Best App to Learn Programming in 2024: Top Picks

You have always wanted to learn how to code, but you do not know where to begin to find the best app to learn programming in 2024!

Maybe you have bought a book or tried a few online lessons on how to code, but nothing has stuck. It is hard to stay motivated because the ideas are hard to understand, and the exercises are dull.

Sounds familiar? You are not alone, so do not worry. Many people find it hard to learn how to code by themselves. What if there was a better way?

Here come coding apps. These helpful tools are made to make learning to code fun, easy, and available even when you are busy. But there are a lot of apps out there. How do you pick the best one for you?

This is where I come in. I looked through all the app stores, tried the best ones, and made a list of the 2023 best apps to learn programming. There is an app on this list that is perfect for everyone, whether you have never coded before or have done it a few times.

Best App to Learn Programming for Beginners

The number of programming apps can feel overwhelming if you’re starting with coding. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

After testing dozens of coding apps, I’ve narrowed it down to the best for beginners. These apps offer interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and even mentorship to help you master programming on the go.

Tynker: Coding for Kids

First, we have Tynker. They offer the largest range of coding courses for all skill levels for kids aged 5–18, covering everything from basic coding to the most popular programming languages like Java, Python, and more.

What excited me most about Tynker was learning philosophy by doing it. With Tynker’s simple interface, kids do not just watch coding videos; they start making their games and apps immediately. For them, these projects are a fun and exciting way to build a portfolio that shows off their creativity and coding skills.

Grasshopper: Learn to Code

Grasshopper is one of the best free apps for learning programming, especially if you’re new to coding. Developed by a team of Google coding experts, this app is designed to make learning to code fun and accessible for everyone.

What I love about Grasshopper is how it breaks down complex coding concepts into bite-sized lessons you can complete in just a few minutes daily. The app teaches you the fundamentals of JavaScript through interactive puzzles and real-world projects, so you’re not just memorizing syntax – you’re building real apps.

Ready to start your coding journey? Grasshopper is here to help. Our fun, quick lessons teach you the basics of JavaScript. Download the app today ↓# pic.twitter.com/QwWmc7Iycf

— Grasshopper (@ghopperapp) April 29, 2021

As you progress through the app, you’ll unlock new levels and challenges to keep you motivated. And if you ever get stuck, the app provides helpful hints and explanations to guide you in the right direction.

By finishing Grasshopper’s curriculum, you’ll have a solid foundation in programming concepts like variables, functions, loops, and more. Plus, you’ll have a portfolio of projects to show off your new skills.

Programming Hero

Another fantastic coding app for beginners is Programming Hero. This app takes a unique approach to teaching coding by turning it into an epic adventure game.

In Programming Hero, you play as a young developer on a mission to save the world from an evil corporation using your coding skills. As you progress through the story, you’ll learn real-world programming languages like Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

What sets Programming Hero apart is its focus on teaching you how to think like a programmer. Instead of memorizing code snippets, the app challenges you to break down problems, plan solutions, and debug your code when things go wrong – all essential skills for any developer.

I also appreciate how Programming Hero personalizes the learning experience based on your skill level and learning style. The app adapts lessons and challenges to ensure you’re always making progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Mimo

Mimo is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a coding app that covers a wide range of programming languages. This award-winning app offers interactive Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, SQL, and more lessons.

One thing I like about Mimo is how it emphasizes hands-on coding practice. Each lesson includes bite-sized exercises where you’ll write real code and see the results in real time. This helps cement your understanding and gives you the confidence to build your projects.

Mimo also explains programming concepts in plain English, using fun analogies and storytelling to make complex topics more approachable. And if you’re ever feeling stuck, the app’s active community forums are a great place to get help and connect with other learners.

While Mimo offers a limited free version, unlocking the full app requires a subscription. But in my experience, it’s well worth the investment if you’re serious about learning to code.

SoloLearn

SoloLearn is another popular coding app that is great for beginners learning programming languages like Python, Java, C++, and more. What I appreciate about SoloLearn is its focus on community learning.

In addition to its library of interactive coding lessons, SoloLearn features a vibrant community of millions of learners worldwide. You can join group discussions, get feedback on your code, and even compete in coding challenges against other users.

SoloLearn’s lessons are broken down into bite-sized modules you can complete at your own pace. Each module includes a mix of instructional content, code examples, and quizzes to test your knowledge. And as you progress, you’ll earn points and unlock achievements to keep you motivated.

While SoloLearn is free to use, it does include ads and some features are locked behind a paywall. But overall, it’s a solid choice for beginners looking for a social, gamified approach to learning to code.

Encode

Lastly, Encode is a fantastic coding app if you want to become a full-stack web developer. This app provides a comprehensive curriculum covering front-end languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and back-end technologies like Node.js and databases.

What I love about Encode is how it focuses on teaching you practical, job-ready skills. The app is designed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure that you’re learning the most up-to-date and in-demand technologies.

Encode’s lessons are project-based, so you’ll build real websites and applications from day one. The app provides step-by-step instructions and code snippets to guide you, but it also challenges you to figure things out independently and develop your problem-solving skills.

Another great feature of Encode is its built-in code editor, which allows you to write and run code directly in the app. This is super convenient when you’re on the go and don’t have access to a computer.

Encode offers a free trial, but unlocking the full curriculum requires a subscription. However, the app does offer a job guarantee – if you don’t land a developer job within 6 months of completing the program, you’ll get a full refund.

So there you have it – my top picks for the best coding apps for beginners in 2024. Whether you want to learn JavaScript, Python, web development, or just want to see what coding is all about, these apps are a great place to start.

Finding an app that aligns with your learning style and goals is key. And remember, the most important thing is just to get started and code a little bit daily. With consistency and practice, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can pick up programming skills.

Essential Features of Top Coding Apps

So now that we’ve covered some of the best coding apps out there, let’s dive a little deeper into what makes a great app for learning to code. After all, with so many options, it helps to know what features to look for.

In my experience, the top coding apps share a few key characteristics that set them apart. Let’s break them down:

Interactive Lessons

One of the most important features of any coding app is interactive, hands-on lessons. The best apps don’t just throw a bunch of text and code snippets at you – they actually guide you through writing code step-by-step.

Look for apps with features like code editors, where you can write and run real code directly in the app. Bonus points if the app provides real-time feedback and error messages to help you debug your code when things go wrong.

Inspect ElementChange some codeRefresh the pageBecome a developerWeb development, as easy as that.

— Mimo (@getmimo) April 15, 2021

Interactive lessons are important because they help you develop muscle memory and build confidence in your coding abilities. It’s one thing to read about a concept, but putting it into practice is where the real learning happens.

Personalized Learning Paths

Another key feature to look for in a coding app is personalized learning paths. The best apps adapt their curriculum based on your skill level, learning style, and goals to ensure you’re always challenged but never overwhelmed.

Some apps, like Programming Hero, use AI algorithms to analyze your progress and suggest the best lessons and projects for you. Others, like Grasshopper, let you choose your own adventure by unlocking new levels as you master each concept.

Personalized learning is important because it keeps you motivated and engaged. When the app constantly adapts to your needs, you’re less likely to get bored or frustrated and more likely to stick with it for the long haul.

Gamified Experience

Let’s face it – learning to code can be tough, especially when you’re just starting out. That’s why many top coding apps use gamification to make the learning experience more fun and engaging.

Gamification can take many forms, from unlocking achievements and earning points for completing lessons to competing against other learners in coding challenges. The idea is to tap into our natural desire for rewards and social validation to motivate us.

One app that does gamification well is SoloLearn. In addition to its library of coding lessons, SoloLearn features a vibrant community where you can join coding discussions, share your projects, and even compete in real-time coding battles against other users.

Of course, gamification isn’t for everyone – some learners prefer a more straightforward, no-frills approach. But for many people, especially beginners, a little bit of fun and friendly competition can keep them engaged with coding.

Community Support

Speaking of community, another essential feature of top coding apps is a strong support system. Learning to code can be isolating, especially if you do it alone. That’s why it’s so important to have a community of fellow learners and mentors to turn to when you need help or encouragement.

The best coding apps foster a sense of community through features like forums, chat rooms, and Q&A sections where you can connect with other learners and get feedback on your code. Some apps, like Codecademy, even offer mentorship programs where you can get personalized guidance from experienced developers.

A supportive community can make all the difference when learning to code. It’s a place to ask questions, share your struggles and successes, and feel part of something bigger than yourself.

Offline Access

Finally, offline access is a feature that’s often overlooked but incredibly useful. Let’s face it – we don’t always have a stable internet connection, especially on the go. That’s why many top coding apps allow you to download lessons and challenges for offline use.

Offline access is especially important if you’re learning to code during your commute or in other situations where you might not have reliable internet. With offline access, you can keep learning and practicing no matter where you are.

Of course, not all coding apps offer offline access, and some require a paid subscription to unlock this feature. But if you know you’ll be learning on the go, it’s something to look for.

So there you have it – the essential features to look for in a top coding app. Of course, every learner is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to find an app that aligns with your learning style, goals, and lifestyle.

And remember – no matter which app you choose, the most important thing is just to get started and code a little bit every day. With patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can pick up programming skills.

Comparing Popular Coding Apps

Alright, now that we’ve covered the essential features of top coding apps, let’s look at how some of the most popular options stack up against each other. After all, with so many great choices out there, it can be tough to know where to start.

To help you make an informed decision, I’ve compiled a quick comparison of some of the most widely-used coding apps on the market. Remember that this is just a high-level overview – the best app for you will depend on your specific needs and goals.

Programming Languages Offered

One of the first things to consider when choosing a coding app is which programming languages it supports. Different apps focus on different languages, so choosing one that aligns with your goals is important.

For example, if you’re interested in web development, you’ll want an app that teaches HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. If you’re more focused on data science, you might prefer an app that covers Python and SQL.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the programming languages offered by some popular coding apps:

• Tynker: Block Coding, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Java, and more
• Codecademy: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Java, SQL, and more
• SoloLearn: Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, HTML, CSS, SQL, and more
• Grasshopper: JavaScript
• Programming Hero: Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Mimo: Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, SQL, and more

As you can see, some apps like Codecademy and SoloLearn offer a wide range of languages, while others like Grasshopper focus on just one. There’s no right or wrong answer here – it just depends on what you want to learn.

Pricing and Subscription Models

Another important factor to consider is pricing. While many coding apps offer a free version, most require a subscription to unlock the full range of features and content.

Here’s a quick overview of the pricing models for some popular coding apps:

• Tynker: Click here to see the best deals
• Codecademy: Free basic plan, $19.99/month for Pro plan
• SoloLearn: Free with ads, $6.99/month for Pro plan
• Grasshopper: 100% free
• Programming Hero: Free basic plan, $4.99/month for Premium plan
• Mimo: Free basic plan, $9.99/month for Premium plan

As you can see, pricing varies quite a bit between apps. Some, like Grasshopper, are completely free, while others can cost upwards of $20/month for a premium subscription.

Of course, price isn’t everything – a more expensive app with high-quality content and features may be worth the investment if it helps you achieve your goals faster. But if you’re on a tight budget, plenty of great free and low-cost options exist.

User Interface and Experience

Another factor to consider when comparing coding apps is the user interface and overall learning experience.

Choosing the Right Coding App for Your Goals

With so many coding apps available, how do you pick the best one to learn programming from?

It all comes down to your goals and learning style.

Identifying Your Learning Objectives

First, clarify your goals for using the best app to learn programming. Do you want to learn programming basics, master a specific programming language, or build a particular type of app?

Knowing your end goal will help you choose the best app to learn programming that aligns with your objectives.

Assessing Your Current Skill Level

Be honest about where you’re starting to learn coding. Are you a total beginner, or do you have some coding experience?

Look for the best app to learn programming that caters to your current skill level, whether introductory lessons for newbies or more advanced coding challenges for seasoned programmers.

Considering Your Learning Style

We all learn differently. Some folks love interactive exercises, while others prefer video tutorials or written explanations.

Think about how you learn best and find the best app to learn programming that plays to your strengths. The best apps to learn coding will be the ones that keep you engaged and motivated to keep learning.

Evaluating App Reviews and Ratings

Before committing to any mobile app, scope out what other users are saying about learning coding. Read reviews to see what beginners and experienced coders alike have to say about the app’s effectiveness, user experience, and customer support.

Pay attention to ratings too – a 4.5-star average from thousands of users indicates that an app delivers on its promises.

Maximizing Your Learning with Coding Apps

You’ve chosen the perfect coding app for learning programming. Now, how do you make the most of it? As someone who’s used my fair share of these apps, here are my top tips.

Setting a Consistent Learning Schedule

Consistency is key when you’re learning to code. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to dive into your coding app, even if it’s just 20-30 minutes at a time.

Most apps like Mimo make it easy to learn in small, bite-sized lessons, so you can easily fit coding practice into your daily routine.

Engaging with the Coding Community

Don’t fly solo on your coding journey. Engage with the community features in your app, like forums or chat groups, to connect with other learners, ask questions, and get support when you’re stuck.

And don’t be afraid to seek out mentor relationships – more experienced coders can offer valuable guidance and feedback as you progress.

Applying Your Skills to Real-World Projects

Learning concepts is one thing – applying them is another. Look for opportunities to practice your new coding skills on actual projects, either through your app’s project-based lessons or by coming up with your own ideas.

Building real things is the best way to cement your knowledge and start building a portfolio.

Supplementing with Additional Resources

Your coding app is a great starting point, but don’t limit yourself. Supplement your learning with other resources like online tutorials, coding bootcamps, or programming books to deepen your understanding.

Just be sure to read the privacy policy and terms for any additional purchases or subscriptions.

The key is to immerse yourself in the world of coding as much as possible. The more you learn and practice, the more you’ll start to think like a programmer.

With the right coding app, a strategic approach, and a healthy dose of persistence, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can pick up new programming skills – without even leaving your couch.

Conclusion

Learning to code doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right app by your side, you can master programming concepts, build real-world projects, and even launch a new career in tech.

The best app to learn programming will offer interactive lessons, hands-on coding practice, and a supportive community to help you along the way. It will be designed with your learning style and goals in mind, and will make the process of learning to code fun and engaging.

So what are you waiting for? Choose one of the top apps recommended, download it to your device, and start your coding journey today. Who knows where it might take you?