Apps That’ll Help You Learn To Code In No Time

If you're not already a coder, the concept of learning code can seem seriously overwhelming. Before I started to learn about it, I remember looking at it and thinking that my brain would never understand it. But code is a lot like math, and while it's not necessarily a lot of fun to learn, once you start to get the hang of it, the whole world of it opens up to you. You start to realize that it's just a collection of patterns and equations and algorithms. And once you get a little used to them, you start to develop a sense for them, you can start guessing and tweaking and toying with things — and that will make you more comfortable.

But honestly who has time to go to school for code? I barely have time to do my own laundry and if I didn't learn basic code through my job, I'd never have had a change to get to know it. Thankfully, there's another option: There are tons of apps out there that help you to learn code in no time. They make code feel a lot less like a terrible flashback from school and a lot more like a game, or fun mental stimulation exercise — if you can believe it.

Encode

This app is great if you're looking for a long term plan. It breaks down the fundamentals of code in pieces so you can focus on different chapters at a time without getting overwhelmed.

Udacity

If you're really serious about learning code, Udacity is one of the most intense programs out there. It's best for people who are already slightly familiar, at least with the terminology.

Enki

If you're low key just trying to learn a little code as you go, especially when you have five minutes to spare, this is the app for you. Just five minutes a day and you can slowly but surely start to get really familiar with code — at least the basics.

SoloLearn: Learn To Code

This app is awesome if you're looking for more of an online school experience because there's a community that you have access to when you use the app. Having the ability to ask for help is key, because you'll definitely need it.

Swifty

This Apple app comes with a built in lesson plan and tons of room for you to test out your new skills. It's best to use with an iPad.

Lightbot

If you're not looking to get schooled on an app, you might want to consider this game that teaches you how to app without making you feel like you're in a class — it's actually fun.

CodeAcademy

This free app has everything you need to get your code education started. It's no frills and super easy to navigate.

Lrn

This app comes with a ton of puzzles that make learning code feel a lot more like a fun brain exercise, plus you can pay for additional puzzles when you tear through them all.

Javvy

Yep, you guessed it, this app specializes in Java and uses fun puzzles to teach you what you need to know.

Tynker

I mean, technically, this app is for kids. But adults who use it will tell you it's not easy. Kids these days are just like mini robots, so don't feel bad if this app is the app for you.

Programming Hub

This app gets your super familiar with all the lingo you need to understand code. Plus, it comes with almost 2,000 programs.