8 Best YouTube Channels to Learn Coding for Beginners

Willing to become a developer? Firstly, you will need to write your first “HELLO WORLD!” program😅😅😅. After that, it gets all logical and exploratory.

Learning to code has never been more accessible, thanks to the wealth of educational content available on YouTube.

Whether you’re a complete novice looking to break into the tech industry or someone seeking to expand their skill set, these carefully selected YouTube channels offer exceptional programming tutorials that cater specifically to beginners.

We’ve compiled a list of the best YouTube channels to learn coding for beginners that consistently deliver high-quality content, clear explanations, and practical coding examples.

Best YouTube Channels to Learn Coding for Beginners

1. freeCodeCamp.org

With over 6 million subscribers, freeCodeCamp stands as one of the most comprehensive coding education platforms on YouTube. This non-profit organisation offers extensive, full-length courses covering everything from basic HTML and CSS to advanced topics like machine learning and data science.

What makes it special: Their tutorials are incredibly thorough, often spanning several hours and providing complete project-based learning experiences. The channel features guest instructors who are industry professionals, ensuring you’re learning current, relevant skills.

Best for: Beginners who prefer structured, university-style courses and don’t mind longer video formats.

Popular courses: “Learn Python – Full Course for Beginners,” “Responsive Web Design,” and “JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures.”

2. Programming with Mosh

Mosh Hamedani brings over two decades of software engineering experience to his YouTube channel, which boasts over 3 million subscribers. His teaching style is particularly beginner-friendly, breaking down complex concepts into digestible segments. This is one of the best YouTube channels to learn coding for beginners.

What makes it special: Mosh’s ability to explain programming concepts in plain English is unmatched. His videos are well-structured, professionally produced, and focus on practical skills that employers actually seek.

Best for: Complete beginners who want clear, concise explanations without overwhelming technical jargon.

Popular courses: “Python Tutorial for Beginners,” “JavaScript Tutorial for Beginners,” and “React Tutorial for Beginners.”

3. Traversy Media

Brad Traversy’s channel has become a go-to resource for over 2 million developers worldwide. Known for his “crash course” format, Brad covers a vast array of programming languages, frameworks, and tools with remarkable clarity.

What makes it special: The channel excels at keeping pace with the latest technologies whilst maintaining beginner accessibility. Brad’s teaching approach focuses on building real projects, which helps solidify learning through practical application.

Best for: Beginners who want to quickly grasp new technologies and prefer project-based learning.

Popular series: “HTML & CSS Crash Course,” “Node.js Crash Course,” and various framework tutorials.

4. The Net Ninja

Shaun Pelling’s channel, The Net Ninja, offers one of the most organised approaches to learning web development on YouTube. With over 1 million subscribers, the channel is renowned for its systematic playlist structure and consistent quality.

What makes it special: Each tutorial series is meticulously planned, building upon previous concepts in a logical progression. The bite-sized videos (typically 10-20 minutes) make it easy to learn during short breaks.

Best for: Beginners who prefer shorter, focused lessons and systematic learning paths.

Popular playlists: “HTML & CSS Tutorials,” “JavaScript Tutorials for Beginners,” and “React Tutorial for Beginners.”

5. CS50

Harvard University’s CS50 course, available freely on YouTube, represents one of the most prestigious computer science introductions available online. Professor David Malan’s engaging lectures have captivated over 4 million subscribers.

What makes it special: You’re essentially getting a Harvard-level computer science education for free. The production quality is exceptional, and the course covers fundamental computer science concepts that provide a solid foundation for any programming journey.

Best for: Beginners who want a comprehensive understanding of computer science fundamentals alongside practical coding skills.

Highlight: The complete CS50 2023 course offers weeks of structured learning covering C, Python, SQL, and web development.

6. Codecademy

Whilst primarily known for their interactive platform, Codecademy’s YouTube channel provides excellent supplementary content for beginners. Their videos focus on coding concepts, career advice, and industry insights.

What makes it special: The channel bridges the gap between learning syntax and understanding how programming fits into real-world applications. Their career-focused content is particularly valuable for beginners planning their professional development.

Best for: Beginners who want to understand the broader context of programming and career development alongside technical skills.

Popular content: “What is Programming?” series and various career guidance videos.

7. Derek Banas

Derek Banas takes a unique approach to programming education with his “Learn [Language] in One Video” series. His channel covers an impressive range of programming languages and concepts in condensed, information-rich formats.

What makes it special: Perfect for getting a comprehensive overview of a programming language quickly. Derek’s tutorials are incredibly dense with information, making them excellent reference materials.

Best for: Beginners who want rapid exposure to multiple languages or need quick reference tutorials.

Popular videos: “Learn Python in One Video,” “Learn Java in One Video,” and various algorithm tutorials.

8. Corey Schafer

Corey Schafer’s channel is particularly beloved in the Python community, though he covers other languages as well. His methodical teaching style and attention to detail have earned him over 1 million loyal subscribers.

What makes it special: Corey’s explanations are incredibly thorough, and he has a gift for anticipating common beginner questions and addressing them proactively. His Python tutorials are considered among the best available anywhere.

Best for: Beginners serious about learning Python or those who appreciate detailed, methodical instruction.

Must-watch series: “Python Tutorial for Beginners,” “Git Tutorial,” and “Django Tutorial.”

Tips for Maximising Your Learning Experience

Learning to code through YouTube requires more than simply watching videos. To truly master programming concepts and build practical skills, you need a strategic approach that combines effective study habits, practical application, and community engagement.

Here’s an expanded guide to help you get the most out of your coding education journey.

1. Choose Your Path Wisely

• Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve (e.g., web development, data science).
• Stick to One Channel: Focus on one primary channel to avoid confusion.
• Create a Learning Roadmap: Outline your learning journey with specific milestones.

2. Practice Alongside Videos

• Set Up Your Environment: Ensure your coding tools are ready before starting.
• Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused intervals (25 minutes of coding, 5-minute breaks).
• Type Code Yourself: Avoid copying; manual coding reinforces learning.

3. Join the Community

• Engage in Comments: Ask questions and share your insights.
• Utilise Online Communities: Join Discord servers or Reddit forums for support.
• Find a Study Buddy: Partner with someone for accountability and motivation.

4. Set Realistic Goals

• Follow SMART Goals: Make your objectives Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Track Progress: Use tools like Notion or Trello to monitor your learning.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your achievements to stay motivated.

5. Build Projects

• Start Small: Create simple projects to apply what you’ve learned.
• Focus on Functionality: Make it work before making it perfect.
• Choose Passion Projects: Work on projects that genuinely interest you.

6. Develop Effective Study Habits

• Create a Dedicated Space: Minimise distractions in your learning environment.
• Use Active Learning Techniques: Teach others, create flashcards, and summarise lessons.
• Review Regularly: Schedule daily and weekly reviews to reinforce knowledge.

7. Supplement YouTube Learning

• Combine Resources: Use interactive platforms, books, and podcasts alongside videos.
• Practice Problem-Solving: Engage in coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
• Stay Updated: Follow tech blogs and newsletters to keep abreast of industry trends.

8. Prepare for Real-World Application

• Learn Version Control: Familiarise yourself with Git and GitHub for collaboration.
• Write Clean Code: Focus on readability and proper documentation.
• Build a Portfolio: Showcase your projects on GitHub or a personal website.

9. Long-term Success Strategies

• Adopt a Continuous Learning Mindset: Stay curious and open to new technologies.
• Network Professionally: Connect with other developers and seek mentorship.
• Give Back: Help others in the community and contribute to open-source projects.

By following these concise tips, you can maximise your learning experience and build a solid foundation in coding. Stay committed, practice regularly, and enjoy the journey!

Conclusion

The beauty of learning to code through YouTube lies in the diversity of teaching styles and approaches available. Whether you prefer Mosh’s clear explanations, freeCodeCamp’s comprehensive courses, or The Net Ninja’s systematic approach, there’s a perfect channel for your learning style.

The Best YouTube Channels to Learn Coding for Beginners can give you a guide and pathway to explore programming as a profession with foundational knowledge.

Remember, becoming proficient at programming requires consistent practice and patience. These channels provide the roadmap, but your dedication and practice will determine your success. Start with one channel that resonates with you, commit to regular learning sessions, and don’t be afraid to supplement your YouTube education with hands-on projects and coding challenges.

The programming world awaits, and with these exceptional YouTube resources at your disposal, you’re well-equipped to begin your coding journey. Happy programming!