You can now learn almost any coding language or environment from your phone.
Coding apps for beginning coding are fun and easy to use.
Use these apps to enhance your skills, build a professional portfolio, or land a job.
With the world shifting to digital technology, anyone can benefit from learning to code.
Computer code is the language used to build computer software, websites, and apps. As the world shifts to an increasing reliance on technology — for everything from ordering food to obtaining an education — the demand for workers who are fluent in coding is rising.
While coding was once considered a specialized skill, basic fluency in code is required across industries. In the words of Steve Jobs, “I think everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer, should learn a computer language, because it teaches you how to think.”
Coding can also open the door to lucrative tech jobs. If you’re a beginner and don’t know where to start, coding apps can make learning easier. The lessons in these apps may also be a good primer if you’re interested in enrolling in a coding bootcamp. Read on to learn about some of the best coding apps for beginners, listed in alphabetical order.
Codecademy Go
The Codecademy Go app offers free beginner-level courses. It’s one of the best coding courses for beginners because of the simple lesson structure, community support, and option to build a coding portfolio. There are 14 coding languages available in Codecademy Go, including Python, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.
Codecademy Go is available for both Android and Apple. It has a free basic plan that helps you learn to code for free and a paid pro plan that costs $39.99 per month.
CodeGym
CodeGym is an app that teaches beginners Java programming code. CodeGym blends practice with essential Java theory. With 1,200 tasks available in the app, users get lots of practice with Java programming.
CodeGym is great for people interested in coding on Android (it’s only available on this operating system). CodeGym’s trial level is free. The premium plan costs $49 per month. The Premium Pro plan, which includes analysis of your coding style, costs $99 per month.
Code.Hub
Code.Hub is a coding app that teaches 13 different coding languages. Users can learn about C, C+, Java, Python, Node, and Express. CodeHub also hosts courses on HTML and CSS.
Code.Hub allows beginners to learn coding languages for web programming. Lessons emphasize the importance of problem-solving, and users can develop important fundamental knowledge. Code.Hub is only available on Android. This app is free, but it does require registration.
Codemurai
Codemurai is an interactive programming app that integrates simple modular lessons with practice, helping beginners develop coding proficiency. With 13 coding languages available, including iOS SDK, Codemurai integrates coding challenges, quizzes, and programming exercises.
Available on Android and Apple, Codemurai is free to download but requires in-app purchases of “coins.” The cost ranges from $0.99 for 400 coins to $4.99 for 3,000 coins, so you can pay as you use the app.
Encode
The Encode app is known for short, self-paced learning and real-world examples. Encode teaches Python, JavaScript, and Swift. Learners develop the foundational skills needed to build websites, conduct queries, and analyze data. Encode is known for teaching essential coding skills to systematically increase coding proficiency. It’s also easy for users to go back and review a past lesson.
Encode is available on Android and Apple. Encode is free to download but requires a monthly in-app purchase of $2.99 (or $6.49 for an annual subscription).
Enki
The Enki app is one of the most diverse apps on this list. Enki tailors lessons to a user’s preferences and skill level. Learn over 20 skills, including those related to JavaScript, Python, CSS, spreadsheets, blockchain, data analysis, and more. Enki has more than 2,500 lessons and an interactive community that lets users learn from one another.
Enki is available on both Android and Apple. The basic plan is free. The premium plan costs $7.99 per month or $38.99 for an annual subscription.
Grasshopper
A team of developers at Google created the Grasshopper app to test products. It’s also a way for beginning coders to learn JavaScript easily. Play games on your phone, solve visual problems, and get real-time feedback. Grasshopper has a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to use. Grasshopper motivates users with awards and certificates when they complete courses.
Grasshopper is free, and it is available on both Android and Apple.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a leader in online education, and its user-friendly app lets you access courses from your phone. Computer programming courses focus on topics like JavaScript, CSS, HTML, SQL, and advanced JS. Coursework covers a variety of ideas, including variables, animation basics, objects, arrays, and debugging. Users systematically build their programming knowledge.
The Khan Academy app is available on both Android and Apple. It is free to use.
Mimo
The Mimo app guides users along learning paths based on their coding goals in as little as five minutes a day. Mimo teaches JavaScript, HTML, and Python through bite-sized lessons. Choose between three unique paths: website development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; data science with SQL; or all-purpose coding with JavaScript. Users can build a coding portfolio and work towards coding certificates.
Mimo is available on both Android and Apple. The app includes two free courses. Full access costs $49.99 per year.
Programming Hero
Programming Hero is a coding app created to make learning to code fun. The personalized program teaches the basics of JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, and DOM manipulation. Users can build a game within Programming Hero and participate in game-like challenges, quizzes, and more.
Programming Hero is available on both Android and Apple. There are free features, but a premium subscription costs $9.99 per month and an annual subscription costs $39.99.
Programming Hub
The Programming Hub app teaches coding through stories. With over 5,000 programming examples in 20+ programming languages, Programming Hub is one of the most comprehensive apps to learn to code. In addition to courses in programming languages, there are courses in app development, AI, digital marketing, and more.
The Programming Hub app is available for both Android and Apple. There is a free option, although the all-access pro option costs $6.99 per month (or $41.99 for an annual subscription).
Sololearn
The Sololearn app for beginners offers a wide variety of languages, including Java, JavaScript, Python, SQL, C++, Swift, Ruby, PHP, HTML, and CSS. As one of the most comprehensive apps to learn to code, Sololearn integrates traditional puzzles and quizzes with a community element. Users can post scores and share results within the app.
Sololearn is available on both Android and Apple platforms. Sololearn’s basic subscription is free. Sololearn Pro costs $12.99 per month or $47.99 for an annual subscription.
Udacity
The Udacity app is a vast online learning database of courses developed with industry partners, such as Google and Amazon. Udacity focuses on helping users build skills and coding samples to land a coding job. Udacity’s Intro to Programming Nanodegree takes beginners to coding proficiency in four months.
The Udacity app is available on both Android and Apple. The cost is $399 per month or $1,356 upfront for four months of access — the estimated time required to complete the programming nano degree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coding