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.
Read more: Want to become a successful YouTuber? Start here
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
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.
Udemy/Screenshot by Shelby Brown/CNET
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.
Skillshare/Screenshot by Shelby Brown/CNET
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.
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.
Coursera/Screenshot by Shelby Brown/CNET
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.
Udemy/Screenshot by Shelby Brown/CNET
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.
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.
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Technologies
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Thursday, Aug. 14
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Aug. 14

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s Mini Crossword isn’t too tough, and it has some fun movie and TV references. Just remember that «poster» can mean a couple of different things — it’s not always that photo of Def Leppard hanging on the wall. Want help with today’s NYT Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Animals holding «Eat Mor Chikin» signs, in a classic ad campaign
Answer: COWS
5A clue: Suffix with Beatle or Wrestle
Answer: MANIA
6A clue: «Au revoir!»
Answer: ADIEU
7A clue: Ugly poster?
Answer: TROLL
8A clue: Be likely (to)
Answer: TEND
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Core group
Answer: CADRE
2D clue: Vegetable combined with celery and carrot to form «mirepoix»
Answer: ONION
3D clue: Handle, as a sword
Answer: WIELD
4D clue: «Better Call ___» («Breaking Bad» spinoff)
Answer: SAUL
5D clue: Damon of «Oppenheimer»
Answer: MATT
Technologies
The iPhone 17 Hasn’t Been Announced Yet, but There’s Already a Case for It
The new case makes a bold style statement, but there’s no official confirmation that it correctly reflects Apple’s upcoming phone.

One of the first cases for the iPhone 17 has made its appearance. Canadian tech accessory company Dbrand announced its Tank Case for the iPhone 17 is set to go on sale in September, the same month we’re expecting Apple to announce the eagerly awaited iPhone 17.
While we don’t know the price of the Tank Case yet, Dbrand has certainly made some striking design choices in the hard black shell case, including plenty of number codes, the Freemason Eye of Providence in what looks like a center designed for MagSafe connections and what appears to be Braille. Dbrand is light on details for now, but you can sign up with your email address to get notifications about the case.
A representative for Dbrand did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Patrick Holland, CNET managing editor and mobile guru, cautions that these early-announced phone designs don’t always end up making it to the release date. Holland saw that happen just last year, when some manufacturers were forced to push quick redesigns to make room for the iPhone 16’s surprise camera control button.
«It’s become a yearly tradition,» Holland said. «We see companies try to be the first out with a new case design for the latest iPhone, even though the phone hasn’t been announced by Apple.»
«For Dbrand, it’s unclear whether the Tank case is designed based on rumors, or if the company got an early look at the iPhone 17 series, or were given a dummy model,» Holland said. «The case does feature a full body width camera bump that has been heavily leaked for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. There’s one thing that’s for certain: Dbrand’s Tank case looks chunky and busy, especially for a sleek new iPhone.»
That’s why we’re also keeping a close eye on all the latest reports of iPhone 17 features, including rumors of a redesigned camera bump and a movable lens that could throw a curveball for third-party cases like this.
Social media buzz
Commenters on X shared a variety of opinions about the case. While one person wrote, «that case looks fire,» another wrote, «that case looks hideous.»
Commenters also wondered if the case design was revealing some previously unknown details about the iPhone 17.
«So the second button is basically confirmed?» one X commenter wrote. «Why would the case sport an area that looks pressable or ‘slideable’ otherwise?»
Another wrote, «Am I seeing that correctly? Three cameras on a base iPhone model finally.»
Others zeroed in on the idea that Apple likely does not want case manufacturers to reveal details about a phone before the company announces it, noting that Dbrand also unveiled a case for the Nintendo Switch 2 before that console came out.
«First the Switch 2, now the iPhone 17,» the one commenter wrote. «Yeahh, they’re never getting shit early to make cases anymore.»
Technologies
Apple Reportedly Planning AI Comeback, Complete With a Tabletop Robot
Home security cameras and a standalone smart display are also coming, the report says.

Apple wants a bigger place in your home, according to a report posted Wednesday from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While you might think of Apple primarily because it provides your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook, AirPods and more, the tech giant reportedly hopes to use artificial intelligence to sell you a number of new smart home devices. Those devices may include a tabletop robot, home security cameras and a smart speaker with a screen.
A representative for Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Tabletop robot
According to Bloomberg, it’s the tabletop robot, reportedly coming in 2027, that is the center of the plan. Bloomberg — and CNET — have reported on this plan before. At that time, the company reportedly had two concepts in mind: a robot that can move around the home, and a tabletop robotic device.
Now, Bloomberg says the robot «will feature a lifelike version of Siri and the ability to engage with users throughout the day.» It reportedly resembles an iPad mounted on a movable limb that can reposition itself to face you.
Former CNET senior editor Lisa Eadicicco wrote in 2024 that «perhaps the biggest challenge when it comes to a home robot is that the market is unproven.» We’ve all seen the robot maid Rosie on the old Jetsons cartoon, but do we really need or want a robotic helper in our homes?
Standalone smart display
Another item Apple is reportedly working on is essentially a smart speaker with a screen. Bloomberg calls this a «stripped-down version of the robot.»
It won’t have a robotic arm or conversational Siri, but it should be able to do such things as music playback, note taking, control home devices and video conferencing. Bloomberg says it will run a new operating system called Charismatic.
Home security cameras
Home security cameras are becoming more and more popular, and Apple wants to move into that realm as well. The company will make cameras that will anchor an Apple security system, the report says.
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