Codecademy Review (2023): Scam or Legit?

When I first ventured into the world of coding, I was overwhelmed by the vastness of programming languages and the array of online learning platforms available. 

Determined to find a platform that could cater to my learning needs as a beginner, I stumbled upon Codecademy. With its promise of beginner-friendly courses, a supportive community, and hands-on coding experience, Codecademy seemed like the perfect fit. 

Intrigued by the platform’s offerings, I decided to embark on a personal journey of learning and growth with Codecademy.

In this in-depth review, I will share my personal experience as a Codecademy learner, exploring the platform’s features, plans, and the impact it had on my coding skills. Join me as I dive into the world of Codecademy and uncover the value it holds for aspiring programmers like myself.

What is Codecademy?

Codecademy proved to be an exceptional online learning platform for individuals aiming to learn coding and gain practical experience in various programming languages. 

With its extensive range of courses in 15 programming languages and 20 subject areas, Codecademy caters to diverse interests and skill levels. 

As a learner, I appreciated the flexibility of choosing from three different plans: Basic, Plus, and Pro. While the Basic plan provided me with a solid foundation through interactive lessons and daily practices, upgrading to the Pro plan enhanced my learning journey with additional resources and a focus on building job-ready skills.

One of the standout features of Codecademy is the availability of paths, which allowed me to delve deeper into specific career-oriented areas. These paths provided a clear roadmap to becoming job-ready and required a more substantial commitment, but the rewards were well worth the effort. 

Throughout my journey, I found the Codecademy community to be incredibly supportive and helpful. The forums and events provided ample opportunities to engage with fellow learners, seek guidance, and even contribute to discussions.

Learn more: Best Online Learning Platforms

Who Is Codecademy For?

Codecademy caters to a wide range of individuals, making it an accessible platform for both complete beginners and those looking to advance their coding skills. 

With courses available in 14 programming languages, including popular ones like HTML & CSS, Python, and JavaScript, Codecademy ensures that there is something for everyone. 

I was particularly impressed with the platform’s 10 subject areas, which covered diverse domains such as Web Development, Data Science, and Computer Science. This wide range of subjects allowed me to explore various facets of coding and discover my true passion.

For individuals who are uncertain about which course to choose, Codecademy offers a helpful Sorting Quiz. This interactive quiz asks a series of questions to identify personal interests and strengths, helping learners find the most suitable career paths and courses. It proved to be a valuable tool for me as a beginner, guiding me toward courses aligned with my personality and desired career goals.

Getting Started with Codecademy

Joining Codecademy was a straightforward process that required just a few simple steps. By visiting the Codecademy website and clicking on the “Sign Up” button located in the top-right corner of the navigation bar, I was able to create my account. 

The registration process involved providing my email and password and clicking the “Start coding now” button. Once signed up, I automatically gained access to the Basic plan, allowing me to start exploring the available courses and resources.

Codecademy’s user-friendly interface made it easy for me to navigate the platform and find courses that suited my interests and skill level. I had the option to browse the catalog menu to discover different courses, take the Sorting Quiz to determine my programming personality, or explore the most popular courses based on other learners’ experiences. These options provided a personalized and tailored approach to finding the right course for me.

Career Path and Skill Path

For learners seeking a more comprehensive learning journey, Codecademy offers Career Paths and Skill Paths. These paths provide a structured approach to learning and are designed to guide individuals toward specific career goals.

Career Paths are ideal for those looking to switch careers or gain expertise in a particular field. They consist of a series of courses that teach the necessary programming languages and provide opportunities to work on real-world projects. 

Completing these paths enabled me to build a portfolio of work that I could proudly showcase to potential employers. The commitment required for Career Paths is significant, with some paths taking more than 30 weeks to complete. However, the sense of accomplishment and readiness for the job market made it well worth the time and effort.

On the other hand, Skill Paths are designed to focus on developing specific skills within a domain. These paths allow learners to acquire targeted knowledge and proficiency in areas like data analysis, web development, or machine learning. Skill Paths provided me with the opportunity to deepen my expertise in specific areas of interest and expand my skill set.

Codecademy for Business

Codecademy doesn’t limit its offerings to individual learners; it also caters to businesses through its Teams and Enterprise plans. These plans are designed to foster skill development and growth within organizations, providing interactive learning, individual guidance, and progress reports.

The Teams plan is suitable for teams with 5 to 49 members. It offers a collaborative learning environment where team members can access Codecademy’s resources and track their progress. The Enterprise plan, tailored for larger teams with 50 or more members, provides custom pricing and additional features to accommodate the specific needs of the organization.

Codecademy Pricing

Codecademy’s pricing structure is transparent and easily accessible on the platform. The Basic plan is completely free, offering access to a limited selection of courses and resources. It serves as an excellent starting point for beginners to explore coding concepts and gain foundational knowledge.

For learners seeking a more comprehensive experience, Codecademy offers two paid plans: Plus and Pro. The Plus plan is priced at $34.49 per month or $209.88 annually, making it an affordable option for individuals looking to learn specific skills and dive deeper into programming languages. Upgrading to the Plus plan provides access to courses, skill paths, and projects, offering a more comprehensive learning journey.

The Pro plan, priced at $59.99 per month or $359.88 annually, is the most feature-rich plan available. It caters to individuals aiming to develop their careers in coding, offering courses, career paths, projects, interview preparation materials, and a certificate of completion. Opting for an annual subscription leads to significant savings compared to the monthly payment option.

Codecademy Free Trial

For learners who are hesitant to commit to the Plus or Pro plan without first exploring their features, Codecademy offers a 7-day free trial. This trial period provides full access to the premium features, allowing learners to experience the benefits of the paid plans before making a decision. 

During the trial, I enjoyed unlimited learning, practice materials, and other premium features, which gave me a taste of what Codecademy had to offer. If I had decided to discontinue my subscription within the trial period, canceling was straightforward and hassle-free.

Codecademy also provides the option to pause your Plus or Pro account. This feature is beneficial if you need a temporary break from your learning journey or wish to put your subscription on hold for any reason. The flexibility of pausing or canceling your subscription at any time allows learners to have control over their learning experience.

Codecademy Student Discount and Free Pro for Unemployed 

Codecademy understands the importance of supporting students and individuals facing challenging circumstances. The platform offers a special discount for eligible college students through Codecademy Pro Student. This annual membership provides access to the same features as the Pro plan but at a discounted price of $149.99 per year. Being a student myself, I found this discount to be highly beneficial, as it allowed me to access premium resources at an affordable rate.

Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Codecademy demonstrated its commitment to supporting those affected by offering 100,000 free Pro memberships to individuals who had lost their jobs. This gesture of goodwill showcased Codecademy’s dedication to empowering individuals during challenging times. 

Eligible individuals could apply for a free 3-month Pro membership by submitting a simple request form. This initiative helped many unemployed individuals continue their learning journeys and enhance their employability.

Tips to Find the Perfect Codecademy Course

While Codecademy offers a wide range of courses to choose from, finding the perfect course can sometimes be a challenge. Based on my experience, here are six tips to help you find the ideal course:

1. Take the Sorting Quiz: If you’re a complete beginner and unsure where to start, the Sorting Quiz is an excellent tool. By answering a series of questions, the quiz identifies your programming personality and suggests courses and skill paths that align with your interests and strengths. I found this quiz to be insightful and accurate in guiding me toward suitable learning opportunities.
2. Explore the Community: Codecademy’s forum and community provide a wealth of knowledge and support. Engage with the community by introducing yourself, participating in discussions, and seeking guidance. I found the forums to be a valuable resource for finding answers to common questions and gaining insights from experienced learners.
3. Utilize the Free Plan and Trial: The Basic plan offers free access to a range of courses, providing an excellent opportunity to explore coding concepts without any financial commitment. If you find that the Basic plan doesn’t meet your specific learning needs, you can take advantage of the 7-day free trial for the Plus or Pro plan. This trial period allows you to experience the premium features and resources before deciding on a subscription.
4. Consider the Certificate: If earning a certificate of completion is important to you, ensure that you choose the Pro plan. Completing courses on the Pro plan awards you a certificate, which you can download and share as proof of your achievements. While the certificates are not accredited, they still hold value in demonstrating your commitment and dedication to learning.
5. Review the Overview and Syllabus: Before enrolling in a course or path, take the time to read the overview and syllabus provided. These sections provide valuable information about the course structure, the topics covered, and the estimated time commitment. Understanding the course’s content and expectations will help you determine if it aligns with your learning goals.
6. Try the 30-Day Challenge: Codecademy offers a unique feature called the 30-Day Challenge, which allows you to commit to learning code every day for 30 consecutive days. This challenge is particularly beneficial for beginners or individuals unsure about where to start. By participating in the challenge, you can establish a daily coding habit, set achievable goals, and track your progress. It’s a great way to kickstart your coding journey and gain momentum.

Will Codecademy Help Me with My Career?

Codecademy’s courses and paths are designed to equip learners with the skills needed to pursue a career in coding. As a beginner, I found the platform’s interactive lessons and real-world projects to be instrumental in building my coding skills. The hands-on experience allowed me to gain practical knowledge and apply what I learned to create tangible projects.

The Career Paths offered by Codecademy are specifically tailored to guide learners toward different career options. These paths provide a structured curriculum that covers essential programming languages and practical projects. 

By completing a Career Path, I was able to develop a portfolio of work that showcased my skills and demonstrated my ability to tackle real-world challenges. This portfolio became a valuable asset when applying for coding positions and presenting myself as a job-ready candidate.

Furthermore, Codecademy’s emphasis on practical skills and the acquisition of relevant industry knowledge proved to be valuable in my career advancement. The platform’s courses are designed to keep up with industry trends and demands, ensuring that learners are equipped with the latest tools and techniques. This up-to-date knowledge and hands-on experience gave me the confidence to tackle coding challenges in my professional life.

Is Codecademy a Scam or Legit?

Before committing to an e-learning platform, it’s essential to ensure its legitimacy and safety. Codecademy, founded in 2011 by Zach Sims and Ryan Bubinski, is a well-established and reputable platform. With its headquarters in New York and a team of over 100 employees, Codecademy has built a strong foundation in the coding education space.

Having personally experienced Codecademy’s platform and resources, I can vouch for its legitimacy and credibility. The platform delivers on its promises, providing a seamless learning experience and a supportive community. Codecademy’s focus on hands-on coding and real-world projects ensures that learners gain practical skills that are applicable in the industry.

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Pros and Cons of Codecademy

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly: Codecademy offers courses and paths that are designed to be accessible and suitable for beginners. The platform provides a supportive learning environment for individuals who are new to coding.
• Interactive and engaging: Codecademy’s courses are interactive and engaging, with hands-on coding exercises and projects. This approach allows learners to practice their skills in a practical and immersive manner.
• Diverse programming languages and subjects: With courses in 15 programming languages and 20 subject areas, Codecademy caters to a wide range of interests and career paths. Learners have the flexibility to explore different domains and choose courses that align with their goals.
• Career-focused paths: Codecademy offers Career Paths that guide learners toward specific career goals. These paths provide a structured curriculum, including real-world projects, to help learners develop job-ready skills and build a portfolio.
• Supportive community: Codecademy has an active and supportive community of learners. The forums and events provide opportunities to ask questions, seek guidance, and engage with like-minded individuals.
• Free plan and trials: Codecademy offers a free Basic plan, allowing learners to access a limited selection of courses without any financial commitment. Additionally, the platform provides free trials for the Plus and Pro plans, allowing learners to experience the premium features before deciding to subscribe.

Cons:

• Non-accredited certificates: While Codecademy offers certificates of completion, these certificates are not accredited by universities or institutions. For individuals seeking validated credentials, other platforms like Coursera or edX may be more suitable.
• Limited depth in some courses: While Codecademy provides a solid foundation in various programming languages and subjects, some courses may have limited depth. Advanced learners may need to seek additional resources or platforms to further expand their knowledge.
• Paid plans can be costly: The Plus and Pro plans of Codecademy come with a price tag. While they offer additional features and resources, the cost may not be affordable for everyone, especially learners on a tight budget.
• Self-paced learning: While self-paced learning provides flexibility, it also requires self-discipline and motivation. Some learners may struggle with maintaining a consistent learning schedule without structured deadlines or external accountability.
• Limited hands-on projects in some courses: While many courses on Codecademy include hands-on projects, there may be some courses where the practical application is limited. This can impact the ability to gain real-world experience in certain subjects.
• Limited depth in non-core programming languages: While Codecademy offers courses in various programming languages, the depth of coverage may be more limited in non-core languages. Learners seeking in-depth knowledge in less popular languages may need to explore other resources.

Codecademy Alternatives

I have identified several alternatives to Codecademy that offer similar opportunities for learning coding skills. These alternatives provide a range of features, course offerings, and pricing options, allowing learners to choose the platform that best fits their needs.

1. Coursera: Coursera is a popular online learning platform that partners with top universities and institutions to offer a wide range of courses, including coding and programming. It provides accredited certificates and degree programs, making it a suitable choice for learners seeking validated credentials. Coursera offers a mix of free and paid courses, allowing learners to access high-quality educational content.
2. Udemy: Udemy is a comprehensive online learning marketplace that hosts courses on various subjects, including coding and programming. It offers a vast selection of courses taught by industry professionals. Udemy courses are often priced individually, allowing learners to pay for specific courses rather than subscribing to a full platform.
3. edX: edX is an online learning platform that offers courses from renowned universities and institutions. It provides a wide range of programming courses, including computer science, data science, and web development. edX offers both free and paid courses, and learners can choose to earn verified certificates for an additional fee.
4. Pluralsight: Pluralsight is an online learning platform specializing in technology skills development. It offers a vast library of courses covering various programming languages, software development, and IT infrastructure. Pluralsight focuses on in-depth technical content and offers skill assessments to help learners gauge their proficiency.
5. FreeCodeCamp: FreeCodeCamp is a nonprofit organization that offers a free and open-source curriculum for learning web development. It provides interactive coding challenges, projects, and a supportive community. FreeCodeCamp emphasizes hands-on practice and offers the opportunity to earn certifications by completing its structured curriculum.
6. LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) is an e-learning platform that offers a wide range of courses, including programming and coding. It provides access to high-quality instructional videos taught by industry professionals. LinkedIn Learning is particularly valuable for individuals looking to enhance their professional skills and advance their careers.
7. Khan Academy: Khan Academy is a nonprofit educational organization that offers free online courses in various subjects, including computer programming. It provides a beginner-friendly approach to coding and covers topics like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Khan Academy’s platform is user-friendly, making it accessible to learners of all ages.

Each of these alternatives has its own unique features, course offerings, and pricing structures. It’s important to consider your learning goals, preferred learning style, and budget when choosing among these options. 

Exploring multiple platforms and taking advantage of free trials or free course offerings can help you determine which platform aligns best with your needs and learning preferences.

Conclusion

In my personal journey with Codecademy, I found the platform to be an invaluable resource for learning to code and advancing my skills. 

The interactive and engaging courses, coupled with the supportive community, created an environment conducive to growth and learning. The availability of different plans, including the Basic, Plus, and Pro options, allowed me to tailor my learning experience based on my needs and budget.

While Codecademy’s certificates are not accredited, they still hold value as proof of completion and dedication to learning. The platform’s emphasis on practical skills and real-world projects provided me with a solid foundation to pursue a career in coding.

In conclusion, Codecademy is worth the investment for individuals looking to learn coding or enhance their existing skills. Its comprehensive curriculum, supportive community, and practical approach make it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced learners alike. 

By joining Codecademy, you’ll unlock your coding potential and embark on a transformative learning journey.