We are in the midst of a digital era of design. From websites to apps to wearables, understanding how digital design is written and comes together is increasingly important. That’s where learning and understanding code comes in. Your don’t have to be a star programmer, but every designer should have some basic knowledge of HTML and more to understand how the design will be implemented in a digital project.
And code is something you can learn yourself. While some may prefer the traditional classroom route, there are a great number of resources online to help you learn the basics (and even some advanced techniques) starting today. What’s even better is that many of these resources are free. Some even come in the form of games to expedite learning in a fun way.
Understanding code really is a logical and practical skill for today’s designer. It might even be one that future designers can’t be successful without. Here is a collection of great places you can learn code right now:
The program includes plenty of challenges that help you practice in a fun way, and you can earn badges for achievements. Skill areas include HTML and CSS, Ruby, JavaScript, PHP, WordPress, iOS, Android, Python and development tools.
Codecademy has grown from a small game-style lesson in JavaScript to a full-blown coding and development resource. Log in to the free site to get personalized lessons on building a website; learn a computer language such as HTML and CSS or JavaScript, jQuery or Ruby; or learn how to use APIs in your.
Code Avengers is designed for people who want to learn code and put it in action. Courses last 12 hours each – you can start and stop – with a goal of having the tools to create mobile applications, games or websites. As you work through the lessons, you are actually creating working, usable products. Treehouse, which once featured the popular Code Racer coding game, helps users learn to build websites and apps while writing their own code. The resources include more than 1,000 videos created experts on web design, coding and business. The library is updated regularly.
Dash uses project-style learning to help users gain an understanding of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Dash is a program for learning coding fundamentals while completing projects on your own. You will see how code works and looks as you create something in side-by-side windows.
Mother Coders is a program designed specifically for moms to learn basic computer programming, expand their understanding of the technology landscape and network with peers and industry professionals. The curriculum takes participants through lessons in code – HTML, CSS, UX and web design – while helping them create a network of other emerging coders.
