Top free online coding practice sites for beginners include LeetCode, HackerRank, GeeksforGeeks, Codeforces, and Codewars. This guide covers pros/cons for each site.
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βWhere can I practice coding for free?β
This is one of the most searched questions by new programmers on Google. If you're just starting your coding journey, you probably feel lost about where to practice and improve your skills.
The best sites offer everything from beginner-friendly tutorials to advanced algorithm challenges that prepare you for tech interviews. β
So, if you're wondering, 'Which coding site should I start with?' We've got you covered!
We've researched and tested various platforms to find the ones that actually help you improve your programming skills fast. For each platform, we've covered the pros and cons, plus what type of programmer it's best for, so you can make the right choice.
Let's explore the top 12 coding practice websites that can help you enhance your coding skills and crack tech interviews. π
LeetCode is the most popular coding platform used by millions of programmers worldwide. It focuses on algorithm and data structure problems that companies ask in job interviews.
Pros:
Cons:
π Best for: Students preparing for coding interviews and intermediate programmers who want to sharpen their problem-solving skills.
π‘ Pro Tip: To get the most out of LeetCode, try this FREE AI Coding Mentor chrome extension. This tool works directly on LeetCode and other coding platforms, giving you real-time feedback as you solve problems.
It helps optimise your time/space complexity, points out edge cases you might miss, and even has an interview mode where you get 20 minutes to solve problems just like in real interviews.
Think of it as having a coding mentor right beside you while you practice! β
HackerRank is one of the best websites to practice coding with a focus on both learning and competing. It offers coding challenges in many programming languages.
Pros:
Cons:
π Best for: Beginners who want structured learning and professionals looking to showcase their skills to employers.
GeeksforGeeks is one of the most popular coding practice sites among computer science students and professionals, offering everything from basic tutorials to advanced algorithm problems.
Pros:
Cons:
π Best for: Computer science students and professionals who want comprehensive coding practice with detailed explanations.
π‘Pro Tip: GeeksforGeeks has tons of problems, but getting feedback on your solutions can be tricky.
Our free AI Coding Mentor will watch your code as you solve and give instant feedback on mistakes, helping you learn faster without switching tabs.
Codeforces is one of the most respected competitive programming platforms in the world, hosting regular contests and maintaining a large community of skilled programmers.
Pros:
Cons:
π Best for: Intermediate to advanced programmers who want to excel in competitive programming and algorithmic problem-solving.
Codewars turns coding practice into a fun game where you solve "kata" (coding challenges) to level up your skills.
Pros:
Cons:
π Best for: Programmers who like competitive coding and want to practice problem-solving in a fun way.
π Recommending reading: Top 50 DSA Questions to Practice in 2025
Edabit offers bite-sized coding challenges that are perfect for daily practice sessions.
Pros:
Cons:
π Best for: Beginners who want quick daily coding practice and prefer shorter challenges over long projects.
freeCodeCamp is a completely free coding practice site that teaches you to build real projects while learning.
Pros:
Cons:
π Best for: Beginners who want to learn web development for free and build a portfolio of real projects.
Codecademy makes coding practice for beginners super easy with interactive lessons that feel like games.
Pros:
Cons:
π Best for: Complete beginners who want to learn programming languages step-by-step with guided lessons.
TopCoder is one of the oldest competitive programming platforms where coders compete in contests to win prizes.
Pros:
Cons:
π Best for: Advanced programmers who want to compete and test their skills against the best coders worldwide.
AtCoder is a Japanese competitive programming platform known for high-quality algorithm problems.
Pros:
Cons:
π Best for: Programmers interested in algorithms and competitive programming with well-crafted problems.
InterviewBit is specifically designed for coding interview preparation, offering structured courses and problems used by top tech companies.
Pros:
Cons:
π Best for: Students and professionals preparing for coding interviews at tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.
SPOJ is one of the oldest and largest online judge platforms with over 20,000 coding problems from around the world.
Pros:
Cons:
π Best for: Experienced programmers who want access to a vast collection of programming problems from contests worldwide.
Starting your coding journey can feel overwhelming, but these 12 coding practice sites make learning fun and structured.
For complete beginners, we recommend starting with GeeksforGeeks or freeCodeCamp to learn the basics, then moving to HackerRank or LeetCode for problem-solving practice.
Here's your step-by-step plan:
Remember, the best website to practice coding is the one you'll actually use consistently. Pick 2-3 platforms that match your learning style and stick with them. Most successful programmers spend at least 30 minutes daily on these free coding practice sites.
Now, no matter which coding practice sites you choose, you'll face a common challenge: you have coding problems, but no one to tell you if your approach is right or give you hints without spoiling the solution.
Most beginners end up looking at solutions too early or getting stuck without real-time guidance.
This is where our free AI Coding Mentor extension can be a game-changer. It works across all these platforms - LeetCode, HackerRank, GeeksforGeeks, Codeforces, and more.
It acts as your personal coding companion, watching your code as you type and giving real-time feedback on your approach. π§
It helps you optimise your solutions, points out potential issues, and gives hints to keep you moving forward - all without spoiling the answer.
Plus, it simulates real interview conditions with timed practice sessions. It's like having an experienced programmer guide you through every problem!
The key is consistency, not perfection. Start today, practice daily with AI Coding Mentor, and you'll be amazed at how quickly your coding skills improve! π
Q 1: Which coding practice site is best for complete beginners?
GeeksforGeeks and freeCodeCamp are the best for complete beginners because they offer step-by-step lessons with clear explanations and no prior coding experience required.
Q 2: Are these coding practice websites really free?
Yes, most websites to practice coding offer considerable free content. Platforms like freeCodeCamp, Codewars, and basic LeetCode are completely free, while others offer free tiers with optional paid upgrades.
Q 3: How much time should I spend on coding practice daily?
Start with 30 minutes daily on programming practice websites. As you get comfortable, you can increase to 1-2 hours. Consistency matters more than long practice sessions.
Q 4: Should I focus on one coding platform or use multiple sites?
Use 2-3 coding practice sites maximum. Start with one beginner-friendly platform, then add a problem-solving site like HackerRank. Too many platforms can be overwhelming and slow your progress.
Q 5: How can I get feedback on my coding solutions while practising?
Use the AI Coding Mentor Chrome extension (it's free!) - it works on all major coding platforms and gives real-time feedback on your code.
It even has an interview mode to simulate real coding interviews with detailed feedback reports.
Q 6: Which programming language should I start with on these sites?
Python is the best first language for beginners because it's easy to read and write. Most coding platforms support Python, and it's widely used in the tech industry.
Q 7: How do I know if I'm ready for LeetCode?
You're ready for LeetCode when you can solve basic programming problems involving loops, arrays, and functions. If you can complete beginner challenges on HackerRank or Codewars, you can start with LeetCode Easy problems.
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Also read:
Top 100 Coding Interview Questions for 2025: Java, Python, DSA
The Ultimate Leetcode Solving Strategy for Coding Interviews
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