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Ask HN: What are some high quality coding tutorial sites?

52 points by chakkepolja ↗ HN
Whenever I search for how to use some library or particular feature on Google, first page will be full of SEO optimized websites with mediocre content. I don't name the sites but while they work, the code doesn't inspire confidence, nor is there proper conceptual explaination.

Are there high quality tutorial sites for general coding or specific areas (web, app dev etc..)?

32 comments

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apstyx
What are some examples of libraries/features/languages that you are looking for?

I have found when learning a new language the official website's training section has some great content or links to great tutorial training sites.

In other case searching for "awesome xyz" sometime brings back some useful results. The linked github repos has taught me many new things.

yelskcol
It's a difficult question to answer without knowing more specifically what exactly you're trying to do and what level you're at if you're looking for tailored recommendations.

Assuming you have some experience already I find the best way for me personally is to just re-implement something I'm already fairly comfortable with in X/Y/Z language / library you're trying to learn. The problem solving along the way of doing so will teach you much about the quirks of whatever it is you're trying to learn.

Without specifics otherwise it just comes down to the usual generic advice given - check out the official docs, take a look at interesting existing projects that interest you, etc...

Peritract
The best online course I've found for development is FreeCodeCamp [1]. Their web development courses are definitely the best of their offering, but they do offer Python courses as well. It's self-paced, free, and higher quality (& more real-world) than similar offerings.

It's focused on learning from scratch though, rather than quickly highlighting a particular feature or introducing a library. I've yet to find a really good general tutorial site for such things; the web abounds with "tutorials" on every topic, but they're mostly low-quality and it's hard to filter out the chaff. Honestly, your best source (though it too will vary wildly in quality) is always the documentation.

[1] https://www.freecodecamp.org/

rg111
I don't always recommend FCC, because they offer courses from other people as well, and many of these people are not the best.

So, while FCC courses are great that are on their site, but their guest playlists and videos are not always the best.

muzani
It's not just the tutorials itself, I've learned the most from the answers on algorithms. Because it's designed for beginners, it was a good way to learn things like map() and filter(), which were gaps in my knowledge. Most algorithms learning site will skip through all that.
shj2105
Any good ones for c#?
omosubi
Pluralsight's c# library is pretty good in my experience
brenelson
I suggest diving right into w3schools, you can start building projects while learning at the same time.
muzani
It's okay as a reference, but Free Code Camp does the same more effectively.
asicsp
Reading documentation and searching specific questions on stackoverflow (for ex: how to do X with Y language and Z module) works the best for me.

If I'm really struggling, I'd ask for help on related forum.

That said, my projects are usually beginner-intermediate level.

avgDev
There are some caveats to SO. In the beginner stages it is helpful but I have found many issues with SO code over the years and some of it was in the top answers.

I would highly recommend following a tutorial on plurarsight, teamtree or another service then jumping into your own projects. Having documentation and maybe a book handy. SO is great for errors though.

random_kris
For Backend/java focues I recommend:

- Baeldung - Dzone

mickeyp
I'm going to shamelessly plug my own sites:

https://www.inspiredpython.com/

It's fairly new, but I write high-quality Python articles covering a variety of subjects of interest to both hobbyist and professional Python programmers alike.

If you like Emacs, you may like my other site https://www.masteringemacs.org/

machawinka
Your emacs' site has been very helpful. Thanks.
mraza007
Love your python site and its really cool.

I definitely subscribed

mickeyp
Thank you :) I'm very happy to hear that!
stevenicr
code academy (https://www.codecademy.com/ ) was pretty good for me when I learned some things there a while back.

There are some good courses on udemy and even youtube - but sifting through the ones that are difficult to understand/hear is a challenge at times. I've learned to click over to the instructors to hear their voice before spending money / time.

I think a lot depends on what you are trying to learn and what learning style - for example I prefer the actual doing while learning as opposed to listening/watching an hour of instruction.. if possible I like to do while I am learning - but I understand others preferred style will vary.

akshayrajp
Does anyone know of good Java tutorials/courses that go all the way from basics to more advanced concepts like Beans (and beyond)? It would really help because I need to learn Spring soon.
GhettoComputers
I’d suggest learning by working on a project.
navyad
same here but reading articles help to find new insights.
muzani
Pluralsight is really good for beginner tutorials (C#, functional programming, Swift, iOS). They have someone who has experience and thought it through. The money is worth it for a filter. However, it's lacking in intermediate level tutorials and some are outdated.

Udacity is great at learning Android from a holistic level and some of the tutorials are free, by Google.

Adrig
Honestly, I had a great experience with Udemy. Especially for beginners and technical subjects, you have a ton of options for every tech and some great instructors.

Wait for their never-ending promotion and at 10/20$, some of these courses are a bargain.