Article 12: Top Free Platforms to Learn Coding, Dev, DSA, & Projects (Curated Guide)

Introduction:

Most students ask:

“Where should I learn coding from?”
“Which platform is best for DSA?”
“Can I build projects without paying for expensive courses?”

The good news: You don’t need money.
You need clarity and curation.

Here’s a hand-picked list of the best FREE platforms to learn every skill you need coding, dev, DSA, deployment, and projects as a student.


🐍 1. Coding / DSA Practice

🔸 LeetCode

For interview prep and real DSA
https://leetcode.com

  • Practice by topic

  • Easy–Medium–Hard ladder

  • Companies' actual questions

  • Daily challenges and contests

🔸 GeeksForGeeks

DSA + theory + practice sets
https://geeksforgeeks.org

  • SDE sheets, OS/DBMS

  • Clear notes + quizzes

🔸 Codeforces / AtCoder / CodeChef

For competitive programming

  • CP ladders + rated contests

  • Build thinking + speed


🌐 2. Web & App Development

🔸 freeCodeCamp

https://freecodecamp.org

Best full beginner roadmap – HTML, CSS, JS, React, APIs

  • Hands-on, free certification

  • Projects + portfolio-friendly challenges

🔸 The Odin Project

https://theodinproject.com

Full-stack roadmap: JavaScript + Node.js

  • Teaches Git, backend, deployment too

🔸 App Development


⚙️ 3. Backend & Fullstack

🔸 MDN Web Docs

HTML, CSS, JS in depth
https://developer.mozilla.org

🔸 Django Official Docs

https://docs.djangoproject.com

  • Also check YouTube: CodeWithHarry, Telusko

🔸 MERN Stack

Search “MERN One Shot” on YouTube
Channels: CodeWithHarry, Chai aur Code, Clever Programmer


📘 4. Computer Science Core (OS, DBMS, CN, OOP)

🔸 Neso Academy (YouTube)

Legendary for OS, DBMS, CN
YouTube – Neso Academy

🔸 Gate Smashers / Jenny’s Lectures

CS core, explained in Hindi + beginner-friendly


👨‍💻 5. Project Ideas + Demos

🔸 GitHub Explore / Awesome Repos

Search for:

  • awesome-python-projects

  • beginner-web-projects

  • awesome-machine-learning

🔸 YouTube

  • “Mini Projects in Django / MERN”

  • Project-based playlists by BroCode, Ania Kubów, Traversy Media


🚀 6. Deploy & Host for Free

PlatformUse
RenderDeploy Django, Node, static sites
NetlifyFrontend apps (React, HTML)
RailwayFullstack + DB support
VercelNext.js, static hosting
CloudinaryMedia uploads
SupabaseFree Postgres + Auth + Storage

🧰 7. Extra Tools & Platforms

  • Notion – For tracking your tech journey

  • Replit – Run code instantly, great for collabs

  • W3Schools – Quick syntax and references

  • CS50x – Harvard’s free CS intro cs50.harvard.edu/x


🧭 How to Use This Guide

NeedStart Here
Learn to codefreeCodeCamp + Python YouTube
Practice DSALeetCode + GFG
Build web projectsOdin + YouTube + GitHub
Study CS coreNeso + GATE Smashers
Deploy projectsRender + Netlify + GitHub Pages
Build resume + applyTrack on Notion + host on GitHub

Final Words:

“You don’t need premium courses. You need consistent curiosity.”

Bookmark these sites. Spend time exploring. Every platform here can take you from beginner → internship-ready for free.

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Written by

Vedant Manohar Patil
Vedant Manohar Patil