Best Coding Apps for Beginners 2023

It's tough to find time for everything, but learning to code with an app on your phone can make it easier to fit in your schedule. Check out the best coding apps.
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Updated on April 18, 2023
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  • Various online apps can help you learn to code from anywhere.
  • These apps work entirely on your phone, so a computer is unnecessary.
  • Many apps offer free versions, but extra features require subscriptions.

Coding apps can be a great way for beginners to learn programming skills. They are accessible and often offer interactive and engaging learning experiences. Even better, you can sneak in lessons anytime and anywhere. There's also a variety of skills you can develop from coding apps, including Python, JavaScript, and Java.

Most coding apps use games to help make learning easier and more fun for learners of any age. They often incorporate puzzles, quizzes, and different ways to learn and test your knowledge. Many also offer step-by-step instructions and a community where you can ask questions if you get stuck.

While spending a few minutes a day on a coding app won't make you a master programmer, it can be a good way to improve your skills and explore other learning methods.

Best Beginner Coding Apps

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 many coding languages available in Codecademy Go, including Python, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.

Codecademy Go is available for both Android and Apple. It has a basic plan that helps you learn to code for free and a paid pro plan that costs $59.99 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 many coding languages. Users can learn about C, C+, Java, Python, Node, and Express. Code.Hub 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.

Coding Bootcamps for You

Codemurai

Codemurai is an interactive programming app that integrates simple modular lessons with practice, helping beginners develop coding proficiency. 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. You'll 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 you to go back and review a past lesson.

Encode is available on Android and Apple. The app 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. You can learn over 20 skills, including those related to JavaScript, Python, CSS, blockchain, and data analysis. Enki has more than 2,500 lessons and an interactive community that lets you learn from others.

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. But this app is also a way for beginning coders to learn JavaScript easily. You can 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. You'll systematically build your 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. You can choose between three unique paths: website development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; data science with SQL; or all-purpose coding with JavaScript. You can build a coding portfolio and work toward coding certificates.

Mimo is available on both Android and Apple. The app includes two free courses. Full access costs $79.99 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. You 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 you can take courses in app development, AI, and digital marketing.

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, and C++. As one of the most comprehensive apps to learn to code, Sololearn integrates traditional puzzles and quizzes with a community element. You 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 $69.99 for an annual subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions About Programming Apps

Can I teach myself to code?

Yes, it is possible to teach yourself to code. But know that if you do not have an analytical mind or some familiarity with coding, it might be difficult. The good thing is that now there are many online resources, both paid and free, that it has never been easier to learn on your own. If you get stuck, you can find classes and forums to help you get back on track.

What coding program is easiest to learn?

Python is generally considered one of the easiest coding programs to learn and is good for beginners. Python was developed with ease of use in mind. It focuses on readability, making it easier to understand for those unfamiliar with reading code.

Python is also more intuitive than many other coding languages. The rules aren't as rigid, making it easier for beginners to pick up. Python can also operate with some errors, making it a more forgiving coding program. Python's flexibility across platforms also makes it a good choice for beginners.

There are many free apps, courses, and programs to learn Python as a beginner.

Do I need a laptop to learn coding?

No, you don't need a laptop to learn to code. Many students learn coding effectively without a laptop or computer. With the apps in this article, you can learn coding on your phone. You can also combine different apps to create a diverse learning environment. Choose games, challenges, quizzes, and other activities that help you master coding from your phone.

In addition to apps, studying offline can be beneficial to master the basics of code. Coding bootcamps are a great way to consolidate your skills and learn more in a focused environment.

Can I learn to code on my phone?

Yes, you can learn to code on your phone. If you have put off learning to code because you don't have a computer, learning to code with apps is simple. These apps include everything from beginner games to expert courses on coding. If you've wondered "What is coding?" or how to learn more about it without a computer, the apps mentioned above can teach you on your phone.

You can choose from five-minute mini-lessons to longer lessons and challenges. You can also get community feedback and build apps or games. Besides apps, many YouTube channels focus on teaching coding techniques.