Some pros may argue it’s “impossible” to learn to code away from your desktop. While this is true to some extent, it doesn’t mean you can’t improve your coding skills while you’re on the move. Indeed, there are many fantastic (and free!) coding apps anyone could use to develop this in-demand skill. As a bonus, many of these app-based coding platforms have desktop functionality.
Adding the right coding app to your phone could significantly boost your Computer Science skills. No matter what coding level you’re at, you can gain valuable experience from any of the apps listed below.
Mastering Code On Your Mobile Phone – The Best Apps to Learn Coding
Mimo – Learn to Code App
Mimo is an ideal app for anyone just starting their coding journey. Designed with beginners in mind, this playful app teaches users how to code using a series of addictive games and quizzes. After completing your daily lessons, you’ll be rewarded with coins you could use for special in-app features.
While Mimo is marketed towards beginners, it teaches a broad array of coding languages like HTML, Python, JavaScript, and C+++. To help personalize your experience, Mimo will ask right from the get-go if you have any coding knowledge and whether you’re interested in Web Development or Python.
Best of all, Mimo is free to use and download on iOS and Android devices.
Update: Mimo also has web interface so that you can learn across platforms.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a great place to go if you’re just “dipping your toes” into Computer Science. Since this platform is non-profit, it won’t cost you a dime to download the Khan Academy app and learn from the vast array of video-based courses.
If you go through Khan Academy’s entire Computer Science course, you should have a basic understanding of common skills like drawing with JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and SQL. In addition to lecture-style courses, Khan Academy offers plenty of interactive challenges to help you put all that theory into practice.
While this might not be the best choice for intermediate coders, Khan Academy offers newcomers a free and flexible way to learn the fundamentals.
Udemy – Courses on Demand
If you’re looking for a more “standard” college-style course, then you might want to enroll in a coding class on Udemy.
Based in San Francisco, Udemy is a massive open online course provider that’s well-known for its robust selection of coding courses. Professionals from around the world download lectures onto Udemy for prospective students to purchase.
While some of Udemy’s courses can be a bit pricy, the knowledge you’ll gain from teachers could be invaluable. Anyone who wants to connect with a live professor and add noteworthy accreditation to their resume should browse Udemy’s coding options.
SoloLearn – Learn Coding App
Like Mimo, SoloLearn is a beginner-friendly app that starts with basics and gradually works up to advanced topics. Once you download the SoloLearn app, you could instantly begin to take short courses on significant topics like JavaScript, C++, Machine Learning, and HTML. After reading each lesson, you will have to take a quick quiz before moving to the next course.
However, you don’t have to “go solo” when learning on this app! SoloLearn has many community-centric features that help users address their questions and connect with other coders. In addition to a Coding Playground, the Solo Learn app has a social media feed and discussion tab.
Although SoloLearn is free to download, it also offers a paid “Pro” subscription. For your convenience, SoloLearn is compatible with both desktops and smartphones.
Grasshopper
Designed by Google developers, Grasshopper is another game-centric app that’s a good choice for new coders. Each course in this cute app teaches you fundamentals like variables, loops, and if statements using a combination of quizzes and games. As you progress to the final levels, you should be able to design your first web page without breaking a sweat.
One thing to note about Grasshopper is that it only focuses on JavaScript. While this could serve as an excellent intro for new students, intermediate and advanced students won’t get much use out of the Grasshopper app. Still, considering Grasshopper is free to use on your phone and desktop, it’s pretty hard to complain!
Programming Hub – Learn Programming, Coding Online and in App
Of the many coding apps now available, Programming Hub is arguably the most respected in the global tech sector. Indeed, this research-backed app now has the “seal of approval” from both Facebook and Google. No question: some of tech’s largest players admire the courses in Programming Hub’s vast library.
All of Programming Hub’s professional courses include interactive games to keep students motivated. Just a few of the topics you could learn for free include HTML, SEO, and CSS. If you opt for the paid Pro membership, you could learn countless advanced topics like Java Spring, SQL, and ethical hacking.
As a bonus, you’ll get an e-certificate you could display on your LinkedIn profile after each lesson. Since Programming Hub has such a strong reputation in the tech field, this perk could give your resume a serious boost.
Codecademy Go
With over 45 million users, Codecademy is unquestionably one of the most popular online learning platforms for coding. Although Codecademy is best known for its web-based series, it now offers a stylish app for iOS and Android devices. Students could use the “Codecademy Go” app to review concepts related to coding languages like HTML, CSS, Python, and JavaScript.
However, it’s not the best idea to use Codecademy Go as a standalone app. Indeed, the developers only intended to use Codecademy Go in tandem with their web platform. It’s best to think of Codecademy Go as a pocket-sized “study guide” that could help you review critical concepts on-the-fly.
FYI: Codecademy Go app only allows users to access one exercise per day on free mode. If you want to get more serious about coding, you’ll have to pay for the Codecademy Pro program.
Programming Hero
Instead of playing video games, why not build your own on the Programming Hero app? This fun smartphone app helps users learn the basics of coding while creating an exciting intergalactic game. In addition to Game Development, app users will learn about more advanced topics like Python, algorithms, data structures, and OOP.
Programming Hero also supports a Coding Playground and a forum where users could chat and show off their coding projects. If that wasn’t enough of an inducement, Code.org recently listed Programming Hero as one of its favorite apps!
Enki
Once listed as an Apple “App of the Day,” Enki is a popular coding app that uses mini-courses to teach coding concepts. Each day, Enki users could “workout” their coding skills by reading a brief explanatory note and taking a quiz. This app also has a few fresh games in various coding languages to keep you on your toes.
In addition to JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, the Enki app also has advanced courses like Git, Linux, SQS, and Python. Although Enki offers a few free classes, you will have to pay for a Pro subscription if you want the full experience.
Datacamp
If you’re serious about your coding career, then it might be time to enroll in Datacamp. Unlike the other apps on this list, Datacamp only teaches three languages: SQL, Python, and R. People interested in a profession Data Science will most benefit from Datacamp’s specialized focus.
Although Datacamp offers a free version, you will have to pay to access all of the info on this app. While Datacamp is more technical and costly than other apps, it may be a good choice for intermediate coders interested in a “boot-camp” experience.
Bonus Tip: Kid-Approved Coding Apps Exist!
Do you have any “tiny techies” in your home? If so, you may want to consider downloading one of the many kid-friendly coding apps now available. Yes, there are many coding apps for kids that can teach the basics of JavaScript, HTML, and even Python. Heck, there are even a few robotic toys that parents could use to teach their kids coding! A few favorite apps to consider include Tynker and Sprite Box. Depending on your skill level, you might even learn a thing or two using these apps!