In an increasingly digital world, web development has established itself as one of the most promising and in-demand professions today. Startups and large corporations—all businesses—need an online presence these days. This makes the web developer a key player in technological growth.
If you’re currently looking for an affordable way to get started in this field, it’s important to know that there are excellent free online courses available that will help you start your training from scratch.
Technical training can be the first step toward a stable, creative, and well-paid career. That’s why in this article, we’re detailing a selection of the six best free online courses to become a web developer, designed to help you build a solid foundation and gradually advance your skills.
What is web development and how to get started?
Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites and web applications accessible over the internet. It encompasses everything from the visual design of a page (frontend) to the internal logic and data management on servers (backend). To make this possible, programming languages such as HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, along with other technologies, are used to build simple informational pages or complex platforms such as social networks or online stores.
In short: web development is what enables users to interact with web content and functionality in a dynamic, secure, and efficient manner.
1. FreeCodeCamp – Responsive Web Design
Platform : FreeCodeCamp
Estimated duration : 300 hours
Level : beginner
FreeCodeCamp’s course is one of the most highly rated by aspiring web developers. Its “Responsive Web Design” course is designed for those starting from scratch and covers the core fundamentals of HTML5 and CSS3, two fundamental pillars of web design.
Throughout this course, you’ll learn about web page structures, applying styles, creating flexible and responsive layouts, and working with concepts like Flexbox and Grid. All this through interactive exercises that you can complete in your browser. Last but not least, upon completion of the program, you’ll receive a free certification.
Why chosse it?
- Learn by practicing from day one
- Includes real projects
- Ideal for creating a solid foundation for free
2. Basic Programming Course – Platzi
Platform : Platzi
Estimated duration : 15 hours
Level : beginner
This free Platzi course is designed for those who want to take their first steps in programming. With JavaScript, HTML, and CSS tools, you’ll learn to build a video game while discovering the fundamentals of programming logic, variables, functions, loops, and conditional structures.
Why choose it?
- 100% Spanish course with a didactic and entertaining methodology.
- You learn from scratch and build a practical project.
- Ideal for creating a solid foundation before moving into more advanced web development.
3. Web Development Course – Harvard University (CS50’s Web Programming)
Platform : edXÂ
Estimated duration : 12 weeks
Level : intermediate
This English-language course is part of Harvard University’s CS50 series and is designed for those with a basic understanding of programming. Its modules delve into topics such as Python, Django, SQL, JavaScript, and APIs, with a clear and straightforward focus on developing robust web applications.
The course is free if you choose the non-certified option, but it’s still an excellent opportunity to explore high-level university training at no cost.
Why choose it?
- Academic and rigorous approach
- Ideal for moving from design to full development
- Introduces good practices and professional structures
4. Web Development Course with Python and Django – Edutin Academy
Platform : Edutin Academy
Estimated duration : 4 weeks
Level : intermediate
This course teaches you how to develop web applications using Python and the Django framework, two powerful tools that are in high demand in the job market. You’ll learn how to create secure and robust backends, work with databases, and launch dynamic sites.
Why choose it?
- Free course in Spanish with optional certificate (for a separate fee)
- Accessible, intuitive platform and student support
- Ideal for moving from frontend to full stack development
5. Full Stack Web Development Course – Videocursos.co
Platform : Videocursos.co
Estimated duration : +35 hours of video
Level : intermediate
In this free course, you’ll go from the basics to full-stack development using technologies like JavaScript, HTML, CSS, MongoDB, and more. It’s ideal for those looking for a comprehensive overview of modern web development.
Why choose it?
- Course in Spanish, accessible for self-taught students.
- Inclusion of projects and practical exercises
- It introduces you to the frontend and the backend
6. Web Development Courses – The Odin Project
Platform : The Odin Project
Estimated duration : more than 300 hours
Level : Beginner to Advanced
The Odin Project is a website where you can find a wide variety of web development courses, from the most basic to advanced topics such as APIs, databases, and authentication. All using JavaScript, Node.js, and React.
Why choose it?
- Rigorous and professional curriculum, ideal for preparing your portfolio
- Free with no ads or limitations
- Active community and support resources for self-taught learners
Free training does open doors
Starting your journey to becoming a web developer doesn’t require a large initial investment. With discipline, perseverance, and the right approach, these free courses can guarantee you the tools you need to develop your first websites, create real-world projects, and confidently enter the job market. If you’re thinking about changing careers, improving your profile, or simply exploring a new skill, these courses can be an ideal starting point.
Ready to get started? All you need is a browser, an internet connection, and a willingness to learn!