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

Start by thinking about why you want to learn to code—whether it’s to build websites, automate tasks, understand tech careers, or eventually specialize in data science , app development , or game design . For a beginner-friendly introduction to programming, try Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) by the University of Michigan. Want a visual, hands-on learning experience? Consider Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming by the University of Edinburgh. Interested in web development? Explore Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML and CSS by Duke University.

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

A course teaches one topic—like writing your first program, using loops, or building web pages, such as Vibe Coding Fundamentals . A Specialization includes multiple courses for structured learning—such as the Python for Everybody Specialization , which gradually builds programming and data handling skills. A Professional Certificate prepares you for a job or career path—like the Meta Front-End Developer Certificate or Microsoft Python Development Certificate , both of which start with beginner-level programming.

Are all beginners courses listed suitable for someone with absolutely no experience in Coding?

Most of these courses are designed with Coding beginners in mind. If you have some experience, some courses delve into more advanced topics. Be sure to read through the course descriptions to ensure they align with your current skill level. Choose the beginner's course that suits you and start your journey toward mastering the basics of Coding!

Will beginners receive a certificate after successfully completing any of the beginner Coding courses listed?

Most of our beginner's Coding courses offer a certificate upon successful completion, enhancing your resume and LinkedIn profile. For confirmation, review the specific details of each course.

How will a beginners course in Coding help me in my career?

Employers increasingly value continuous learning and skill enhancement. Completing a beginner's Coding course could enhance job applications or may open other career opportunities. Enrolling in a beginner's Coding course is a step forward in your professional journey!

Top Coding For Beginners Courses - Learn Coding For Beginners Online

Explore the Coding for Beginners Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
University of California, Santa Cruz
Coding for Everyone: C and C++
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Debugging, C (Programming Language), C and C++, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design Patterns, Code Review, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Command-Line Interface, Data-oriented programming, Programming Principles, Graph Theory, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Integrated Development Environments, Software Technical Review, Game Design
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
9.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Computational Thinking, Software Installation, Development Environment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
232K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Pearson
Skill Up with Python: Web Development Recipes
Skills you'll gain: Full-Stack Web Development, Flask (Web Framework), Web Applications, Real Time Data, Web Development, Restful API, Application Development, Application Programming Interface (API), Back-End Web Development, API Design, Python Programming, Server Side, JSON
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
The University of Edinburgh
Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming
Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Software Development, Programming Principles, Software Design, Game Design, Event-Driven Programming, Computer Programming, Animation and Game Design, Debugging, Computational Thinking, Algorithms
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
DeepLearning.AI
AI Python for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Large Language Modeling, Prompt Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Jupyter, Python Programming, Data Analysis, ChatGPT, Application Development, Scripting, Programming Principles, Automation, Application Programming Interface (API), Data Structures
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
188 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Java Programming for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Java Programming, Java, Development Environment, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Integrated Development Environments, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
78 reviews
Beginner · 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: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
JavaScript for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: jQuery, Javascript and jQuery, Ajax, Javascript, Data Manipulation, Data Validation, UI Components, HTML and CSS, Scripting, JSON, Scripting Languages, Event-Driven Programming, Web Development Tools, JavaScript Frameworks, Web Applications, Web Design and Development, Game Design, Application Programming Interface (API), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Animations
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
University of Toronto
Learn to Program: The Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Debugging, Software Documentation, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Data Structures, File Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Python Basics
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Data Structures, Scripting Languages, Computer Programming, Pseudocode, Computer Graphics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Santa Cruz
C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, C (Programming Language), Code Review, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Integrated Development Environments, Software Technical Review, Algorithms
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Programming in Python
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Unit Testing, Test Driven Development (TDD), Software Testing, Data Structures, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Development Environment, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging, Algorithms, Django (Web Framework), Cloud Hosting
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding
Skills you'll gain: Wireframing, Responsive Web Design, HTML and CSS, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Design, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Browser Compatibility, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Javascript, Front-End Web Development, User Interface (UI), Verification And Validation, Web Development, Web Design and Development, Interactive Design, Application Frameworks, Usability, Code Review, Event-Driven Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
35K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months