Learning to code can be intimidating for some and fun for others. But for those who want to try their hands on coding for the very first time can jump start from Code Academy — a free web-based and easy to follow non-traditional coding tutorial.

Just point the browser to codecademy.com and get started by following simple questions and answers that appear right in a console at the home page. There’s no mandatory requirement of sign-up either to keep the learning process simple.

The first course starts off by asking the user name and taking it further to show how to calculate its length, coupled with basic mathematical operators. Once this series of initial coding tasks is complete, user earns badges that keeps user motivated throughout the course while getting through milestones.

The next lessons incrementally keep on getting advanced. For example, the second lesson is about showing messages to the user. This one makes use of actual Java Script syntax. Sample code is shown on the left, while the code entering console appears on the right. Users can type in the code themselves by taking a look at the instructions or by clicking the keyword which results in automatic pasting of the required code in the console.

What makes the entire activity comparatively faster to execute is that unlike other language tutorials, there’s no need to download any tool, or create a code file for compilation etc. Results are instantaneous here at the Code Academy. Simply entering the command and pressing Enter results in output getting displayed. Also, lessons are interlinked with each other so that the users can see the continuity in their learning rather than learning disjoint pieces of code. For example, the third lesson is about variables which are used to store values, numbers or text and then using it afterwards in the program.

This lesson takes the user through declaring a variable, assigning user’s own name to it, and then bringing it back. After making the user familiar with the concept of variables, more topics are discussed such as playing around with text. This is the fourth lesson where tips like searching within a text, replacing a word, etc., are demonstrated. Since all languages more or less implement same functionalities with slight changes in the command syntax, it’s worth going through the lessons in order to build up a comprehensive understanding of specific functions and general know-how on how programing languages work.

Concepts and practice of code related to text handling also assist in using similar functions in a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel.

The next lessons take on the remaining building blocks of any programing language i.e. handling conditions (if-then-else), looping and storing multiple values in a variable called arrays. From simple programs like calculators to designing more interactive application, say a chat program, these building blocks are used.

For example, writing a user login program for a web-based or desktop-based chat application would require storing the user name and password entered by the user in some variable, matching it with an already stored user name and password, and if the match is found correct, chat window should be launched else user should be intimated about incorrect user name or password, and possibly offered to be taken to a password recovery page. All this requires writing code and making use of basic and universal concepts of conditions, matching, branching and looping, etc.

Code Academy also goes a step ahead of just basics. It introduces the code editor window complete with line numbers and ability to write comments. For those who want to keep using the site over a period of time or in multiple sessions, an account can also be created. At any given time, a small dashboard remains at the top right corner along with user scores and badge counts. This makes Code Academy what it claims to be, i.e. the easiest way to learn how to code!