Ranking of the best online programming courses for 2020

To become an indispensable specialist in the field of information technology and get a high-paying job as a programmer, you cannot do without programming courses. The best option is individual training from a programmer with broad professional skills. But not everyone can afford it.

Today there is a large selection of quality online training at affordable prices, which will help beginners or already mature programmers who want to improve their skills.

The article will tell you about who a programmer is, what tools he uses, what a programming language is, and also provide a rating of the best online programming courses for 2020 and the main selection criteria point by point.

Who is a programmer

Some people mistakenly think that a programmer is someone who can quickly install Windows. They are very surprised when they find out that the programmer understands fewer users in Windows, because he uses Linux or Mac.

A programmer is a person who develops an algorithm for electronic computers, complexes, computer networks. That is, it creates the source code, for example, for mobile applications, video games.

The tool for performing such work is the PL (programming language).

Programming languages

There are several hundred YPs. Most were created for specific tasks - the development of corporate systems, iOS, Android applications or computer programs. For example, to create a site, you can use the interaction of JavaScript, CSS, HTML (the last two are not related to the PL).

The most common languages ​​are:

• Python. Powerful scripting YP, has a large number of modules, libraries, for almost any task. Used by teachers in educational institutions. Benefits - clear, understandable syntax. Ideal for beginners or those who want to change their IT direction.
• Java. Works on platforms such as Windows, Mac OS, various UNIX versions. Often used for web development, Android development. It features a flexible security system, but the speed and convenience of Java web applications leaves much to be desired, being supplanted by the Kotlin language.
• JavaScript. It is an independent language and has nothing to do with Java. The scripts are executed automatically when the web page is loaded. Almost everything related to web pages is available to JavaScript. What makes it special is the integration of HTML / CSS, support for major browsers, and full interaction with the web server.
• PHP. Designed to generate HTML on a web server as well as to work with databases. Lies at the heart of WordPress, Joomla, Bitrix.Belongs to the category of simple PLs. Does not depend on the speed of the computer, browser. PHP is the best option for developing sites of varying complexity. Dominates in the field of web programming, is constantly improving.
• C Sharp (C #). Modern YP. Designed for Microsoft .NET. It is used to create complex web services, computer and telephone programs. Sea Sharp is worthy of attention - in the labor market it occupies a high position among the demanded software.
• C. Originally intended for writing the "UNIX" operating system on the DEC PDP-11 computer. Many of the projects written in C were developed decades ago. But despite the current trend of using high-level languages, the IT world is still held in C.
• C ++. Veteran among YP. Experienced programmers are advised to start learning with C ++. Having studied this language, any other against its background will seem easy.
• Objective-C. Year of creation - 1980. Was the main language of the NeXTSTEP operating system. Currently used by Apple for OS X, iOS, Cocoa and Cocoa Touch APIs. Suitable for those wishing to write programs for Apple products.
• Swift. A clear, reliable and efficient programming language from Apple. Interacts with C and Objective-C. Used for iOS, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch. It can also be inserted into finished Objective-C code. Thanks to Swift, developers have the opportunity to create robust codes and applications with advanced features.

Programmer specialization

Today, three groups can be distinguished among specialists in this field:

• System programmers. Develop analysis and simulation methods focused on safety, performance. They also create, manage operating systems, for example, Android or iOS. The systems programmer must always find solutions that combine rational calculation, mathematical analysis.
• Applied programmers. They write games, for example, Counter Strike, Dota; office applications - Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Web sites; custom applications - SAP, 1C. A special scripting language is used, for example, some games are written in ActionScript.
• Web programmers. Develop, maintain the site.

Programmers are classified according to the language used - Delphi, C ++, PHP, Java programmers.

They are also divided according to the direction of activity:

• System Administrator. Configures PCs, office equipment, trains staff to use software.
• Database programmer. He is engaged in database optimization, for example, MS SQL Server, Oracle, related to information systems. Uses languages ​​that work with Visual FoxPro, FoxBase, Dbase.
• Software architect. The goal is to solve problems using information technology. It depends on how the organization's information system will look. He also works out architectural patterns, scenarios for the interaction of components, chooses means of execution, determines the storage format or method of transferring data.
• Front-end developer. Responsible for the appearance of the site (user interface) - finds a way for the user to communicate with the program. Uses JavaScript, HTML, CSS.
• Back-end developer. Works outside the search engine. In other words, the back-end begins when the user enters a query and press Enter. The programmer correctly sends the required data to the browser. Uses server-side languages ​​- PHP, Python.
• Web, desktop developers. They create websites and applications in cooperation with designers, layout designers who develop web design, create page layouts.
• 1C programmer. Configures 1C accounting software installed in most Russian companies. Suitable for assiduous people with an analytical mindset.

Selection criteria point by point

• Rating of the training center. First of all, this is a presence on the market - duration. It's good when it has been working for at least a year. If you launched the site yesterday, and today they are already invited to study, this is, at least, suspicious.
• Certificate.When choosing a suitable course, an important factor - the issuance of a certificate that can be placed in a portfolio, resume or published on a personal website, is also appreciated by potential employers.
• License. The presence of a license also plays a significant role. If there is, then the organization carries out educational activities legally.
• Reviews. They will help to understand the prestige of the educational center. But sometimes they turn out to be a marketing ploy. Positive, often posted by educational centers, negative - as a rule, competitors. In order not to be mistaken, it is better to pay attention to the location of the review, the author's anonymity and the reaction of the training center, especially to negative reviews. If the educational center has been operating for a long time, it has a lot of reviews. You can study them on the website of the center of interest, in social networks or other Internet resources.
• Teaching Staff. A good teacher is half the battle. You can check the level of experts - reputation, successful projects, publications. Any teacher, even an advanced one, if he doesn't practice, loses his skills. An auxiliary factor is a conference that shows the expertise of teachers, the attitude of participants to the project.
• Form of study. There is a synchronous and asynchronous form of distance education. Synchronous is suitable for those for whom the participation of teachers is important. It takes place in real time. Asynchronous - for those who have enough motivation, self-discipline, who have heard about time management.
• Training format. The following formats are used as a rule: e-books - are constantly updated; articles, text lessons - use organizational agencies or services as an educational project; video tutorials - if you wish, you can review it at a convenient time; webinars - thematic online presentation; individual lessons - you can adjust training, eliminate gaps; conferences - speakers will speak on several topics.

Attention! Serious online centers use several training formats, for example, conference + webinar + video tutorial.

• Relevance of the program. Software libraries change, other technological solutions appear, tools are supplemented. Employers' requirements are also constantly changing. Therefore, in order to learn other tools, improve skills or master the basics of programming, you need to get relevant knowledge. When choosing online programming courses, it is important to pay attention to how detailed the study program is and how close it is to the required level.
• Homework, control of implementation. An important component of the educational process. This indicator partly characterizes the effectiveness of training.
• Practice. Testing scripts on servers. This is essential for complete learning.
• Communication in social networks. For advice, you can also discuss the nuances.

Online education is growing and improving, and with it the number of programming training offerings is increasing.

To make it easier to decide on the issue of choosing a suitable platform, we have compiled our rating of programming courses for 2020.

Best coding courses from scratch for 2020

Look. Learn

The virtual academy has recruited professional teachers from all over Russia. Training is carried out via the Internet at a convenient schedule for everyone. Video tutorials cover the basics of computer science, programming, web design.

For each lesson, the teachers prepared a video that shows in detail how to work with programs and programming languages. After studying, you can independently start creating a simple site.

Online platform Look Learn is a chance for fast professional development. The Academy also provides an opportunity to save money by providing free lessons for those wishing to master the PHP scripting language.

Thanks to the basic tools of the course, the student will learn how to process forms, write files, work with a database, do authorization and interact with visitors to a web resource.

• free course;
• convenient schedule;
• maximum availability;
• good video quality;
• relevance of materials.

• the teaching method is very tight.

Specialist.ru from MSTU im. N.E. Bauman

The course is devoted to the study of the art of programming using the main languages ​​and directions. Suitable for those who are interested in the subject, regardless of education or profession.

The latest programming courses in combination with unique copyright programs are a guarantee that students will receive quality knowledge and employers' trust.

Upon completion, a certificate of the Center is issued.

• many directions;
• a huge database of tutorials;
• friendly staff;
• post-training support;
• introductory information on the subject of study;
• relevant, useful curriculum.

• high price;
• can increase the amount of payment;
• mastering the course is not easy without minimal basic knowledge.

Hexlet.io

Here you will get acquainted with popular professions - JavaScript front-end and back-end; PHP, Python, Java programmers. You will learn how to write programs, gain experience with modules, as well as the necessary foundation for the next profession.

The course consists of 10-20 short test lessons, sometimes short videos. Suitable for those who prefer to master information in writing.

After studying the material - a test (3-4 questions) and a practical exercise. The check is carried out using autotests. Particularly diligent students - additional tests.

Upon completion - a certificate that has no state value.

• fascinating educational process (points, ratings);
• a large number of additional libraries, services, frameworks;
• many practical tasks of varying degrees of complexity.

• few reviews;
• there is no individual mentor;
• the support service does not respond immediately;
• the teacher does not help with projects.

Netology.ru

Online courses for beginners, cover web development, testing. Learn the basics of JavaScript here.

In a two-week online course supported by experts, you will learn the basics that a programmer needs to know. And in 20 hours of practice, anyone will appreciate how interesting their specialty is.

As a result of the training, graduates will acquire the skills of writing code, experience of communicating with practicing developers, and the first implemented project. They will also develop a portfolio and become confident junior specialists.

• convenient platform;
• structured knowledge in a short time;
• course instructors are able to explain complex things in a simple way;
• communicating with practicing developers;
• graduates work for leading IT companies.

• a lot of unnecessary information;
• theory is more than practice;
• feedback, bad remote sensing;
• today one lecturer, tomorrow another;
• technical support suffers.

Geekbrains

In 2010, the "School of Programming" project appeared, which grew up in GreekBrains. Since August 2016, it has been part of Mail.ru.

To learn the basic principles of modern programming language, to be guided in writing code, to apply the knowledge gained in practice, to understand how much it suits you, you need to start with the online course "Fundamentals of Programming", where you will get acquainted with the JavaScript syntax, write your first program, and get answers to your questions.

Here you can also learn C ++ - a popular language for creating large-scale projects. Written in C ++: utilities, desktop applications, Google Chrome and Firefox browsers, all high-load systems. World Of Warcraft is C ++ too.

Then you can move on to learning the basics of C - a system-level language in which most operating systems, drivers, libraries for working with hardware, and computer peripherals are written. Knowledge of the basics of the C language will allow you to understand the internal mechanisms, the structure of most modern high-level languages, since it is their progenitor.

Geekbrains offers a large selection of online courses to suit every taste and wallet.But, for beginners it is better to pay attention to free courses to determine professional inclinations and interests.

• high quality education;
• serious terms of study;
• there is a payment by installments;
• expanded extensive program;
• teachers with experience in large international companies;
• active feedback;
• guaranteed employment after training.

• difficult to understand the site interface;
• no mobile app;
• those who have not mastered the basic course of mathematics will be difficult.

Best programming courses for professionals

Skillbox

The first independent educational institution in Russia, which teaches 100% online. The online university was founded in 2013.

Offers over 15 programming courses for teens and adults, as well as for beginners and advanced professionals - Java, Python, C ++, IOS, Android, Data Scientist, Web developer, etc.

For example, at "Java developer" in four months you will learn new features of the language, learn to apply the principles of OOP, and understand how to test codes. And there will also be an opportunity to work with a real customer, to supplement the portfolio with new works.

• good quality video materials;
• convenient training schedule;
• a nice bonus when buying a course;
• offer installments.

• unjustified high price;
• poorly designed training program;
• delayed remote sensing check;
• the timing of opening the modules is violated, but not critical.

OTUS

The online school does not teach from scratch, but offers in-depth knowledge. Year of foundation - 2017. Received the "Runet Prize-2018" in the "Education and Personnel" nomination for achievements in the field of education.

Author's courses from OTUS are suitable for already established personnel with programming experience who want to improve their level by gaining knowledge in various areas of development. For example, the Java QA Automation Engineer course teaches you how to look under the hood of the most popular automation tools in order to use them effectively. The goal is to help you become professionals who can predict the behavior of the system and make technical decisions on their own.

Before the start, an open day is held, where you can familiarize yourself with the program in more detail, ask questions about the course. Duration of training is 4 months.

OTUS will make learning meaningful - it realizes the relationship between employers' expectations, the ability of teachers and the competencies of specialists.

• interesting learning process, examples from life;
• portfolio projects;
• proposals for improving the remote control outside the scope of the assignment;
• at the end of the certificate;
• the possibility of installments, credit.

• DZ check - 48 hours.

IT Video Developers Network (ITVDN)

A modern portal for teaching IT technologies. Was created by CyberBionic Systematics, 2014.

A convenient form of training, you can choose a sequence, a level - from scratch, for advanced training, or study related areas. For example, after graduating from "C # Basic", ITVDN offers a video course C # for professionals, focused on deep learning of the .NET platform.

Here you will look at the concepts of functional programming, learn to use lambda expressions, techniques, partial application - closure, memoization, currying.

• excellent opportunities for minimal money;
• polls - to find out the wishes, needs of students;
• new members get a discount;
• after graduation certificate.

• individual trainer without function to show error;
• video tutorials are not edited;
• monotonous, monotonous presentation of information.

Skillfactory

This is the entrance to Data Science. The online school specializes in IT product management, machine learning, analysis and data manipulation.

The training takes place together with a team of mentors who will solve technical and administrative issues, help with motivation and study.

• effective application of knowledge at the end of the course;
• accessible style of presenting information;
• good schedule of webinars;
• good practice;
• real models.

• high price;
• models varying in volume and complexity;
• technical problems;
• difficult without a good base.

Yandex. Workshop

There are courses in Python, PHP, Java programming that will allow you to quickly master the craft.

The knowledge can be applied immediately by writing your own code in the online simulator. Mentors, teams of code reviewers will comment on the work, help you figure it out, teach you professional techniques.

After passing the final project, you will receive an official document on additional education.

• clear interface;
• practice, real business challenges;
• discussion chat;
• access to content after the end of the course.

• organization of training;
• long project check.

conclusions

The role of technology in the economy and society is growing, so in 2020 the profession of a programmer is especially popular. But to become a professional you will have to constantly learn.

When choosing online training, many sign up for the first courses they come across, others are looking for an answer from friends, on the Internet, and so on.

The purpose of this article is to talk about some of the points that most people face when choosing online programming courses.