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Developing Your Skills Through Gameplay!

Coding is everywhere. It's in your favorite movies, games, and every website you visit! For those of us who don’t have the slightest idea about coding, the long string of letters and numbers written in a script may look like a foreign language or a secret puzzle. Luckily, there are some really cool games out there that help you develop your coding skills. Let’s take a look!

Best Coding Games for Beginners

1.   CSS Diner

CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) defines different aspects and layouts of Web pages, including text styles, table sizes, colors, etc. If you're a beginner coder, it's vital to understand how this system works.

CSS Diner does a great job of guiding you through the basics of CSS coding.

The game has 32 levels and gets progressively more challenging as you advance. Each section builds on what you've learned from the previous level.

With a game as fun and as interactive as CSS Diner, you're sure to improve your coding skills and build a strong coding foundation.

2.   CheckIO  

CheckIO is a great website for those wanting to learn JavaScript and Python through gameplay mechanics.

It's easy to immerse yourself with CheckIO's intuitive web interface. Just like other strategy-based online game, new areas are unlocked on CheckIO with varying difficulties and challenges.

The best part of this program is that you improve your skills using the solutions other players have provided.

CheckIO is commonly used by teachers to teach young programmers the basics of JavaScript and Python. It teaches the primary basics of the previously mentioned scripts better than any other coding source material, including books and online courses!

If you're new to JavaScript and Python, look no further! CheckIO's the game for you.

3.   Code Hunt

Code Hunt is a gaming platform that teaches players how to code Java and C#.

Based on the white box execution engine Pex, each puzzle is presented with test cases that you must identify, analyze, and modify to match the given fragments on screen.

It's fun, complex, and educational. Give it a shot!

4.   CodeMonkey

CodeMonkey teaches players to code using CoffeeScript by building their own games on HTML5.

Players as young as 7 years old can enjoy this game. It doesn't require any prior coding experience to get started.

All of CodeMonkey's courses are specifically designed to teach coding. It guides players through step-by-step tutorials within several levels. It’s fun, the graphics are cute, and it’s free!

5.   Codecademy

Codecademy makes it possible for players to learn a number of programming languages and topics through an interactive platform. Some of these include AngularJS, Rails, SQL, and many more.

What's better is that all the classes Codecademy offers are free! Along the way, badges and awards are gifted whenever players finish a level.

All in all, Codecademy is a fun learning platform that's perfect for beginners eager to start their coding journey.

6.   Codewars

Codewars is a computer programming platform designed to train using the kata method, which is basically an exercise of practice and repetition.

Codewars helps teach various programming languages such as C++, Ruby, and Swift, to name a few.

Codewars plays all its core levels for free but does have the option for a monthly subscription to access extra levels.

7.   CodinGame

Another great addition to this list of CondinGames. With CodinGames, you can learn over 25 different programming languages!

This online game allows players to solve puzzles with varying levels of difficulty. Players can also compete in multiplayer programming contests with either other participants, or a timed artificial intelligence (AI).

Perhaps the best thing about this website is that it also serves as a recruiting platform. Game developers can be noticed by different companies looking for new programmers.

With a surplus of new challenges, mini-games, and competitions found on this site, it's sure to guarantee hours and hours of educational fun.

8.   Empire of Code

Empire of Code is a space game that makes use of different strategies, tactics, and a selection of codes to progress through the game. Your primary goal is to defend your base while attacking others. Trust me, it’s not as easy as it sounds!

It teaches you how to effectively use JavaScript and Python to develop a bot to attack other players, steal their resources, and destroy their forts.

With great graphics and engaging gameplay, learning has never been this fun (or easy)!

9.   Ruby Warrior

Ruby Warrior guides you through everything you need to know about Ruby, a high-level programming language. In this online coding game, you get to control a little man named Ruby using game commands. 

This game is perfect for those with ambitions of becoming a software developer. It's made with detailed, meticulous care, and shows coders exactly how commands work in Ruby.

10.  VIM Adventures

Navigate your way through VIM Adventures Zelda-like world through a text editor called VIM. By using VIM's navigation shortcuts, commands, motions, and operators, this puzzle game allows players to practice and memorize codes by trial and error.

VIM is one of the most popular text editors used by game developers. If you're looking to learn how to use this program, VIM Adventures are certainly the best way to start. It's fun, the graphics are nostalgic, and includes a surprisingly interesting plot to follow in this game.

Final Thoughts

Time is well-spent if you're learning and having fun! These interactive coding games for beginners are a great way to do both!

Although all of them are great, our overall pick is CodinGame. CodinGame takes the challenge of gaming to a whole new level with over 25 different program languages to learn. Plus, it’s free! It doesn’t get any better than that!

For more coding fun, check out our Top 10 Free Coding Programs for Kids!

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