If you're like me, you've probably done your fair share of "learn how to code for free" Google searches. If not, you may not have heard of freeCodeCamp.

FreeCodeCamp is an expansive online platform dedicated to helping people learn how to code - completely free! Not only do they compile video tutorials and forums into one convenient location, they also have their own variety of code-along courses to get you started. These courses come with a certificate upon completion, which you can add to your in-site portfolio or even your resume.

That being said, how good are these courses? I'm here today to review their course titled "Responsive Web Design", and see how useful it actually is.

The Experience

This course provides approximately 300 hours of code-along lessons, intending to give you a strong basis for using HTML and CSS in a variety of ways.

On starting the course, your first activity is to build a basic webpage, which displays some cat photos. The purpose of this exercise is to teach you the very basics of web design, giving useful instructions and hints to help you at every step.

As you move through the course, the activities get more advanced, and the instructions become more vague. As you progress, you're expected to make use of your increasing knowledge, but if you get stuck, they're still there to provide hints as you need.

Some of the more advanced lessons involve using CSS to create animated designs, such as a waving penguin, and a Ferris wheel.

After each section of lessons, there is a project, which must be completed to eventually obtain your Responsive Web Design Certificate. These projects take a similar form to the lessons, but allow for much more creative control. They will have a set list of basic requirements, but the rest is up to you. Some of these projects include creating a form, a Technical Documentation page, and even your own Personal Portfolio Webpage.

Who is it for?

Overall, I would say this course would be most beneficial to someone who is just beginning their coding journey, or someone with coding experience who has never done any web design. While website design may not end up as your preferred programming, I do believe this course gives a very enjoyable and accessible introduction to coding as a whole, and provides a solid base for progression. I found starting with languages as simple as HTML and CSS much less intimidating than trying to figure out higher-level languages, such as C++ or Java.

If you do have some previous experience in web design, then the majority of this course may not be quite as enjoyable. While the lessons do increase in difficulty, the beginning can feel quite slow.

Is it worth it?

Personally, I found this course extremely helpful.

When I first developed an interest in coding, freeCodeCamp was the site that made me really enjoy learning. I began the Responsive Web Design certification and realised I wanted to pursue programming. While I didn't finish the course at the time, it gave me enough of a basis to go forward into a Computer Science course in college.

In terms of completely free, credited resources, freeCodeCamp is one of the best I've come across.

If I had to add anything to this course, I would perhaps add some kind of introduction to JavaScript to go along with the existing lessons.

Ultimately, if you have the time, then completing this course and receiving the certificate is a great accomplishment. However, 300 hours is a big commitment, so even doing some of the lessons may spark some interest, and discover a passion for coding.

Sources:

All images have been screenshot from freeCodeCamp