional features with a paid plan

Practice Projects
Guided projects that help you solidify the skills and concepts you're learning.
Assessments
Auto-graded quizzes and immediate feedback help you reinforce your skills as you learn.
Certificate of Completion
Earn a document to prove you've completed a course or path that you can share with your network.

See pricing and plans

Learn How to Code

About this course

Skills you'll gain

Syllabus

Basics of Programming I

Basics of Programming II

Basics of Programming III

Certificate of completion available with Plus or Pro

Hands-on learning

Earn a certificate of completion

Learn How to Code course ratings and reviews

Our learners work at

Frequently asked questions about How to Code

What is coding?

How is code used?

What kind of jobs can coding get me?

What are good first coding languages?

Join over 50 million learners and start Learn How to Code today!

Looking for something else?

Related resources

What is Programming?

R Programming Language Explained (Careers, Use Cases, Difficulty)

Functional Programming in Python

Related courses and paths

Code Foundations

Learn to Code with Blockly

Learn C#

Browse more topics

Unlock additional features with a paid plan

Practice Projects

Assessments

Certificate of Completion