When I began my coding journey in December 2023, I wasn’t sure where to start. Like many people, I was looking for a resource that was accessible, thorough, and—most importantly—free. That’s when I discovered freeCodeCamp, a platform that has since played a crucial role in my growth as a front-end developer. In this post, I’ll walk you through how I got started with freeCodeCamp, the courses that helped me the most so far, and tips for anyone looking to start their own coding journey.
The First Steps: How I Got Started
After I decided to transition into tech following a period of retrenchment, I was determined to learn as much as I could about web development. Read more about my coding journey in From Retrenchment to Reinvention: My Coding Journey After Losing My Job for the full story.
My first steps with freeCodeCamp were straightforward. I created an account and dove right into the Responsive Web Design certification. This course was perfect for beginners, offering hands-on projects that allowed me to build simple web pages using HTML and CSS. I appreciated that freeCodeCamp starts with foundational skills, making it easy for someone with no prior experience to follow along.
I completed several exercises each day, following a strict study schedule I created to balance my full-time job. Check out my post about How I Balance Full-Time Work and studying Coding for tips on managing your time.
Courses That Helped Me the Most
As I progressed, I found certain courses on freeCodeCamp particularly helpful:
- JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures: This course was a game changer. JavaScript is the backbone of front-end development, and freeCodeCamp’s structured approach—teaching key concepts through algorithms and challenges—solidified my understanding. It was tough at first, but breaking it down into smaller sections made it manageable.
- Front-End Libraries: After getting a handle on JavaScript, the next logical step was learning React. This course introduced me to the basics of React, a library I’ve come to love. The practical projects, like building a calculator and a markdown previewer, gave me the confidence to start creating interactive user interfaces. For more about why I chose React and front-end development.
- APIs and Microservices: As I advanced, I wanted to understand how front-end applications communicate with the back-end. This course introduced me to RESTful APIs and working with JSON, giving me a glimpse into the broader ecosystem of web development.
I’ll be diving deeper into each of these courses and certifications in upcoming blog posts to provide more detailed insights into what I learned and how you can get the most out of freeCodeCamp.
Tips for New Learners on freeCodeCamp
If you’re just getting started with freeCodeCamp, here are some practical tips that helped me stay focused and make consistent progress:
- Set Small, Achievable Goals: Coding can feel overwhelming at first, so it’s important to break it down into manageable tasks. I aimed to complete one or two lessons each day, and gradually increased my workload as I became more comfortable.
- Work on the Projects: freeCodeCamp offers real-world projects in each course that help you apply what you’ve learned. Completing these projects not only boosted my confidence but also built up my portfolio—something crucial when applying for front-end developer jobs.
- Ask for Help: freeCodeCamp has a great community of learners and developers who are always willing to help. Whether through their forums or other coding communities like Discord, don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re stuck.
- Stay Consistent: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of consistency. Dedicating even just an hour each day to coding adds up over time. As I continued to balance full-time work and coding, sticking to a routine has been key.
