TL;DR
Coding tutorials become more effective when interactive. JDoodle.com Embeds let learners test, modify, and run code instantly, boosting engagement and making learning hands-on.
You’ve heard the saying: Practice makes perfect.
So why not apply the same principles when writing coding tutorials? Here’s how you can make your coding tutorials more interactive.
We’ll show you how to embed a simple development environment (IDE) in your tutorial for free, so users can try out your code examples without ever leaving your website, blog or LMS.
Here’s an example Java embed:
Coding tutorials 101
Let’s lay down the basics of coding tutorials first. Coding tutorials are step-by-step guides designed to teach programming concepts or how to build specific projects. They often include explanations, code examples, and exercises, which help us gain hands-on experience in writing and understanding code.
Understand your audience
A successful coding tutorial begins with a deep understanding of who you’re writing for. Are your readers beginners who need basic concepts broken down? Or are they experienced developers looking for advanced techniques?
Tailoring your content to the skill level of your audience is key to keeping them engaged. But if you want to cater your tutorials to a diverse range of audiences then include all three categories in your tutorial: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Let’s discuss these further:
- Make a proper index: Arrange tutorials based on skill levels. This will help your readers navigate and assess how they want to learn.
- Add additional sources: Provide links to various content on a similar niche. This helps readers gain additional information on the topic that they are trying to familiarize themselves with.
- Provide prerequisites: Include a list of prerequisites at the start of your tutorial. Specify the knowledge or skills readers should have before beginning. This could include concepts, libraries, or languages they need to be familiar with.
Knowing your audience is key to having the right coding tutorials that can keep them engaged.
Make it a hands-on experience
A great coding tutorial doesn’t just explain concepts—it encourages learners to practice as they go.
One of the easiest ways to help your learners practice on your platform is by embedding interactive coding environments. With an embedded coding environment or IDE, readers can run and modify code snippets in real-time without needing to install any software.
These interactive embedded coding environments will help your readers experiment with what they are learning. Not just that it will also enhance engagement, as readers can follow along at their own pace and apply what they’ve learned on the spot.
One coding environment that you can use is JDoodle.
Setting Up JDoodle Embeds
Here’s how to set up a free embedded IDE in JDoodle
- Create an Embed: Go to your profile, navigate to “Embeds,” and click “Create an Embed” under the Embed Manager.
- Fill Out Details: Provide a name, select the embed type: Basic, add a description, and choose a programming language. JDoodle supports 85 languages, with all available versions shown in your embed for users to select.
- Customization (Premium Embeds): If using a Premium embed, you can customize it with HTML components (tabs, sections, etc.), external libraries, input/output files, and more. Set defaults like code, version, editor theme, and style components as needed.
Once done, copy the HTML embed code and add it in the of your application. This ensures that the readers on your platform have an embedded IDE that they can use to test out the code that you’ve added in your tutorials. Thus turning passive learning into an interactive experience, increasing understanding, and making the learning process more enjoyable.
Want to try an example?
Grab this code and include it in the tags in your website, LMS or web application:
<div data-pym-src="https://www.jdoodle.com/embed/v1/8f05e8ca557aead6"></div>
<script src="https://www.jdoodle.com/assets/jdoodle-pym.min.js" type="text/javascript"> </script>
Use clear language
Think of your computer science books.
They stick to straightforward language. Great learning materials break down technical terms as simply as possible. Use short sentences and bullet points wherever possible.
Use real-world examples when trying to teach complex concepts and your examples are relatable. The clearer your explanations, the easier it is for readers to follow along and stay engaged.
Use code examples
It’s important that you add code snippets that show learners how abstract concepts translate into actual code, making it easier to understand and apply what they’ve learned.
Use small, focused snippets that demonstrate the core concept without unnecessary complexity. Each example should directly tie into the point you’re explaining, making it easy for readers to follow and apply the code themselves.
Effective code examples not only clarify the concept but also encourage experimentation, helping learners grasp how it works in practice and boosting their confidence in writing their code.
Allow code testing
Provide simple tests that your readers can take at the end of each tutorial so they can increase their knowledge base. This again is where the JDoodle embed can come in handy.
Here’s some sample Python code that you can test:
Wasn’t that fun? Imagine how interesting it would be if you readers too could experience this. To know more about JDoodle Embeds, take a look at our documentation.
Final words
By following the steps in this blog you can improve your tutorials in no time. Simplicity goes a long way, and so does a proper hands-on experience. Make sure you keep your audience engaged with your tutorials and trust JDoodle to make it an enjoyable experience.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should coding tutorials be interactive?
Interactive tutorials keep learners engaged and help them practice concepts in real-time, improving retention and understanding.
2. How do embedded coding environments improve tutorials?
Embeds allow learners to run and modify code directly within the tutorial, turning passive learning into hands-on practice.
3. How can I embed code execution in my tutorials?
You can embed an IDE like JDoodle.com, which supports 85+ programming languages and allows instant code execution in blogs, LMS, or websites.
4. What are JDoodle Embeds?
JDoodle Embeds are lightweight coding environments you can insert into tutorials, enabling learners to test code without leaving the page.
5. Can JDoodle Embeds be customized?
Yes, Premium JDoodle Embeds allow customization with HTML components, libraries, themes, and input/output files.
6. Why is JDoodle useful for educators?
JDoodle.com makes it easy for educators to create engaging coding tutorials, interactive exercises, and assessments for students at all levels.