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JavaScript (not to be confused with Java) is one of the most universal languages for any programmer to know. It’s used in nearly everything, from apps to games to VR. Learning JavaScript doesn’t have to take forever or cost a fortune. You can learn JavaScript for free, or almost free, through an online course.
What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a programming language that is used to create interactive web pages and has been around for over 25 years. It allows web pages to be animated and dynamic as well as validate data, among other popular uses. Currently, web developers rely heavily on this powerful and flexible language.
Read More: What is JavaScript?
Why Learn JavaScript?
There are plenty of reasons aspiring coders should learn JavaScript. As we mentioned above, JavaScript is both powerful and versatile, making it one of the most popular coding languages used today. Both front-end and back-end developers use JavaScript, which makes it a strong skill to have in your toolbox. Almost any webpage or tool you can think of uses JavaScript, including Slack, Spotify, and Discord. Learning JavaScript can open many doors that will lead you to a fulfilling career in software development.
JavaScript is considered a great first coding language because its syntax is simple to learn and is often cited as a gateway to learning other coding languages. And yet, learning JavaScript can be just the first step in a long and lucrative career. Across American cities, JavaScript developers make, on average, anywhere from $98,879 – $167,829 per year. If you’re ready to make real money, learn JavaScript.
There’s also an enormous global community for JavaScript learners and users. There are dedicated Slack, Discord, Reddit, and Github communities full of fellow JavaScripters, where you can interact, ask questions, help solve problems, and more. There are JavaScript libraries that can help you become more efficient with your JavaScript coding.
Essentially, JavaScript is a great first step in the world of coding.
The Top 13 Affordable or Free JavaScript Courses
Learning JavaScript doesn’t have to cost you four years’ worth of college tuition. Many online courses and pages offer low-cost or free JavaScript classes. Here’s a roundup of the 13 best online JavaScript courses available.
13. Codecademy
Codecademy offers both free and paid plans for individuals who want to learn how to code. Their basic package gives you access to their designated free courses, including community support and learning resources, while their Plus and Pro options unlock more features, like real-world projects and career help. Codecademy’s catalog features dozens of free JavaScript classes that you can take from beginner to advanced levels. Their Learn JavaScript series for beginners takes approximately 20 hours and is completely free.
12. FreeCodeCamp
FreeCodeCamp is a free, open-source coding program that offers courses in several languages. Their JavaScript courses range from beginners (which includes HTML and CSS) up to more advanced classes that will take your skills to the next level. When you finish the courses, you can earn a JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures certification by completing a set of projects with your new coding skills.
11. Udemy JavaScript Courses
Udemy is an online learning platform that features free and low-cost classes across an enormous range of topics – including over 10,000 JavaScript classes. Of those, over 2,000 are free, which you can sort by level from beginner to expert. However, to earn a certificate of completion, you’ll need to sign up for the paid classes, which you can buy individually or together as a package. Alternatively, you can sign up for Udemy’s monthly subscription plan which allows you to take over 8,000 classes per month.
10. Coursera
Coursera doesn’t teach classes; they link you to college and university online courses. You can choose to take a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree track depending on what you’d like to study, as well as find individual certification courses or follow the classes they suggest in their career guides. Their nearly 400 JavaScript courses are offered by places like Duke University, New York University, IBM, and Meta. Not interested in a degree? You can take courses that will certify you in JavaScript. Coursera offers a 7-day free trial before you’ll be charged either per class or via subscription.
9. Beginner JavaScript & JavaScript30
Wes Boz developed Beginner JavaScript as a thorough, low-cost, and self-paced guide to learning JavaScript online. The course is broken down into videos and modules that can be taken in any order. Beginner JavaScript comes in two packages: the Starter Course is cheaper and provides access to only a few modules, and the Master Package includes all 15 modules.
Once you get comfortable with JavaScript basics through Beginner JavaScript, Wes Boz has JavaScript30. This website promises you’ll build “30 things in 30 days with 30 tutorials.” That is, the program is designed to get you down to business creating projects using JavaScript, without a lot of bells and whistles.
8. SkillShare
Even though they specialize in more creative topics like illustration and fine art, SkillShare has JavaScript classes you can take for free during a 7-day trial, with an optional yearly membership that gives you unlimited access to all their classes. There are hundreds of JavaScript classes on SkillShare, taught by several instructors – so if you find one you like, you can take more of their classes.
7. W3C
W3C stands for World Wide Web Consortium. International partners come together to create internet standards and web growth. Through W3C’s partnership with EdX – a Coursera-like learning center – you can learn JavaScript for free. You won’t get a certificate – that costs extra as part of W3C’s “Front-End Web Developer” Professional Certification verified track. But it’s a great place to start learning JavaScript for free.
6. Pluralsight
Like other sites such as HubSpot and Moz, Pluralsight offers tools, products, and classes. There are dozens of JavaScript classes you can try for free with a 10-day trial followed by an affordable monthly subscription. They also have curated learning paths depending on what career you’re looking to pursue once you’ve mastered JavaScript. So if you want to become a software developer, they’ve bundled the right classes for you.
5. Codedamn
Learn JavaScript through hands-on practice with an AI tutor that guides you along the way. You can create your own JavaScript playground or sign up for one of their learning paths that includes JavaScript. Try Codedamn for free for 7 days and then sign up for monthly or yearly access. There are dedicated Githubs, Discord servers, and community forums full of fellow JavaScripters to help you along the way.
4. JavaScript for Cats
“So easy your human companion could do it too!” This website makes learning how to code JavaScript online free, fun, and very straightforward. There are tons of cat photos and gifs to keep you scrolling and smiling. The only drawback is that you’re pretty much on your own here other than some Github help.
3. Educative
This developer-specific online platform offers classes designed especially for learning software and coding. Sign up for a subscription paid either monthly or yearly, and take advantage of dozens of classes that will teach you JavaScript. Educative even has dedicated Skill Paths to help you learn what you need to know for specific interviews (front-end, JavaScript) or career paths (programming, machine learning).
2. Treehouse
Another free trial (followed by a monthly subscription) online learning platform, Treehouse features a “100 Days of Code” journey for those who are ready to commit. You can start with their 4-hour JavaScript Basics course or jump right into their Fullstack JavaScript Techdegree Certification track. Treehouse boasts real-time student support and a committed alumni community.
1. App Academy Open
App Academy Open is one of the best open-source coding courses available online. In addition to Python, React, Redux, and SQL (among many other languages), our JavaScript curriculum is both comprehensive and suitable for both beginners and more advanced students. All for free. You can sign up today and write your first line of code within minutes. If you’re looking for more structure and support, we offer an optional Slack channel that unlocks access to our instructional team and other students going through the program.
The App Academy Open program contains all 500 hours of our full-stack online bootcamp. It’s a great free way to find out if coding is right for you.
Start Developing Your Skills with App Academy
Learning JavaScript can be simple and affordable with the right lessons. App Academy is designed to teach you exactly the skills you need to get a job as a software developer as soon as possible.
Take our online quiz to learn which program is right for you, sign up for a live online info session to learn more, schedule a 1:1 call with one of our team experts, or submit a request with our convenient online form. Start your software engineering career today with App Academy!
And, if you’re ready to dig in deeper, start exploring our programs to see which one might be a good fit for you!
| Full-Time Online Coding Bootcamp | Full-Time, Online Software Engineer Program |
| Part-Time Online Coding Bootcamp | Part-Time, Online Software Engineering Program |
| Learn JavaScript for Free at Your Own Pace | App Academy Open |
