In this day and age, it’s considered a given that the ability to read and understand software code is a valuable life skill. Knowing how to actually produce said code is even more critical in a number of industries. The problem is that the coding learning curve is fairly steep for those with no prior programming experience. Fortunately, there are a number of topnotch resources available online that can help out beginners.

Interactive Python

More formally known as Learning with Python: Interactive Edition 2.0, this free tutorial-style lesson plan walks you through the basics of object-oriented programming using Python. It’s a companion to the highly respected bookThink Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist, which is also available for free online. You can work through the material on your own schedule as you solidify your grasp of core programming principles.

Codecademy

Easily one of the best sites for rank amateurs with no prior coding know-how, Codecademy is an amazing resource. It features a slew of interactive, guided tutorials that can teach you the fundamentals of languages like Python, Ruby and Javascript as well as web design standards like HTML and CSS. While the lessons start off at the beginner level, they become progressively more difficult and incorporate advanced programming concepts.

Udacity

Founded by a couple of computer scientists from Stanford, Udacity is a rich platform that boasts a variety of e-learning courses. Their signature Intro to Java Programming course is a great way to learn the ropes if you’re new to coding. While many of their courses will cost you, they’re well worth it. If you’re trying to save money, you can at least access the course materials for free.

MIT OpenCourseWare

Whether you’re interested in mastering a specific language like C or simply wish to understand the fundamentals of computer science, MIT OpenCourseWare can help in a big way. If you’re motivated and willing to apply yourself, you can pretty much get a top-tier education for free using their online course materials. With MIT OpenCourseWare, you can learn web design, iOS development and even assembly language from the comfort of home.

Coursera

The beauty of Coursera is that they offer an extensive array of both free and paid classes on every subject imaginable. Quite a few of their classes are devoted to coding in every language currently in use. If you like what you see in their free introductory classes, you can move on to more thorough paid options that bump up features and the assistance you’ll receive from qualified instructors.

Building Your Knowledge the Right Way

Though fairly simple in theory, learning to code requires a person to basically change the way they see the world. It’s very much like learning a foreign language. It’s not going to happen overnight and you’ll just end up frustrated if you try to force it. Learn a little at a time and allow your understanding to gradually mature as you go.