I'm considering buying a Codecademy subscription because it's currently discounted to about ₹3,600 (roughly $38). My background is in Biology and Architecture, and I now work in UX/Product Design. I have no formal programming experience and don't yet understand the basics of any language.
I'd like to learn coding, partly to become more technically capable in my design work, but I'm unsure where to begin. Is Codecademy beginner-friendly and worth the discounted price? Should I start with HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python, or something else? Are there better free or paid options? I'm especially interested in a structured course because I'm more likely to study consistently with a clear schedule than by browsing open-ended videos. How useful would basic coding knowledge actually be for a UX or Product Designer?
4 Answers
Codecademy can be a reasonable choice if the structure and built-in exercises are what will keep you consistent. At $38, it isn’t an unreasonable experiment, but you’re mainly paying for organization and motivation rather than information you can’t find elsewhere. FreeCodeCamp has very strong beginner material, including HTML and CSS courses, and is worth trying first if you want to compare the learning experience.
For someone working in UX/Product Design, start with HTML and CSS so you understand how interfaces are built and what is realistically possible. Then learn basic JavaScript to understand interactions, state, and collaboration with developers. You don’t need to become a full-time engineer for this to be useful; even modest coding knowledge can improve prototypes, design decisions, handoffs, and communication with technical teammates.
There are more comprehensive free options. For web development, a sensible path is HTML and CSS first, followed by JavaScript. FreeCodeCamp is a friendly starting point, The Odin Project gives you a more project-based curriculum, and Full Stack Open is useful later once you have the fundamentals. Roadmap.sh can help you understand what to learn next. Codecademy is not essential, so I’d only pay for it if its structure genuinely helps you study.
Since you already know that unstructured videos won’t hold your attention, the subscription may be worth the price for you personally. Try its free lessons or trial before paying, and set a specific goal such as completing HTML/CSS and building one small webpage. If you can stay consistent without the subscription, switch to free resources; if the guided format is what gets you studying, the cost is fairly small compared with the benefit of actually finishing a course.
Python is also beginner-friendly, but it’s less directly connected to interface design. I’d choose it first only if you’re more interested in automation, data, or general programming than web products.