15+ Best Codecademy Courses & Certifications Online in 2023
Coding is a practical skill, so learning to program should be hands-on.
Codecademy is one of the best online learning platforms that enables you to learn to code by writing real code from your very first lessons, while seeing the output by the side of the browser window.
It is an amazing platform that equips you with the digital skills you need to succeed in the 21st century, while making it fun and interactive.
Having taken more than 50M students through their amazing coding experience, I consider Codecademy a great platform for learning tech skills.
In this article, we are going to look at the best Codecademy courses and certifications to take in 2023 to give your software career the push it needs. This way you can play a part by filling the skills gaps in tech.
Here, you’ll find courses covering various technologies like programming, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and project management, among others.
Let’s get started.
1. Build Python Web Apps with Django
Python is the most popular programming language to learn today because of its use in a variety of applications, ranging from web apps, mobile, and most importantly in machine learning and data science.
Now, combine Python with the Django framework and you have an excellent combo for rolling out web apps quickly.
In this course you’ll learn how to build fully functional web applications using the popular, open source Django framework.
You’ll start off the course with an introduction to web development where you’ll explore the different technologies that power the world wide web. You’ll then proceed to cover the basics of the Django framework, like handling HTTP requests, and how the templating system works.
Once you have a good grasp of the Python basics you’ll dive deeper into making simple web pages in Django, saving records in the database and incorporating forms.
Other skills you’ll learn include handling authentication and deploying Django projects to the cloud.
2. Build Web Apps with ASP.NET
C# is one of the few languages that have proved capable of doing it all: from desktop applications, to web backends, to mobile apps, and game development using the Unity framework, you can pretty much do anything in the C# language.
It has therefore become one of the most prestigious programming languages to master because it fits the bill for enterprise software development.
This is one of the best Codecademy courses for mastering the ins and outs of building web applications using C# programming, and the popular ASP.NET framework.
Here, you’ll learn how to build fast, and efficient web applications, while securely storing user data in a SQL database, and using the Razor templating engine to render beautiful HTML code based web pages.
You’ll start off with a general introduction of the ASP.NET framework, before diving into the nuts and bolts of C# programming.
Finally, you’ll build a full stack web application leveraging technologies like dependency injection and middleware.
3. Full-Stack Engineer
While it is great to master particular skills in order to stand out, sometimes it pays to be a jack of all trades and master of none.
I say this because full stack web development is one of the most in demand web development skills for the very reason that you only need to hire one developer to handle both the front end and the back end of your application.
This is the best Codecademy skills path in 2023 that will equip you with the skills you need to become an in demand full stack developer.
In this course you’ll master the tools you need to build the front end of your applications, which include HTML and React.js, as well as back end technologies like Node.js and Express.js, all of which are built on top of the JavaScript programming language.
Finally, you’ll have a cool portfolio of web projects to showcase to your prospective employer when looking for a job.
4. Front-End Engineer
Front end web development is also an in demand skill today.
Here you’ll learn the skills you need to deliver stunning front ends of your web applications, and often involve working hand in hand with the UX designers.
This is another one of the best Codecademy courses in 2023 for mastering the inner workings of JavaScript, React, and the Redux framework so that you can deliver fast, interactive and customizable front ends for your web apps.
Along this learning path, you’ll also pick up job ready skills in UI and UX design, so that you can wireframe your own prototypes, though at a basic level.
You’ll also cover some common front end developer interview questions you’ll encounter whenever you’re interviewing for a junior or mid level front end developer position.
Other topics you’ll cover include deploying websites, software testing, and version control using GitHub. There are also lessons on algorithms and data structures to help you develop more resource efficient apps.
5. Create REST APIs with Spring and Java
With the proliferation of mobile apps, the development of APIs and microservices has ballooned and taken a life of its own. This is mainly because most of these mobile apps need a back end to perform user authentication and data storage.
I find a combination of Java and the Spring framework a great way to build a RESTful API that can serve both your mobile and web apps.
In this REST API development course on Codecademy, you’ll master the concepts of back end development using Java programming and the Spring framework.
So you’ll discover how to apply REST and CRUD concepts when responding to HTTP service requests either from other desktop apps, web apps, or mobile apps. You’ll also learn how to store data in a backend database.
It is one of the best Codecademy paths for learning Java, picking up the basics of Spring, and diving deep into managing databases with Spring Data JPA.
6. Machine Learning/AI Engineer Career Path
Would you like to become a machine learning engineer?
Most startups today seek to implement some element of artificial intelligence and machine learning into their apps. This is key to delivering a great user experience. It is also the reason there is a surge in demand for ML developers.
In this machine learning engineer career path, you’ll learn how to build machine learning based applications that leverage algorithmic decision making to perform certain functions, like figuring out the nearest car for a ride.
You’ll be able to take your data science prototypes and turn them into quality computer code that actually runs and produces results.
It is the best Codecademy course for learning how to minimize runtime and up application performance by fine tuning your machine learning data models and algorithms.
The course starts with an introduction to machine learning fundamentals, before moving to building actual ML pipelines, then finishing off with some amazing hands-on projects, like using decision trees to guess country flags.
7. Software Engineering for Data Scientists
The skillsets of a software engineer and a data scientist often overlap on several occasions. For example, both need to not only have great coding skills but also have experience in software testing and version control.
In this software engineering for data scientists course you’ll learn the fundamental software engineering skills that will enable you to work flawlessly with an inhouse or remote engineering team.
You’ll learn how to code resource efficient and resilient programs by leveraging unit testing and parallel programming technologies.
There are also lessons on Git and GitHub for mastering the concepts behind version controlling applications, storing code in the cloud, and most importantly collaborating with a team of engineers on your projects.
Some other skills you’ll pick in this top rated Codecademy course include using the Bash shell command terminal to navigate files and directories so that you can access and modify files and folders on a computer.
8. Design Databases With PostgreSQL
Data storage needs of many applications being developed today are always on the rise, thanks to tons of unstructured user generated data that makes these applications more attractive in the first place.
If you’d like to master database design skills then I strongly recommend this design database with the PostgreSQL skills path on Codecademy.
In this course, you’ll learn how to design efficient databases that perfectly fit your data storage needs, while optimizing for speedy access by leveraging the concepts of SQL database indexing and normalization.
You’ll start off this learning path by going through what a database technically is and what it can help your business achieve.
The next lessons cover installing, setting up and beginning to populate your own PostgreSQL database with data. Here you’ll learn about database schemas, table relationships, as well as unique and foreign keys.
Finally, you’ll know how to enforce data integrity by implementing constraints to ensure data is only entered in the correct format.
9. Learn Microsoft Excel for Data Analysis
Excel is a very popular spreadsheet software, similar to Google Sheets, that only those who’ve been living under a rock have never heard of.
If you’d like to have a successful career in data analysis and business intelligence then you have to master the ninja functions and formulas in Excel that will enable you to manipulate data and generate insightful reports and visualizations.
I find this the best course on Codecademy for learning how to take raw data, analyze it in Excel and produce reports so that you can extract business insights.
Here, you’ll take a deep dive into the most commonly used Excel tools for importing, sorting and filtering data. In the process you’ll also pick up skills in using different formulas, pivot tables and charts.
Finally, you’ll work through a capstone project where you’ll put your skills in Excel data cleaning, manipulation, and visualization to actual use by analyzing Bitcoin prices behavior in Excel.
10. Computer Science
One of the main reasons why there is a ton of suboptimal code lying in servers across the internet is because most software developers don’t take their time to master the basics of computer science before writing code.
Now, you’ve got to do this differently. Efficient code means less server crashes, low energy bills, and fewer angry customers.
This is one of the best Codecademy courses in 2023 for mastering the fundamentals of computer science, like you would in a traditional computer science course in college. The objective is so that you can build the strong foundation you need to write super efficient computer code.
In the process, you’ll become a master of Python programming because this learning path uses Python, to teach the ins and outs of programming.
You’ll start off with an introduction to programming, move to data structures and algorithms, and then cover SQL databases using PostgreSQL. There are also lessons on computer architecture and discrete Math.
11. Learn Git & GitHub
Git is one of the most common tools used by software developers.
It’s because it provides a safe haven for cloud code storage, facilitates version control of software so that you can easily track changes as you work on different features, and most importantly because it enables you to collaborate with others.
This is one of the best Codecademy certifications in 2023 for mastering how Git and GitHub work, so that you can master the GitHub features that are most useful for development teams and enterprises.
In this certification course, you’ll start off by exploring the most common Git commands that developers use, and then establish the relationship that exists between Git and GitHub since they are often mentioned together.
You’ll then learn the fundamentals of using Git to collaborate with other software developers on the same project, as well as leveraging Git for software version control and remote code hosting.
12. Code Foundations
Data science was ranked by the HBR as the sexiest job of the 21st century, and so you might be interested in jumping in with both feet and learning to code.
But are you really cut out to be a coder?
In this coding foundations course on Codecademy, you’ll get a chance to dip one toe into the coding waters so that you can get a feel for what the day to day of a coder feels like, before going all in. This way you’ll be able to gauge for yourself if you want to be doing this in the long term.
It is one of the best courses to take on Codecademy that will provide a thorough overview of computer science, software development, and data science so you get to know what each one really entails.
You’ll also get an introduction to popular coding languages like JavaScript and Python, where you’ll write your first basic lines of code.
At the end you’ll be able to choose the best direction careerwise.
13. Introduction to UI and UX Design
Delivering great customer experiences is at the center of many digital transformation strategies today, and you don’t want to be left behind by launching a less than attractive application interface.
In this introduction to UI and UX design course on Codecademy, you’ll acquire an in depth introduction to both the theory and practice of UI and UX design.
I find it a great course for getting an understanding of what this career entails so that you can decide if it is right for you, especially if you’re a beginner.
You’ll learn what UI and UX design really entails, including some of the industry best practices when it comes to design thinking. In design thinking you cover a set of practices that facilitate effective communication and collaboration with other designers on your team.
Other topics you’ll cover include wireframing, prototyping, and using Figma, as well as other industry standard tools that designers rely on to deliver great work.
14. Learn Game Development with Phaser.js
Have you watched a game and wondered what goes into actually putting it together?
First, if you are completely new, then I’d hate to break your rose colored glasses by confessing that game development, while being lucrative, is one of the most challenging fields in software development.
However, with great game development frameworks like Phaser.js, you can quickly become a game developer publishing browser based games, as well as those that run on mobile devices and the desktop, all while relying on the JavaScript language.
This is the best Codecademy course for learning game development since you’ll build eight different games, while implementing new concepts each time.
One interesting game you’ll build involves bug invaders. Here, your game involves some bugs that are descending to the earth, and you have to stop them.
Other Phaser topics you’ll cover include Physics, animations, and visual effects to make your games stand out.
15. Build iOS Apps with SwiftUI
How would you like to become an iOS developer?
iOS is one of the highest paid software development jobs today. In fact, most iOS app developers earn more than Android app developers. This is mainly because iOS apps user base consist of buyers of actual apps or in-app purchases.
In this Codecademy learning skill path you’ll learn how to turn your app ideas into real iOS apps using Swift and the SwiftUI, and then publish them onto the AppStore.
Here, you’ll learn how to build an amazing iOS project using SwiftUI, a declarative framework by Apple built on top of the elegant Swift programming language.
You’ll also pick up killer skills on the latest software design architecture and design patterns by implementing them into your apps.
Finally, you’ll have your very own apps published on the AppStore so that the whole world can have access to and behold your masterpiece. There’re also lessons that take you through configuring your development account.
16. BI Dashboards with Power BI
Data analysis makes it possible to derive useful business insights from data that we can use to drive business decision making.
However, before we reach this point, you’ll first need to solicit the help of business intelligence tools that can analyze and present this data through visualizations that expose the hidden insights in the data.
Microsoft Power BI is one of the best data visualizations tools to learn if you are serious about a career in data analysis.
In this Codecademy career path, you’ll learn how to build interactive reports, with powerful visualizations that’ll enable you to effectively communicate your findings to stakeholders using Power BI.
You’ll learn how to load and work with big datasets, how to build interactive visualizations as well as create data stories that actually communicate a message.
What’s more, there is a final hands-on project where you’ll put your skills to use to create attention grabbing dashboards in Power BI.
17. Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
How do hackers gain unauthorized access to a system and how can you stop them before they can cause damage to your organization’s computer system?
In this fundamentals of cyber security course you’ll learn who malicious hackers actually are, and what techniques and hacking tools they use to circumvent your security restrictions to access sensitive customer data, and even bring down your entire organization system.
It is one of the best Codecademy courses for picking up the basics of social engineering techniques that hackers exploit to trick your staff into giving up sensitive personal information.
Along this training, you’ll also cover different penetration testing methodologies and intelligence gathering strategies that you can use to test your system, find loopholes and nip them in the bud, before the hacker does.
There are also lessons on cyber security assessment and research where you’ll learn about threat actors, and various tools and techniques to use to assess and research security.
18. Introduction to Project Management
Project management and supply chain management are one of the oldest professions that humanity has known because you’ll find their use in almost all sectors of the economy.
But how do you become a professional project manager today?
Well, over the years project management has transformed greatly to involve using technology to automate a ton of repetitive tasks. This way a project manager can create more time to focus on project analysis, since most projects today have become really complex, with a ton of moving parts.
In this introduction to project management course on Codecademy, you’ll acquire fundamental concepts behind effective Agile project management.
You’ll explore the skills and responsibilities that await a project manager, as well as the best frameworks, like Agile methodologies, to incorporate into your project management workflow so you can get the most productivity from your team members.
Finally, you’ll know what goes into organizing a project, right from the brainstorming stage to the final wrap up.
19. Fundamental Math for Data Science
When building a traditional web application, with simple to moderate functionalities, you’ll not need much Math skills, apart from the commonplace operations in addition, multiplication, division and subtraction.
However, data science is another beast altogether. Here you need a properly grounded understanding of the basics of probability and statistics, calculus and linear algebra to survive.
In this fundamental Math for data science skills path, you’ll learn the mathematical skills necessary to pursue advanced data science work.
You’ll begin by learning the fundamentals of probability so that you can quantify uncertainty in a dataset. The next lessons involve statistics where you’ll explore different hypothesis testing, while summarizing quantitative variables.
Finally, you’ll take a deep dive into linear algebra and calculus so that you can analyze functions using limits and derivatives. This way, you’ll be able to optimize data models for your data science projects so you can improve your ability to solve more complex real world problems.
20. Foundations of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a revolutionary technology that is changing how internet based companies have traditionally operated, especially when it comes to storing data and accessing hardware processing power.
Instead of having to physically install hardware on premise, you can leverage cloud computing services, access them in the cloud whenever and however you need them.
This is one of the best Codecademy certifications for learning what cloud computing really is, as well as the different types of cloud services that exist today.
You’ll get to look at the benefits and drawbacks of different providers like Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, while establishing the right model for your small business or enterprise.
Some of the terminology you’ll come across include SaaS, IaaS,and PaaS.
At the end you’ll know what it takes to migrate your company to the cloud, the security considerations to put in place, as well as the best practices to ensure you make the most from your cloud computing investment.
21. Introduction to DevOps
DevOps derives from the terms development and operations and refers to a culture of collaboration between software development and operations teams.
In this course you’ll learn what constitutes the role and responsibility of a traditional operations team, as well as the exact steps to follow when you want to make changes to your software, right from the developer’s machine to the end user’s hand.
You’ll begin by taking an overview of what modern infrastructure management involves, then proceed to explore the obvious differences between modern DevOps practices and traditional operations management tendencies.
Some other skills you’ll pick along this best Codecademy course include the place of practices like continuous integration and continuous development (CI/CD), a practice that used to test and release software changes. There are also lessons covering containerization of applications on platforms like Kubernetes, and software monitoring.
Finally, you’ll comprehensively understand the role of scalability, observability,and resilience in modern applications.
22. Introduction to Linux
Do you have to learn Linux to a mastery level to be a programmer?
Well, even if you don’t intend to level up to a Linux power user, having the core basics of Linux and navigating the Linux file system, and its various distributions, through the Shell command prompt is a critical skill to have.
Here is a course to take on Codecademy if you’d like to learn the basics of Linux. This course takes you through the installation of Ubuntu, setting up the desktop, navigating the files system, and installing third party applications on top of it.
Once you have these basics nailed down you’ll move on to more technical skills like running routine commands on the Bash Shell. Don’t worry, you’ll learn just enough commands to be dangerous.
Some of the skills you’ll also acquire include how to automate certain tasks by writing Bash scripts, and setting up cron jobs. There are also lessons on user groups and permission management.
23. Data Scientist Interview Preparation
Regardless of how great your coding skills are, you’ll have to go through the technical interview before you can land any serious position in data science.
It mainly seeks to establish your coding methodology and solution approach thought processes, as well as your interpersonal skills when it comes to communicating your thoughts to other team members.
Here is one of the best Codecademy courses in 2023 for learning how to kill the technical data science interview stone dead, before arrival.
In this online course you’ll acquire the soft skills you need to put together your portfolio, and then use it to showcase your data science skills that you’ve acquired along the years of sweat and blood in front of your computer screen.
You’ll get to practice beforehand how to answer technical interview questions with confidence, while also not letting your ego get in the way.
Finally, you’ll know what to look out for when sorting through data science job postings so you find the best fit.
24. Pass the Technical Interview with JavaScript
While you don’t need to master JavaScript inside out to build amazing applications that your users will find amazing and addictive, passing the JavaScript technical interview usually demands more than intermediate JavaScript coding skills.
Most questions revolve around advanced concepts in algorithms and data structures and for these you have to turn JavaScript upside down.
In this Codecademy skillpath, you’ll master the advanced JavaScript programming skills you need to ace the technical interview, giving just the right answer at every turn and leaving your interviewers mouths wide open.
You’ll start with an in depth overview of algorithms and data structures, where you’ll build complex data structures all by yourself.
The next couple of lessons involve hash maps, which is an extremely efficient form of data storage in JavaScript, but not for the faint of heart. After this you’ll face it off with algorithms in a grand finale where you’ll cover in depth algorithmic concepts, sorting algorithms, then answer a few sample interview questions.
25. Pass the Technical Interview with Java
Just like JavaScript, Java is another one of the programming languages where you’ll often have to square it off with a technical interview before you are let in.
From my experience, passing technical interviews in Java require more working experience than JavaScript. This is because most Java positions are in enterprise software development, and things couldn’t get more serious than this.
I find this one of the top skills paths on Codecademy for taking your Java coding skills from an intermediate level to a spiderman level.
Here you’ll get a thorough overview of how the big boys build their own data structures in Java from the ground up, some of which include linked lists, queues, and stacks.
You’ll then proceed to dig up the nitty gritties of sorting and search algorithms. These are the algorithms you’ll most often implement when coding your software logic. The objective is to test each one so you can settle on the best one for the task at hand.
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Conclusion
Codecademy mainly focuses on impacting world class coding skills.
This sets it apart as one of the best coding websites for narrowing down your focus and hitting your limits when it comes to what you are capable of learning and building.
I hope this list of the best Codecademy courses and certifications in 2023 has given you an idea of the best courses for specific skills.
If you’d like to become a full stack web developer, the Full-Stack Engineer is what you are looking for. You’ll get to master both front end and back end development, all in one go, while acquiring job ready skills.
On the other hand, if you are a data scientist wanting to nail down the fundamental concepts of SQL database design, the Design Databases With PostgreSQL is the bandwagon to jump on. You’ll learn about database management and optimization.
Have you taken any of these courses before?
Please share your thoughts below.
