JavaScript (not to be confused with Java) is one of the most universal languages for any programmer to know. It’s used in nearly everything, from apps to games to VR. Learning JavaScript doesn’t have to take forever or cost a fortune. You can learn JavaScript for free, or almost free, through an online course.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a programming language that is used to create interactive web pages and has been around for over 25 years. It allows web pages to be animated and dynamic as well as validate data, among other popular uses. Currently, web developers rely heavily on this powerful and flexible language.

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Why Learn JavaScript?

There are plenty of reasons aspiring coders should learn JavaScript. As we mentioned above, JavaScript is both powerful and versatile, making it one of the most popular coding languages used today. Both front-end and back-end developers use JavaScript, which makes it a strong skill to have in your toolbox. Almost any webpage or tool you can think of uses JavaScript, including Slack, Spotify, and Discord. Learning JavaScript can open many doors that will lead you to a fulfilling career in software development.

JavaScript is considered a great first coding language because its syntax is simple to learn and is often cited as a gateway to learning other coding languages. And yet, learning JavaScript can be just the first step in a long and lucrative career. Across American cities, JavaScript developers make, on average, anywhere from $98,879 – $167,829 per year. If you’re ready to make real money, learn JavaScript.

There’s also an enormous global community for JavaScript learners and users. There are dedicated Slack, Discord, Reddit, and Github communities full of fellow JavaScripters, where you can interact, ask questions, help solve problems, and more. There are JavaScript libraries that can help you become more efficient with your JavaScript coding.

Essentially, JavaScript is a great first step in the world of coding.

The Top 13 Affordable or Free JavaScript Courses

Learning JavaScript doesn’t have to cost you four years’ worth of college tuition. Many online courses and pages offer low-cost or free JavaScript classes. Here’s a roundup of the 13 best online JavaScript courses available.

13. Codecademy

Codecademy offers both free and paid plans for individuals who want to learn how to code. Their basic package gives you access to their designated free courses, including community support and learning resources, while their Plus and Pro options unlock more features, like real-world projects and career help. Codecademy’s catalog features dozens of free JavaScript classes that you can take from beginner to advanced levels. Their Learn JavaScript series for beginners takes approximately 20 hours and is completely free.

12. FreeCodeCamp

FreeCodeCamp is a free, open-source coding program that offers courses in several languages. Their JavaScript courses range from beginners (which includes HTML and CSS) up to more advanced classes that will take your skills to the next level. When you finish the courses, you can earn a JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures certification by completing a set of projects with your new coding skills.

11. Udemy JavaScript Courses

Udemy is an online learning platform that features free and low-cost classes across an enormous range of topics – including over 10,000 JavaScript classes. Of those,  over 2,000 are free, which you can sort by level from beginner to expert. However, to earn a certificate of completion, you’ll need to sign up for the paid classes, which you can buy individually or together as a package. Alternatively, you can sign up for Udemy’s monthly subscription plan which allows you to take over 8,000 classes per month.

10. Coursera

Coursera doesn’t teach classes; they link you to college and university online courses. You can choose to take a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree track depending on what you’d like to study, as well as find individual certification courses or follow the classes they suggest in their career guides. Their nearly 400 JavaScript courses are offered by places like Duke University, New York University, IBM, and Meta. Not interested in a degree? You can take courses that will certify you in JavaScript. Coursera offers a 7-day free trial before you’ll be charged either per class or via subscription.

9. Beginner JavaScript & JavaScript30

Wes Boz developed Beginner JavaScript as a thorough, low-cost, and self-paced guide to learning JavaScript online. The course is broken down into videos and modules that can be taken in any order. Beginner JavaScript comes in two packages: the Starter Course is cheaper and provides access to only a few modules, and the Master Package includes all 15 modules.

Once you get comfortable with JavaScript basics through Beginner JavaScript, Wes Boz has JavaScript30. This website promises you’ll build 30 things in 30 days with 30 tutorials.” That is