Back in the day, programming was seen as something only nerds do. But today, even toddlers are being exposed to programming. Why? Programming has heavily impacted almost every industry. From healthcare to finance, agriculture to entertainment, coding has become a universal language. It’s even become a niche requirement in technical industries like tech and engineering.
But then, learning to code comes with some really expensive challenges. For starters, getting the most basic hardware - a personal computer with the right specifications is expensive. What’s more, is that proper learning resources are not so easy to come by. Then there’s the tough issue of consistency and patience. Generally, programming has steep learning curves that most people just can’t deal with.
But, there’s hope. With cloud-based tools, coding no longer has to be difficult. Now, the average person can conveniently learn to code online with the right guidance and tools.
What are Cloud-based tools?
In the past, learning to code meant sitting in a classroom with bulky computers, installing software locally, and relying on physical textbooks. While this method worked for a few early programmers, it wasn’t ideal. But thanks to cloud-based tools and platforms, coding is now accessible to everyone all over the world.
Cloud-based tools for programming are basically online platforms and applications for learning. They provide the necessary resources and environment for learning to code. The beauty of these tools is that they make programming accessible and affordable. Since the resources and learning environments are hosted on the cloud, the associated cost is reduced.
Rather than buying high-end hardware and software, with cloud-based tools, the average person can learn to code with minimal expenses. Also because of cloud-based tools, learning to code can now be done on mobile phones and directly through web browsers.
Types of Cloud-based tools for programming education
Programming is more accessible, affordable, and easier to learn thanks to cloud-based tools. Here are the broad categories of cloud-based tools that are great for learning to code:
Cloud-based integrated development environments (IDEs)
IDEs are popular among beginners and educators. They’re designed to provide a complete coding environment in a web browser - which almost everyone has. As such, internet users can easily learn to write, run, and debug code without spending on hardware and software.
By design, IDEs such as JDoodle, VS Code Online, and GitHub Codespaces often come with pre-installed libraries and frameworks of popular programming languages like Javascript, PHP, and Python. They also usually have collaborative features for users to share their codes with others for debugging and collaborative learning.
Interactive learning platforms (ILPs)
These online platforms are more or less online schools. They combine coding lessons with cloud-based coding environments for practical learning.
ILPs like Khan Academy and Free Code Camp for instance provide interactive lessons on programming with their built-in coding environment. So as you’re learning, you’re also practicing in real-time. Thanks to gamified features such as points, badges, and progress streaks, ILPs also make learning highly engaging.
Cloud computing platforms for learning
Platforms like AWS Educate, Microsoft Learn, and Google Cloud Skills Boost are dedicated platforms on the web for hands-on programming education. They provide access to cloud infrastructure and resources for practical learning. Some even offer free training and access to cloud-computing resources.
Version control systems (VCS) and collaboration tools
These are platforms that monitor real-time changes to codes. With VCSs, users can conveniently collaborate with others to optimize learning and coding. Think of VCSs as a group project where every project member has access to the project and can make useful changes from time to time. GitHub and BitBucket are great examples of VCSs.
Coding challenge platforms
While these platforms aren’t exactly focused on programming education, they’re great for showing your progress. These platforms periodically offer coding challenges and competitions to showcase coding skills. There’s always a challenge for any skill level. As usual, competition often motivates learning, and that’s what makes coding challenge platforms helpful for programming education.
Why use Cloud-based tools for learning to code?
Whether you’re a beginner, a student, or an expert looking to upskill, cloud-based tools are great for learning to code. Here are five simple reasons why:
No setup required
Cloud-based tools don’t need any special hardware or software, with just your web browser on your PC or smartphone, you’re ready to start learning.
Accessible
The old days of needing a full computer setup or a special educational background to learn programming are over. You can learn from anywhere - no matter your background or device; with just an internet connection. Cybernews ExpressVPN review shows that it’s great for improving internet speed for learning and practice.
Affordable:
Most cloud-based platforms for coding have more than enough free resources for learning. Some also offer special discounts on advanced programming courses for those looking to upskill.
Collaboration
Learning is usually easier with peers, and that’s what cloud-based coding platforms offer. You can learn and work with others in real-time without being in the same place.
Hands-on practice
With cloud-based tools for coding, students don’t just learn - they experiment.
Cloud security:
With cloud-based tools like ExpressVPN, students are protected from phishing links and other security threats that may pretend to be learning platforms.
The future of programming education with Cloud-based tools
Programming education has been evolving since its inception. Thanks to more online courses and coding academies online, learning to code is now accessible to everyone. But there’s more to come.
With the current trend of AI development, programming education will be even more accessible. Through prompt engineering, those without a lot of technical knowledge can learn to code and also work on real projects using AI coding assistants. Imagine having your own personal teacher who keeps guiding you through challenges in learning. Other technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are likely to improve the learning experience by making it more immersive and inclusive - especially for people in far regions with limited opportunities.
Overall, cloud-based tools are turning things around for programming education. Now more than ever, learning to code is accessible to all - no matter the geographical location or low resources. What’s more, collaboration is at an all-time high. It’s the perfect time to start learning to code.