Online Learning Platform – Codecademy Review

January 20, 2023

About Codecademy

Codecademy is an online learning platform that offers interactive coding courses for various programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, SQL, HTML/CSS, Ruby, and more. The platform is designed to provide a hands-on learning experience for students, where they can learn to code by writing and running code directly in their web browser.

Codecademy offers a range of courses and tracks, from beginner to advanced levels, with different pricing options. Some courses are available for free, while others require a subscription to Codecademy Pro, which provides access to additional content and features, such as personalized learning plans, quizzes, and projects.

In addition to courses, Codecademy also offers a community forum, where users can ask questions, share knowledge, and connect with other learners. The platform also provides a Codecademy for Business program, which offers enterprise-level training and learning solutions for companies and organizations.

What is Codecademy?

Codecademy is an online learning platform that provides interactive coding courses for a variety of programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL, and Ruby. The platform offers a hands-on learning experience, where users can write and run code directly in their web browser.

Codecademy offers a range of courses for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced users, and provides a variety of learning resources, including quizzes, projects, and personalized learning plans. Some courses are available for free, while others require a subscription to Codecademy Pro, which provides access to additional content and features.

Codecademy is designed to help people learn to code in a flexible and accessible way, regardless of their background or experience level.

How does Codeceademy work?

Codecademy works by providing a series of interactive coding courses designed to teach users how to code. The courses are designed to be hands-on, with users writing and running code directly in their web browser. Here’s how the process typically works:

Choose a course: Codecademy offers courses on a variety of programming languages, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Users can choose a course that suits their skill level and interests.
Learn the basics: Each course begins with an introduction to the programming language and its basic syntax. Users are guided through lessons that teach them the fundamentals of coding, such as variables, data types, functions, and more.
Write code: As users progress through the lessons, they write code directly in their web browser. Codecademy’s platform provides an interactive coding environment, where users can see the results of their code in real-time.
Practice: After learning the basics, users are given opportunities to practice their skills through quizzes, challenges, and projects. These exercises help users apply what they’ve learned and reinforce their understanding of the concepts.
Get help: If users get stuck, Codecademy provides a community forum where they can ask questions, get help from other learners, and connect with a supportive community.

Overall, Codecademy is designed to provide a flexible and accessible way to learn to code, with a focus on hands-on, practical experience.

How much does Codecademy cost?

Codecademy offers several pricing options, including a free plan and a paid plan called Codecademy Pro. Here’s an overview of the costs:

Codecademy Free: This plan is completely free and gives users access to a limited selection of courses and features. With Codecademy Free, users can complete the first few lessons of many courses, access a small number of quizzes, and participate in the community forum.
Codecademy Pro: This is a paid subscription plan that gives users access to the full Codecademy library, including over 180 courses, projects, quizzes, and other features. Codecademy Pro also includes personalized learning plans, career paths, and real-world projects. The current monthly cost of Codecademy Pro is $19.99 per month, or users can choose to pay annually for a discounted rate of $15.99 per month.
Codecademy Pro Student: Codecademy also offers a discounted version of Codecademy Pro for students, which provides all the same features as the regular Codecademy Pro plan but at a discounted price of $9.99 per month. To qualify for Codecademy Pro Student, users must be enrolled in an accredited academic program.

In summary, Codecademy offers a free plan as well as a paid subscription plan called Codecademy Pro, which provides access to a wider range of courses and features. The cost of Codecademy Pro is $19.99 per month or $15.99 per month if paid annually, and a discounted student version is available for $9.99 per month.

Codecademy Pro and Cons

Codecademy is a popular online learning platform that offers a variety of coding courses for beginners and advanced learners. Here are some of the pros and cons of Codecademy Pro:

Pros:

Interactive and Hands-On Learning: Codecademy provides an interactive and hands-on learning experience, which allows learners to write and run code directly in their web browser. This practical approach helps users develop their coding skills more effectively than traditional lecture-based courses.
Comprehensive Content: Codecademy offers a wide range of courses and tracks, covering popular programming languages like Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and more. Additionally, Codecademy offers features such as quizzes, projects, and personalized learning plans to help users master the material.
Career-focused Training: Codecademy Pro offers career-focused training and features, including real-world projects, job-focused skills, and portfolio-building opportunities. This can be particularly helpful for learners who are looking to transition into a coding career.
Community and Support: Codecademy has a vibrant community of learners who can ask and answer questions in the platform’s forums. Additionally, Codecademy offers dedicated support staff to help users with technical issues and other questions.

Cons:

Cost: Codecademy Pro is a paid subscription service, which may be a barrier for some learners who are not able or willing to pay for the service.
Limited depth of content: While Codecademy offers a wide range of courses, some learners may find that the courses lack depth or complexity. Some advanced learners may prefer to use other resources to supplement their learning.
Lack of certification: Codecademy Pro does not provide a formal certification or degree program, which may be a concern for learners who are looking for official recognition of their skills.

Overall, Codecademy Pro is a well-regarded online learning platform with a lot to offer learners at all levels. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider your own learning goals and preferences before deciding whether to invest in a subscription.

Best Codecademy classes

Codecademy offers a wide range of classes and tracks, covering many popular programming languages and skills. The best classes for you will depend on your experience level and interests. That said, here are some of the most popular and highly recommended courses on Codecademy:

Learn Python: Python is a popular and versatile programming language used in many fields, from data science to web development. Codecademy’s Learn Python course is a great introduction to the language, covering topics like data types, loops, functions, and modules.
Learn HTML: HTML is the foundation of web development, and Codecademy’s Learn HTML course is a great place to start. The course covers the basics of HTML, including tags, attributes, and structure, and provides opportunities to build simple websites.
Learn JavaScript: JavaScript is the language of the web, and Codecademy’s Learn JavaScript course is a popular choice for beginners. The course covers topics like variables, functions, loops, and objects, and provides opportunities to build interactive web applications.
Learn SQL: SQL is the language of databases, and Codecademy’s Learn SQL course is a great way to get started. The course covers the basics of SQL, including selecting, filtering, and sorting data, and provides opportunities to work with real-world datasets.
Build Websites from Scratch: This track is designed for learners who want to build and launch a real-world website. The track covers HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as topics like responsive design, web hosting, and more.

These are just a few of the many courses and tracks available on Codecademy. Ultimately, the best classes for you will depend on your interests and goals.

What I liked about Codecademy

As an AI language model, I don’t have personal opinions or feelings, but I can tell you some of the things that many users like about Codecademy. Here are some common things that learners appreciate about Codecademy:

Interactive and Hands-On Learning: Codecademy offers an interactive learning experience, where users can write and run code directly in their web browser. This hands-on approach helps learners develop their coding skills more effectively than traditional lecture-based courses.
Comprehensive Content: Codecademy offers a wide range of courses and tracks, covering popular programming languages like Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and more. Additionally, Codecademy offers features such as quizzes, projects, and personalized learning plans to help users master the material.
Clear and Structured Curriculum: Codecademy’s courses are well-structured and easy to follow, which can be particularly helpful for beginners who are just getting started with coding.
Community and Support: Codecademy has a vibrant community of learners who can ask and answer questions in the platform’s forums. Additionally, Codecademy offers dedicated support staff to help users with technical issues and other questions.
Affordable Pricing: Codecademy offers a free plan, as well as a reasonably priced Pro subscription with a range of useful features. This makes it accessible to learners of all backgrounds and budgets.

Overall, Codecademy is a well-regarded online learning platform that many learners find useful and effective.

Can I buy Codecademy as a gift?

Yes, Codecademy offers the ability to purchase a gift subscription for a friend or family member who is interested in learning to code.

To give the gift of Codecademy, you can go to the Codecademy website and click on “Gift Pro” at the bottom of the page. From there, you can select the length of the subscription (3 months, 6 months, or 12 months), provide the recipient’s email address, and add a personalized message.

Once you complete the purchase, the recipient will receive an email with instructions on how to activate their gift subscription. They will be able to access all of the features of Codecademy Pro, including interactive learning, real-world projects, and career-focused content.

Giving the gift of Codecademy can be a great way to support someone’s learning journey and help them develop new skills.

Finding great courses on Codecademy

Codecademy offers a wide range of courses and tracks, making it easy to find something that fits your interests and skill level. Here are some tips for finding great courses on Codecademy:

Browse the Catalog: Codecademy’s course catalog is organized by language, technology, and skill level. You can browse the catalog to find courses that match your interests, or search for specific topics using the search bar.
Check Out the Skill Paths: Codecademy’s Skill Paths are curated collections of courses designed to help learners master a specific skill or technology. For example, there are Skill Paths for web development, data science, and machine learning. These paths can be a great way to dive deep into a specific area of interest.
Read Course Reviews: Codecademy allows learners to leave reviews and ratings for each course, which can be helpful when deciding which course to take. Look for courses with high ratings and positive reviews from other learners.
Preview the Course: Codecademy offers a preview of each course’s content, so you can get a sense of what the course covers before you commit. Take advantage of the preview feature to ensure that the course is a good fit for your learning goals.
Ask for Recommendations: If you’re not sure where to start, ask for recommendations from other learners or online communities. You can also ask Codecademy’s support staff for guidance on which courses might be a good fit for your needs.

By following these tips, you can find great courses on Codecademy that match your interests and help you achieve your learning goals.

Is Codecademy legit?

Yes, Codecademy is a legitimate and reputable online learning platform for coding and programming. The company was founded in 2011 and has since become one of the leading platforms for learning to code. Codecademy is well-regarded within the coding community and has partnerships with many respected organizations, including IBM, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud.

Codecademy’s courses are designed by experienced educators and professionals in the tech industry, and the company has a dedicated team of support staff to help users with any questions or technical issues. Additionally, Codecademy’s courses are regularly updated to reflect changes in the industry and new technologies, ensuring that users receive the most up-to-date and relevant education.

Codecademy also offers a free plan, which allows users to access a limited selection of courses and features. This free plan is a great way to try out Codecademy before committing to a paid subscription.

Overall, Codecademy is a legitimate and well-regarded platform for learning to code, and many users have found it to be an effective and valuable resource for building their coding skills.

Codecademy alternatives

While Codecademy is a popular and well-regarded platform for learning to code, there are also a number of alternative online learning platforms that you might consider. Here are a few alternatives to Codecademy:

Udemy: Udemy is an online learning platform with a wide range of courses, including coding and programming. Udemy courses are created by independent instructors, so the quality of the courses can vary. However, Udemy often offers deep discounts on courses, making it an affordable alternative to Codecademy.
Coursera: Coursera is a massive open online course (MOOC) platform that partners with top universities and organizations to offer courses on a wide range of topics, including programming and computer science. Coursera courses often offer more in-depth and rigorous content than Codecademy, and many courses offer a certificate of completion.
edX: edX is another MOOC platform that partners with universities and organizations to offer courses on a wide range of topics, including computer science and programming. Like Coursera, edX courses often offer more rigorous content than Codecademy, and many courses offer a certificate of completion.
FreeCodeCamp: FreeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization that offers a free and open-source curriculum for learning to code. The organization offers a self-paced learning experience, and learners can earn certifications by completing projects and challenges.
Pluralsight: Pluralsight is an online learning platform that offers courses and assessments in a wide range of topics, including software development and IT. Pluralsight offers a range of features for individual learners and businesses, including personalized learning paths and assessments.

These are just a few alternatives to Codecademy that you might consider. Each platform offers its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s worth researching each one to find the best fit for your needs and learning style.

Codecademy: What others have said

Codecademy has generally received positive reviews from users and media outlets. Here are some examples of what others have said about Codecademy:

PCMag: “Codecademy offers an excellent platform for learning to code, and its user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to get started.”
TechCrunch: “Codecademy is a great platform for learning to code, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your skills.”
Forbes: “Codecademy offers a flexible and accessible way to learn coding, with a range of courses and tracks to choose from.”
Business Insider: “Codecademy’s courses are well-designed and engaging, and the platform’s interactive coding environment helps learners to develop practical skills.”
Trustpilot: Codecademy has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Trustpilot, with many users praising the quality of the courses and the platform’s ease of use.

While there are some negative reviews of Codecademy online, many of these tend to focus on specific issues or technical difficulties rather than the quality of the courses or the platform as a whole. Overall, Codecademy has a positive reputation and is generally regarded as a useful and effective resource for learning to code.

Is Codecademy Pro worth it?

Whether or not Codecademy Pro is worth it depends on your individual needs and goals. Here are some factors to consider:

Course selection: Codecademy Pro offers access to a wider range of courses than the free plan, including more advanced topics and projects. If you are interested in learning a specific programming language or skill, and it is only available on the Pro plan, it may be worth upgrading.
Learning resources: The Pro plan offers additional resources such as quizzes, projects, and live support, which can help learners to reinforce their understanding and develop practical skills. If you find these resources valuable, it may be worth upgrading.
Time commitment: Codecademy Pro can be an excellent investment if you have the time to commit to it. However, if you are unable to dedicate the necessary time and effort to completing courses, the cost of the Pro plan may not be worth it.
Budget: The Pro plan comes at a cost, which may not be affordable for everyone. If the cost of the Pro plan is a significant financial burden for you, it may not be worth it.

Ultimately, whether or not Codecademy Pro is worth it depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you are serious about learning to code and have the time and budget to commit to the Pro plan, it can be an excellent investment in your education and career. However, if you are on a tight budget or only interested in learning a specific skill or language, the free plan or another learning platform may be a better option for you.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Codecademy:

Is Codecademy free?

Codecademy offers a free plan that gives learners access to a limited selection of courses and features. However, Codecademy also offers a Pro plan that comes at a cost and offers access to a wider range of courses and features.

Is Codecademy good for beginners?

Yes, Codecademy is a great platform for beginners who are looking to learn to code. The platform offers a user-friendly interface, interactive coding environments, and a range of courses and projects that are designed to help beginners build practical skills.

Can I get a job after completing Codecademy courses?

Completing Codecademy courses can help learners to develop practical skills and build a portfolio of projects that can be used to showcase their abilities to potential employers. However, getting a job after completing Codecademy courses will also depend on factors such as the job market, the learner’s qualifications and experience, and their ability to demonstrate their skills to potential employers.

Does Codecademy offer certificates?

Yes, Codecademy offers certificates of completion for some courses and tracks. These certificates can be added to a learner’s LinkedIn profile and can be used to demonstrate their skills to potential employers.

What programming languages can I learn on Codecademy?

Codecademy offers courses in a wide range of programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, Ruby, SQL, HTML, and CSS, among others.

Can I cancel my Codecademy subscription?

Yes, Codecademy subscribers can cancel their subscription at any time. If you cancel your subscription, you will still have access to the Pro features until the end of the billing period.

Is Codecademy suitable for advanced coders?

Codecademy offers a range of courses and projects that are designed to cater to learners of different skill levels, including more advanced courses and projects. However, advanced coders may find that the platform’s content is not as in-depth or comprehensive as they need, and may want to explore other learning resources.