If you are looking to learn web development online, there are more than enough resources out there to teach you everything you need to know. In fact, many (if not most) of the web developers in the world today have launched successful careers by learning web development online from scratch. But even the most ambitious self-starters run into the problem of deciding where to begin.
Below you will find my picks for the top 5 websites to help you learn web development online.
Why Learn Web Development Online
As a web developer, your credibility is more about the strength of your portfolio than it is about your credentials.
Your employment opportunities will often come from concrete skills and samples of your work rather than a degree from a university.
It’s not that a proper college education isn’t important or valuable as a web developer. Rather, it’s to say that if attending a university isn’t in the cards, you can learn everything you need to know about web development online.
The web development industry continues to grow exponentially so you won’t find a shortage of resources.
The most important thing to do is start.
This list should help.
Codecademy
Codecademy is a course-based online learning site that provides a unique hands on approach to learning code.
To start learning, you must select a path (like web development). Each path includes lessons that begin with the basics and ends with advanced practical application. Each lesson includes written instructions that help you write out actual code that progresses with each lesson.
It is a nice “learn by doing” approach that one does at their own pace.
They also offer what they call Codecademy Pro Intensives to take your learning to the next level by providing programs that will deliver job-ready outcomes. For example, you can build real-world projects and get professional developer feedback.
Pluralsight
Pluralsight offers a unique online platform for sharpening your coding skills for web development.
What’s unique about Pluralsight is that it allows you to take a Pluralsight IQ assessment to identify gaps in your knowledge so that you can concentrate on learning only those skills you need.
You can even choose learning paths to help guide your learning experience, but they also have stand-alone courses as well.
You can test it out with a free trial and their personal membership starts at $35 per month.
Codewars
Codewars is one of the more popular coding challenge websites that allow you to master your web developer skills by solving challenges in the programming language of your choice. You can even compare your solution with other for great understanding.
The Odin Project
The Odin Project is a great place to jumpstart your career in web development with a full stack curriculum approach that is backed by an open source community.
The curriculum is made up of a collection of online tutorials, blogs, and courses. For example, there is a web development 101 course made up of lessons that start and the basics and end with you building a practical web application. So you will have opportunities to build portfolio-worthy projects alongside a community of developers.
MDN Web Docs
MDN Web Docs is a valuable online resource created by an open community of developers which is updated regularly by employees of Mozilla, Apple, Google, & Microsoft.
You can easily search for what you are looking for and find pragmatic explanations from credible professionals.
They even include entire lessons for learning web development.
Their Hacks Blog is also a great reference for the web development industry.
More Places to Learn Web Development
Conclusion
When it comes to starting a career in web development, getting started can be the hardest part.
But once you do, you might be surprised at just how much you can learn in just a single day with the online resources available.
Then it is just a matter of mastering your skills toward your new career. Hopefully, these web developer resources can help you along the way.
Feel free to share some of your favorite online resources in the comments below.
Cheers!
Top comments (1)
Thank you so much for writing this article. Self learning is one of the best things in the age of the internet. I really appreciate this article as a newbie.