When most people think about learning to code, they immediately think of Codecademy. With over 50 million users and becoming the default place to learn to code online, it seems like a no-brainer.
So, what makes Codecademy different? Well, it teaches you programming basics in a fun way. You don’t have to memorize syntax; you just practice concepts.
So is Codecademy worth it? Should I apply for registration? Let’s dive Into it and find all the answers.
This helps beginners feel comfortable getting into coding. And, since it’s based on videos, you can watch along with the instructor as he explains each concept.
Codecademy (see also ‘Does Codecademy Give Certificates?‘) is one of those rare places where you can learn something for free.
And while the site does charge $10 per month for its premium membership, it provides users with a huge amount of value for less than what some people pay for cable TV.
Founder Zach Sims and CEO Ryan Bubinski launched the site in 2011.
They wanted to make sure that anyone could learn how to program, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, income level, or educational background.
Instructors
Rather than having specific instructors, the Codecademy syllabus is self-guided; you’re given text about a new topic and you’ll be asked questions that will help you learn the concepts.
For example, you might be presented with a question like “What is a variable?”, and then asked to write down the definition of a variable.
Then, later on, you’d be asked another question like “How many variables are defined in a program?”
This makes sense as programming is quite technical, and understanding the basics requires a lot of trial and error.
So, getting hands-on experience is absolutely vital. Experts with varying levels of experience in both coding (see also ‘What Is DataCamp?‘) and teaching others, make the Codecademy machine run very smoothly.
They review your work and provide feedback so you know if you are on the right track.
How Does It Work?
Codecademy is a language learning tool (see also ‘Is Memrise Worth It? detailed review 2022‘). You sign up and get access to a library of over 10,000 lessons. Each lesson includes interactive exercises you can practice online.
When you complete each lesson, you unlock another one. This process continues until you’ve completed every course. Once you’re done, you can take your skills to the next level by enrolling in paid classes.
You can learn how to code (see also ‘Is App Academy Legit? Review, Cost and Courses‘) in just about any programming language. For example, here are some of the languages you can learn via Codecademy:
- Python
- R
- C++
- JavaScript
Opening An Account
The site is easy to use. First, you’ll need to register for an account. Next, you’ll need to provide your email address and choose a secure password (see also our article on LastPass alternatives).
Then, you’ll enter your name, gender, location and date of birth. Finally, you’ll put in your mobile number and answer security questions.
You’ll then receive a confirmation email, which allows you to log into your account. You can then start learning about programming.
Free version Or Pro?
Whilst the free version offers many great features, like certificate tracking, and a wide variety of topics, it doesn’t offer a lot of value beyond those basics.
In fact, some believe Codecademy isn’t really designed for people who want to become professional developers.
The paid version of the site, however, Codecademy Pro offers extra features. With Pro, you gain access to over 60 additional courses, covering topics such as JavaScript and Python.
These classes go deeper into each language, giving you the opportunity to build real apps and work toward real certifications.
You’ll also get additional benefits, like access to exclusive quizzes, practice tests, and course materials.
And finally, you’ll get the chance to earn badges based on your performance, which can help boost your resume.
Codecademy Pro costs $39.99 a year ($24.95 a month), or $9.99 a month. You can sign up for a free seven-day trial before making a purchase.
On top of everything you get when you use the free version, you’ll get access to members-only content, certificates of completion, step-by-step guides, and the ability to complete real-world coding challenges.
This includes the opportunity to work on live projects with our team of expert instructors.
If you want to go pro, there are options for businesses and teams too. These include unlimited seats, custom branding, and discounts on training materials.
For Teams And Businesses
If you work in a small team or are part of a larger one, you might want to consider Codecademy Teams. With this option, you can sign up for a subscription that covers everyone on your team.
You don’t have to pay for each person separately; the cost is shared across the entire group. When it comes to pricing, there are three options: $19/month, $49/month, or $99/month.
The $19 per month package includes access to the main course library and a handful of additional courses.
If you’re looking to expand beyond coding basics, you can add a number of premium courses for $9-$39 per month. These include things like web design, data analysis, marketing, and even Python.
For those who prefer to keep things simple, the $49 per month package gives you access to the full library plus unlimited licenses.
This allows you to switch between different members of your team without having to purchase multiple subscriptions.
Finally, the $99 per month package offers the same perks as the $49 plan, plus unlimited student support.
Lessons
Computer science is a hugely diverse subject. For example, there are many different programming languages out there, such as Java, Python, Ruby, etc., and each language teaches slightly differently.
As well as this, computer science itself is split into several subfields, including artificial intelligence, cryptography, databases, operating systems, networking, software engineering, web development, and others.
The way Codecademy site presents its lessons varies depending on what it thinks the learner needs to know.
In some cases, they give a brief introduction to a topic, followed by a series of short videos explaining concepts, while in others, they encourage learners to start coding straight away.
They also use a variety of techniques to ensure that learners understand the material, including quizzes, interactive exercises, and live chat sessions.
In Summary
Codecademy is one of those things that seems like a no-brainer – it’s free, easy to use and gives you access to a huge amount of information.
Overall, I’d say it’s definitely worth it, but it depends on your priorities, experience, and preferences.
There are plenty of other resources out there, including YouTube tutorials and Stack Overflow questions, that give you similar information.
However, Codecademy stands apart because of its focus on teaching people directly, rather than giving general advice.
