Free Resources for Aspiring Programmers and Beyond
Tags: beginners, programming, learning
Published: 2024-07-03 17:59:26

So, as an aspiring coder, it has been quite a journey. My background is in art and nutrition. I'm going to share the things i've discovered along the way as a non-traditional coder.

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## Online Resources
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![0(1) Software Network](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/p4bo1ugd4pdvyqlapfei.png)

**0(1) Software Network**
In my search for groups and social networking strictly related to programming, I discovered a really awesome group on meetup. They invite members of all skill levels to share their projects and invite others to join. 

- Watch others code live
- Contribute to discussions
- Make suggestions/offer advice/ask for help
- Join projects that interest you
- Pitch your own project to the group
- Find collaborators
- Make new friends

Your code of choice and skill level are not factors, all are welcome. It's super awesome to work along side others with different skills. There is so much interesting stuff to learn. You will be invited to the Discord server upon signing up.

Here is the link to the Meetup if you are interested in joining this really awesome group of individuals: 

[0(1) Software Network](https://www.meetup.com/central-connecticut-coders/) 

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**Coursera**

![Free Coursera courses](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/w8ob1g4gco4whme3g4yo.png)
Starting out, I wanted to get some certificates to prove my abilities and understanding of programming. We all have to start somewhere, this is where I started. After spending some time on Coursera, I ultimately enrolled in Coursera plus. (which is paid) But they of course have 7-day free trial so you can see if you like the other courses that are paid.

But you can check out some of their free stuff here:

[Check out Coursera for free](https://www.coursera.org/collections/popular-free-courses)

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**Udemy**

![Udemy python class](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2ojqu0nr6nu10ne5rxmm.png)
Online learning that also offers a free 7-day trial. I'm currently working on the 100 days of python with Angela, the course is very personable and easy to follow. Much more like a classroom feel and less cut and dry, if you like that format. I'm currently on day 4 and have no complaints! Check out their website, here is the link:

[Udemy Home Page](https://www.udemy.com/personal/home)

Or if you want to hop on the python train here is that link:

[100 Days of Python](https://www.udemy.com/course/100-days-of-code/)



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## Stepping Stones for Beginners
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![Career Scholarships](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/vgndwuv9yfa0q7dlp9m7.png)

Trying to get your foot in the door? So am I. What's really awesome is if you do enough digging you can find some fabulous programs run by your local community. I'm going to share some from the Chicago are since that's my home base. But if you live within an hour of any kind of metropolitan area i'm sure you kind find similar program!

In Will County, Illinois you may qualify for a scholarship in a full-stack program. I was accepted into the program but because of other commitments at that time I couldn't do it. But it's a fully paid scholarship that helps you land your first job at the end. There is a good chance you are not from Will County, IL, but take a look and see how you might search for something like this in your community related to tech and development!

[Jobs4people](https://jobs4people.org/Job-Seekers/Career-Scholarships-Training)

Related pamphlet:

https://issuu.com/workforceinvestmentboardwc/docs/exploring_proit_careers?fr=sMmMwMTIwMjAzMjY)

You may want to search "workforce development pathways" or a similar term in your location. 

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**Discover Parters Institute**

![Discovery partners institute](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/rb7xn1r310nywy3efuek.png)

Try applying for this Chicago-based paid apprenticeship! No experience or degree required, but it would help your odds of getting picked. You complete some pre-apprenticeship activities to qualify for the interview, and it is a very step-by-step process.

[DPI Full-Stack Developer Apprenticeship](https://dpi.uillinois.edu/tech-talent-development/apprenticeship/)

This program is supported by the mayor of Chicago, Gov. Pritzker, and the University of Illinois. 

Here is some cool information about the future of DPI!

[New Building at the Innovation District](https://www.78chicago.com/explore/discovery-partners-institute)


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## Fun and exciting things to try!
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When I got a handle on CSS, I had a new found appreciation for it, especially being a creative person. Here are some fun places to poke around with CSS code:

**Codepen**

- Play with others code and manipulate graphics
- Lots of free references for styling
- View the code to have an understanding
- Upload and share your own fun code

[Codepen](https://codepen.io/)

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**iCodeThis**

Challenge yourself with CSS with fun challenges!

[iCodeThis](https://icodethis.com/)

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**CSSBattle**

Recreate the CSS graphic with the least lines of code to get a top score!

[CSSBattle](https://cssbattle.dev/)

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**THREE.js**


![Sample page three.js](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ocokotbxajya0syap9ft.png)

So, if you are a creative like me, you are going to fall in love with THREE.js, probably. You can create 3D animated environments with code. Pretty freaking cool.

If you are a coding ninja or are feeling capable, you can probably just follow the documentation to learn the framework for free. 

However, if you are like me and just starting out they do have a very thorough paid class you can take! If you take a look at some of the completed projects on the landing page, it doesn't take long to become excited about it!

[THREE.js Landing page](https://threejs.org/docs/index.html#manual/en/introduction/Creating-a-scene)


![THREE.js learning](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/oj77vszunicatab7sil7.png)

You can check out the content that will be covered in their program and the first three classes are also free!

[THREE.js Lessons](https://threejs-journey.com/)


_Hope to meet some of you in our group, and if not hopefully some of you can find this guide helpful. This was my personal journey and everyones is different. I wish you the best in your coding endeavors. <3_ Anna