Top Coding Apps for Beginners in 2021

There are dozens of accessible apps and games to help you learn to code as a beginner. The best coding apps will help you learn easy programming languages on the go. You can learn problem-solving skills, popular programming languages, and app deployment methods. Read below to learn about the best coding apps for beginners.

Why Learn to Code?

You should learn to code if you want to pursue a career in tech or if you just want an introduction to programming. According to PayScale, careers in information technology pay about $81,000 per year on average. This depends on the job, but if you have enough experience, you can earn a high salary. This field is lucrative, and it continues to grow every year.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that computer science and IT jobs will grow by 11 percent by 2029. This is well above the national average for all occupations, which is about four percent, according to the BLS. This means that when you learn to code, you will find thousands of job opportunities available to you.

You should also learn how to code if you’re pursuing an engineering degree. Many electrical engineers, civil engineers, and mechanical engineers learn to code as an elective. Using coding apps can make the process easier and raise your GPA. Once you know the basics, you can get better grades.

Coding is one of the most versatile skills in 2021. You can use it to become a game designer, a data analyst, or anything in between. Depending on what coding language you learn, you can get your dream job in tech. Coding apps are the best place to take your programming skills to the next level. 

Demand for Coders and Programmers in 2021

As stated above, the job outlook is high for computer and information technology occupations. Along with the general growth of 11 percent, specific occupations are growing even faster. For example, the job outlook for information security analysts is 31 percent, according to the BLS. 

The BLS also reports on many other tech jobs: software developer jobs will grow by 22 percent, operations research analyst jobs will grow by 25 percent, and database administrator jobs will grow by 10 percent. These are all growing faster than average.

However, not all coding jobs are growing. In fact, according to the BLS, programmer jobs will decrease by nine percent by 2029. Even though these jobs are not in high demand, there are still many opportunities available. You can also use your coding skills for different careers like web development.

How Much Do Computer Programmers Make?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a computer programmer is $64,968. This number can get even higher depending on how much experience you have, which state you work in, and what company you work for. PayScale also reports that late-career programmers make $86,560 per year.

People with coding skills can also access many different careers. Coding skills get you along across a very broad spectrum of work. For example, coding is necessary to help create algorithms that can help businesses make decisions. PayScale states that the average experience business intelligence analyst makes $84,308 per year.

The Best Coding Apps for Beginners

Coding apps are outstanding educational tools for people who want to learn to code. The programming apps below cover a wide range of skills with step-by-step tutorials and interactive games. You can learn Python, JavaScript, and many more programming languages. Take a look at the list below to learn more about the best coding apps for beginners. 

SoloLearn

SoloLearn is an award-winning app where you can learn basic coding concepts for free. The comprehensive learning package at SoloLearn includes content that is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to intermediates and professionals. You can learn programming languages like Python, C++, Java, C#, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. 

Some of the more advanced lessons on SoloLearn will teach you responsive web design, Python for data science, SQL, machine learning, Kotlin, and Swift. If you practice daily, you’ll learn to code in no time. The monthly plan costs $12.99 per month, but you can also access it for free with ads.

Programming Hub

Learning programming skills with Programming Hub is interactive and exciting. The learning games can make the experience feel less drawn out and complicated. This app covers the most popular programming languages and coding topics, like HTML, JavaScript, C#, Swift, Java, and CSS. You will also learn some block-based coding here. 

There are more than 5,000 coding exercises that you can play around with on this app, giving you ample tools to learn as much as you want. The learning on Programming Hub is geared towards game development, web development, mobile app development, and digital marketing. There is a paid subscription, but you can also learn for free.

Mimo

You can learn to code in Python, JavaScript, and HTML using Mimo. Beyond just learning how to code with the various programming languages, you will also learn to solve computing problems from the real world. Mimo operates through mini-lessons and interactive problems to help you learn hands-on for just a few minutes per day.

Once you are done with the app, you will get a certificate. The interactive learning and collaboration on the Mimo app is what helps set it apart. Although the Pro version is expensive, it can be worth it if you really want to commit to learning the basics of programming.

Grasshopper

As with any of the most popular coding apps, Grasshopper will help you learn to code on the go. That is what makes this one of the more popular options. App users will learn how to use JavaScript by solving visual puzzles while writing clean and readable code on your phone. You can learn variables, arrays, if statements, operators, loops, and object expressions.

A defining feature of the Grasshopper app, apart from its being free, is that it facilitates real-time collaboration between yourself and the app. While you are learning to code with JavaScript, you will be able to keep track of your progress by taking a quiz when you complete a task. You can work with actual code and put yourself on the right learning path.

Programming Hero

Once you download Programming Hero, you will learn everything there is to learn about building a game while using code. The emphasis at Programming Hero is not just about learning the theory but applying that theory by putting your knowledge into practice. This app is mostly free and only $9.99 per month for the premium version.

Programming Hero is an interactive learning platform, which means you will always get the help and guidance you need when you need it. You will also have ample opportunity to practice coding with programming languages like Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. All of that practice can be done at your leisure and while you are on the go. 

Easy Coder

The Easy Coder app has a playground where you can sharpen your skills with Java, JavaScript, Python, PHP, C, and C++. You will have access to code courses and coding tutorials where you can learn hands-on. Most of the lessons are video tutorials with quizzes that can help you track your progress.

The coding app is suitable for beginners because it is easy to understand and also easy to use. If you are willing to stick to it, you can start learning code from scratch and eventually become quite advanced just by using this app. You can learn everything from programming fundamentals to intermediate code.

Enki

While the emphasis of the Enki app is on data, coding does remain a major component. There are more than 1,500 coding exercises available on the app, which can teach you Python, SQL, JavaScript, React, block-based coding, CSS, HTML, Git, Regex, TypeScript, Docker, Golang, MongoDB, Zapier, Webflow, and Java.

Once you install the app, you will have access to a mentor and an entire coding community. Interactive learning and collaboration are major themes with this coding app. If you have tried other apps and struggled to learn on your own, then Enki might be the solution you’re looking for. The user-friendly interface and community of developers are unique to this app.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy covers more than just coding, but its attractive coding app remains one of its most compelling products. On the Khan Academy app, you will have access to a comprehensive library of coding lessons, most of which are on video. You can access many different exercises with practice questions to help you learn.

On the Khan Academy app, you will cover animation, website construction, querying and data management, gaming and visualization, natural simulation, and web page interaction. All of that branches off from learning real coding languages like JavaScript, HTML, SQL, and CSS. You can finish with advanced concepts to get you ready to learn more.

Codecademy Go

The Codecademy Go app can help you learn to code in small increments every day, whether you are working on Android or iOS. You will be able to practice those coding concepts while you are on the move. Codecademy also offers online courses if you’re looking for something more in-depth.

You will get to practice coding languages like HTML, CSS, Python, JavaScript, and SQL. The coding games associated with this app allow you to track the progress that you are making. 

Codee

The Codee app is the ideal way to learn to code because the platform is affordable, supportive, convenient, and user-friendly. All of these qualities make Codee one of the most compelling apps designed for beginner and intermediate coders. You can access bite-sized coding lessons with an actual programming language.

Users of this app will learn to code using Java and additional features. This is not only one of the most popular programming languages out there, but it is also one of the easiest to learn. You can use it for a future tech career or just as a fun new skill. Keep in mind that this app is only available on Android.

Top 5 Coding Apps for Kids

The coding apps featured in this list do not always teach an actual coding language, but they will help provide a suitable foundation for kids to learn to code later on. These apps use fun and educational activities to teach basic coding concepts. If you want to help your child learn to code, a top coding app for kids can make it happen.

Lightbot

Lightbot teaches kids how to code with coding games, which help develop basic coding logic. It uses puzzle games with friendly robot characters that can give your child basic knowledge about sequencing, overloading, procedures, recursive loops, and conditionals. These are all useful skills if a kid wants to learn to code in the future.

You can excel with the Lightbot coding app whether you use iOS or Android. It costs $2.99 and doesn’t include any in-app purchases, which makes it a very affordable option. The app-controlled robots and premium features will engage any kid.

Tynker

The Tynker coding app is also designed for younger minds, which means that learning to code with the app is easy. The interface requires minimal effort from users, and the games act as a solid introduction to coding. Tynker also includes lessons for different age groups: 5-10, 11-13, and 14+. 

Your child can also choose between different topics and preferences. These include storytelling, solving programming puzzles, coding ebooks, art and animation, Minecraft, game design, and robots. Older students can also choose which languages they want to learn first with a basic coding intro.

Hopscotch

The Hopscotch coding app is designed for children, but the features are also suitable for adults. The award-winning app promotes lateral thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. The play-based learning features are most prominent on this app, which you can use on iPad or iPhone. Hopscotch is still working on becoming available for Android.

You can access a seven-day free trial period before you purchase one of two packages. The first option is $4.99 per month, and the second is $19.99 per month. The difference between the two is that the cheaper monthly package will get billed to you annually, while the more expensive monthly package will get billed to you on a month-to-month basis.

SpriteBox

The SpriteBox coding app is a fun game that can teach your kids how to code. The curriculum starts with rudimentary skills, and then the lessons move onto Java and Swift syntax. This app teaches sequencing, parameters, loops, procedures, and nested loops.

The app includes basic platform games with characters and rewards. There are 20 puzzles, which means there is an extensive curriculum. This app is $4.99 per month, which is a relatively low monthly fee. 

Scratch

If your child is advanced and wants to move from games to tutorials, Scratch is a great choice. The coding app also has a paint editor guide, a set of options for block descriptions, and additional tips and hints that will help them learn how to code quicker and with greater success.

The target audience for this coding app is children as young as five years old. However, it is suitable for anyone because the standard of learning increases incrementally. This app is free and has great reviews.

Top Tips to Learn Coding

Because coding apps help you learn to code on the go, it can be easy to forget about your progress and get distracted. If you want to commit to learning to code with an app, you will need to invest time and energy. Read below for the best tips on how to succeed while learning to code with an app.

Get Your Hands Dirty

The only way you will become an accomplished coder is by making mistakes. The most successful students are the ones who can analyze their own code and discover problems. Apps can help you identify these problems and find solutions faster. Always put your learning into practice. 

Master the Basics

No matter how ambitious you are, you need to start small. If you move onto advanced topics too fast, you might get lost. For example, if you want to learn HTML, you have to understand the basics of how websites work.

Limit Hints and Guides

When learning to code, coding apps can give you the answers to your problems. However, if you want to learn faster, you should try to solve them on your own. If your app gives you hints, try to turn them off. This can help you focus on the root of the problem instead of moving onto the next step too quickly.

Collaborate Where You Can

While coding is often an individual task, most of your learning should happen in an interactive and pair programming environment. If you’re struggling, you can find online forums where other programmers share ideas and answer questions for each other. Enki is a great app if you want to find a coding community.

Search for Additional Coding Resources

Only downloading one app is rarely enough if you want a comprehensive coding education. Some concepts can be outdated, while others might not be as relevant to you as you would like. The key to coding is to broaden your knowledge base as much as you can. If you want to take the next step, you should enroll in one of the best online coding bootcamps. 

Should I Learn to Code?

Yes, you should learn to code. Coding is one of the most important skills in many different industries. You can enter the growing field of computer technology and access some of the best programming careers in the country. If you want to start your coding journey in a fun and interactive way, you should try one of the best coding apps for beginners.