Hey folks! I'm trying to figure out the best platform for learning web development. I started with freeCodeCamp in 2023, and I really enjoyed its structure: learn a concept, do a guided project, and then tackle an unguided project. It worked well for me, and I retained a lot of the information. However, they've removed their video content, and since I'm not great at focusing on long lectures, I can't use freeCodeCamp anymore.
Now, I'm exploring other options: Scrimba looks interactive and video-based, but I hear it doesn't really allow you to work on projects independently. On the other hand, The Odin Project has way too much text for my liking, especially with my short attention span. While freeCodeCamp still has a solid structure, its current text-heavy format doesn't suit my learning style.
I've got a solid grasp of vanilla JavaScript, but when it comes to frameworks, Node libraries, databases, and other backend tools, I hit a wall. I'm looking for a comprehensive dive into the full web development ecosystem, including JavaScript & TypeScript, Node.js with basic libraries, React with Tailwind, Git, Linux, Docker, SQL, and maybe even Kubernetes and CI/CD.
Ideally, I want a platform that delves deep, offers project-based practice, covers both frontend and backend (or full-stack), has plenty of videos, and potentially provides certificates (though that's not a dealbreaker). Budget isn't a concern; I just want the most effective way to retain and practice what I learn. Anyone able to share their experiences with these platforms or recommend other ones that might suit my style? Thanks a lot!
5 Answers
Just dive into something already! Overthinking which platform is the best can hold you back. You'll probably change your direction as you learn more anyway, so get started on something that excites you!
I've been through the struggles of finding the right learning path, and from what I've heard, the Odin Project and freeCodeCamp are solid choices. Personally, I found Udemy really helpful because the structure of having video explanations followed by exercises works best for me. However, you do need to be able to read code, documentation, and project specs, so just keep that in mind! If you're looking for more video content, maybe CS50 or a specific Udemy course will fit you better. Just remember, after tutorials, the real challenge begins! Good luck! 👍
Here’s a tip: you can still access FreeCodeCamp's videos! They have a YouTube channel with lots of useful content, but keep in mind they could be taken down anytime. As for learning, reading is essential in programming. You’ll constantly need to consult documentation and understand other people's code. My advice is to at least go through the fundamentals with FreeCodeCamp first and then try The Odin Project to fill in any gaps. Also, consider creating projects on your own, maybe even try your hand at game development with something like Godot!
I highly recommend checking out Execute Program. While it's not free, I found it really effective for learning JavaScript, TypeScript, and basic SQL. It's structured in a way that may suit your approach better, especially with its focus on projects! Just keep in mind that investing in your education can pay off in the long run.
You really need to shift your perspective about reading! Programming requires a lot of reading, whether it’s code, documentation, or project requirements. If you can’t handle that, you might want to reconsider if programming is the right path for you. Video tutorials can’t cover everything, and they can get out of date quickly. If reading is a big hurdle for you, you may want to look into other fields. Different things work for different people, and that’s okay!
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