Technologies

Learn to Code With These 5 Online Coding Courses for Beginners

Coding skills can unlock new job offers and let you be more creative with projects.

Knowing how to code is a valuable skill, and it can be an easily obtainable one. While I’m not into programming, tinkering with code to build simple websites and apps is an amazing skill. Picking up some coding skills through an online coding course could help you, even if you never considered yourself a web programmer.Plus, demand for software developers remains high across the US.

Before you get started with a online coding class, it’s important to know which language you’ll want to learn — Python, Javascript, C# or one of hundreds of others — hinges on what sort of computer science or data science you want to do with it, like build a website, an app or a game. For example, if you’re interested in learning coding so you can work in a professional setting, you might want to find a coding program that teaches Python, Java or C#, which are all in demand at many companies.

There are a ton of coding classes and beginner courses available on the web, which can help you learn coding skills for whatever piques your interest. We’ve pulled together five beginner-friendly online classes that teach you coding basics and explore the foundational programming concepts and computer programming fundamentals — online coding bootcamp, so to speak. Some touch on specific languages while others stay more general. But no matter which course provider you choose, all of these picks are the best online coding courses to help you get your start learning a programming language. Welcome to coding school, my friends. And I’ll update this list periodically as new coding tutorials become available to help you on your coding journey.

Skillshare/Screenshot by Shelby Brown/CNET

Coding for Beginners with Applause Interactive

Skillshare

The Coding for Beginners course describes itself as a foundational level course for complete beginners that introduces students to common coding concepts like bugs, pseudo code and how code runs. The concepts can then be applied to whichever programming language you go on to learn. Over 30 lectures and coding lessons will help you build the skillset to build a simple app in both coding languages Scratch and Python, the final project of the course.

What it costs: Some online classes on Skillshare are free when you create an account, but most require a premium membership, which costs $168 annually or $14 a month. You can sign up for seven free days of unlimited classes. The premium membership is also ad-free and lets you download classes to your mobile device and watch offline.

See at Skillshare

Udemy/Screenshot by Shelby Brown/CNET

Pre-programming: Everything to Know Before You Code with Evan Kimbrell

Udemy

Digital agency founder Evan Kimbrell’s preprogramming course also starts with foundational concepts, like how the computer itself, the internet and operating systems fit into programming. This might sound too basic, but if you’re just starting on your learning journey, it’s helpful context.

Eventually, the lesson focus is on the core concepts of coding, different programming languages, front-end and back-end frameworks, application programming interfaces, content management systems and other more advanced concepts.

What it costs: Udemy’s course prices are set by the individual instructors from a price tier, unless they choose to offer them for free. The course is currently on sale for $12.

See at Udemy

Skillshare/Screenshot by Shelby Brown/CNET

Programming for Beginners with Cas Van Gool

Skillshare

Software engineer Cas Van Gool’s programming course focuses on the basics of programming found in any software language. The coding tutorials tackle topics like variables, strings, integers, if-statements, while-statements, for-statements and for each-statements. Van Gool provides step-by-step exercises and build projects with C#, from shopping lists to minigames. You’ll also need to download the free Visual Studio Code source code editor program from Microsoft for this course.

This coding class would be useful if you’re interested in coding for games or getting started on a professional level.

See at Skillshare

Coursera/Screenshot by Shelby Brown/CNET

Programming Foundations with Javascript, HTML and CSS with Susan Rodger

Coursera

The Programming Foundations with Javascript, HTML and CSS course, offered through Duke University, explores skills like HTML, JavaScript, Java programming and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). You’ll learn how to write programs, solve complex problems, design algorithms, and test and debug your programs.

The programming foundations course is part of the five-course Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization. You can enroll in a single course to get started and earn a certificate, or audit the online coding class and review the materials for free. The Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization is considered a beginner specialization, and if you subscribe to one course, you’ll be included in the whole specialization.

The course requires a laptop or desktop computer for Java programming and that you make a free account on CodePen.io. If you choose to continue with the other courses, you’ll need to install Bluej, free software for Java development.

This course would be most useful if you’re interested in coding for websites.

What it costs: Coursera operates more like a traditional online college course with enrollment windows. Sometimes the certificates you earn can apply as a credit at an institution, but it has to be stated. When you sign up for Coursera, you get a seven-day free trial, and then it starts at $49 a month. You can also choose to audit the class for free, which lets you read and view the course content only.

See at Coursera

Udemy/Screenshot by Shelby Brown/CNET

Coding for Beginners with Bluelime Learning Solutions

Udemy

Again, what you ultimately want to do with your programming skills will determine what coding language you’ll want to learn. What I liked about the Coding for Beginners course on Udemy is that it touches on the basics of five different programming languages — Javascript, Python, Ruby, HTML and CSS. You’ll get to dabble in each language and build applications like calculators, digital clocks, music players and blog pages. This helps give you a taste of how each operates while also giving you some hands-on experience and projects.

What it costs: Udemy’s course prices are set by the individual instructors from a price tier, unless they choose to offer them for free. This course costs $10 during a special sale.

See at Udemy

For more, check out five Masterclass classes to become a filmmaker and other online classes to help you learn to play guitar or learn to draw.

More work-from-home advice

Technologies

I Love One Thing About the New Nike Special Edition Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds

Beats and Nike have collaborated to bring us the Powerbeats Pro 2 — Nike Special Edition. I go hands-on with them.

Beats has released plenty of special edition products in the past, «collaborating» with various celebrities, including Kim Kardashian. But the new Powerbeats Pro 2 Nike Special Edition is the first time it’s linked up with Nike. The buds have the Nike Swoosh on the right bud and the Beats «b» on the left, as well as Nike’s two-tone black and yellow colors and its «Just Do it» slogan printed inside the lid. They’re available via an early-access lottery today on SNKRS, then they’ll launch globally on March 20 for $250.

Read more: Best wireless earbuds of 2026

The Nike x Powerbeats Pro 2 have all the same features as the standard Powerbeats Pro 2, including built-in heart rate monitoring that syncs with Apple’s Fitness app and Nike Run Club1. Perhaps the coolest things about them is the Volt-speckled charging case, which has a bit of texture to it and is slightly easier to grip than the standard Powerbeats Pro 2’s case, which has a smooth matte finish.

The collaboration makes sense given that the Powerbeats Pro 2 are sports buds with an ear hook design that are popular among hardcore and recreational athletes. They’re fairly pricey, though: The standard Powerbeats Pro 2 also list for $250 but sometimes get discounted to closer to $200 online. You can read my full review here.

Beats has recruited longtime brand ambassador LeBron James for the launch, which isn’t a surprise. But he’s not promoting the buds playing basketball, but golf. In the promo video, James shows off his «less-than-elite» skills on the links while using the Powerbeats Pro 2 to tune out a trio of critics, played by professional golfer Tom Kim and actors Lionel Boyce and Travis «Taco» Bennett. He’s «embracing the game on his own terms.»

Technologies

Samsung Halts Galaxy Z TriFold Sales After Just Three Months

The 10-inch device cost nearly $3,000 and will no longer be available to buy in the US or South Korea.

If you haven’t yet shelled out nearly $3,000 for a Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, you might have missed your chance. The company is winding down sales of the phone after it’s been on the market in the US for less than two months, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

Samsung will begin the phase-out by first ending sales in its home market of South Korea, and will then stop selling the phone in the US after all inventory has been depleted, Bloomberg said, citing a company spokesperson. In the US, the only way to buy a TriFold is on the Samsung website or at one of its seven Experience Stores across the country.

Samsung didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

A quick check on the Samsung website did not show any TriFold phones for sale, although Bloomberg said people have reported being able to buy the phone over the past few days at Experience Stores in Frisco, Texas, and Queens, New York. On a Galaxy Z TriFold subreddit, some customers have reported being able to get their hands on one.

The Galaxy Z TriFold was announced on Dec. 1, 2025, made its debut in South Korea on Dec. 12 and went on sale in the US on Jan. 30. The phone has a 6.5-inch cover screen and two hinges that enable it to be unfurled into a 10-inch main screen. The sale price is $2,899.

We liked the Galaxy Z TriFold when it was unveiled earlier this year in the US, and apparently so did many Americans — it sold out in minutes on its first day in the US.

CNET Senior Writer Abrar Al-Heeti spent two weeks with the foldable and called it «versatile, innovative and practical,» although ultimately a niche device that’s «not for everyone.»

Will the phone return? Bloomberg reported that Won-Joon Choi, chief operating officer of Samsung’s Mobile Experience Business, said in an interview last month that the company had not decided yet if it will bring the device — or an updated version — to a wider market.

If you’re interested in alternative trifold phones, be sure to also check out the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate (not sold in the US) and Tecno’s Phantom Ultimate G, which the company showed at MWC 2026 as a concept.

Technologies

Today’s Wordle Hints, Answer and Help for March 17, #1732

Here are hints and the answer for today’s Wordle for March 17, No. 1,732.

Looking for the most recent Wordle answer? Click here for today’s Wordle hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.

Today’s Wordle puzzle is fairly common word, with a mix of common and rare letters. If you need a new starter word, check out our list of which letters show up the most in English words. If you need hints and the answer, read on.

Today’s Wordle hints

Before we show you today’s Wordle answer, we’ll give you some hints. If you don’t want a spoiler, look away now.

Wordle hint No. 1: Repeats

Today’s Wordle answer has no repeated letters.

Wordle hint No. 2: Vowels

Today’s Wordle answer has one vowel.

Wordle hint No. 3: First letter

Today’s Wordle answer begins with C.

Wordle hint No. 4: Last letter

Today’s Wordle answer ends with P.

Wordle hint No. 5: Meaning

Today’s Wordle answer can refer to a small device with interlocking pieces that fastens a necklace or bracelet.

TODAY’S WORDLE ANSWER

Today’s Wordle answer is CLASP.

Yesterday’s Wordle answer

Yesterday’s Wordle answer, March 16, No. 1731, was DRAMA.

Recent Wordle answers

March 12, No. 1727: SMELL

March 13, No. 1728: EATEN

March 14, No. 1729: ANKLE

March 15, No. 1730: GRADE

What’s the best Wordle starting word?

Don’t be afraid to use our tip sheet ranking all the letters in the alphabet by frequency of uses. In short, you want starter words that lean heavy on E, A and R, and don’t contain Z, J and Q.

Some solid starter words to try:

ADIEU

TRAIN

STARE

NOISE