Hey folks, I'm currently studying at a programming-focused high school in Germany and I'm looking to improve my coding skills. We're covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and Java, which is crucial for us. I stumbled upon Codecademy and saw they have student discounts, but I want to know if it's really worth it for learning these languages, or coding in general. Any recommendations? Thanks!
5 Answers
I started with Codecademy for Python and SQL, and it helped me grasp the basics. Later, I found CS50, which was even better.
While you're focused on learning languages, don't forget about the bigger picture: algorithms! I suggest grabbing Knuth's series on programming. You can learn a lot of SQL for free within a couple of hours, and it’s essential to learn about optimizing queries. Besides SQL, consider picking up Python for scripting and maybe C++ or Rust for systems programming.
I wouldn't spend money on paid resources in 2025. There are tons of free options available out there. Just pick a language and stick with it. Java is a solid choice for beginners, but make sure to find a basic tutorial that matches your learning style. Get into building small projects quickly to get hands-on experience. If paying for Codecademy helps you stay consistent when other resources don't, then it might be worth it for you. Consistency is key!
Check out Free Code Camp for additional resources. There used to be free training for Java, and you can find most of the basics for free. Start there before any paid courses.
Save your cash! There was a time when courses were really worth the price, but that’s not the case anymore.
Thank you very much!