Coding is one of the most in-demand technology skills right now. Apart from the obvious professional benefits of learning to write code, it can be a fun and fulfilling hobby.
Getting started, coding can be challenging at times. It can be even worse if you do not have time to learn. The good news, however, is you can squeeze learning into your schedule and learn on the go with nothing more than your smartphone.
This article guides the best coding apps to learn to write code in Python on the go.
What is Python?
Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language. If you are unfamiliar with the terms high-level and general purpose, don’t worry; let me explain.
A high-level programming language is one where you write code using English words. The opposite of a high-level language is a low-level language like machine code, where you write literal binary (ones and zeros). High-level languages are generally considered easier to use since we write code in a way that feels more natural for humans.
A general-purpose language can be used in multiple domains. This contrasts with languages like R, which are used in statistical computing. General-purpose programming languages are generally more versatile and useful as they can be used to build multiple things.
So Python is both high-level and general purpose, making it both simple to learn and useful.
Why Python?
Now that you know what Python is, let me explain why you should learn Python, especially if it is your first programming language:
- Python is easier to learn and master compared to other languages. Python has a simple syntax and beginner-friendly rules to follow. This gives it a more gentle learning curve compared to languages like Java or C++.
- Python is widely used by companies. It is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, used by many companies. As a result, more companies hire Python developers. However, it can also get competitive as more and more people are learning the language.
- It has a large community. Because it has lots of users, Python has a large community of people proficient in the language who make tutorials and courses and write books for people to learn. There are also forums, such as Stack Overflow, where you can get help on anything if you get stuck.
- Python is versatile. Python can be used for building web servers, machine learning, writing automation, and building desktop and mobile applications. Once you learn Python, you can build lots of things.
Now, we will explore the best apps to learn Python coding.
Mimo
Mimo is one of the most polished coding apps on the market. It is available on Android and iOS. In addition to Python, Mimo has courses to learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and SQL. With those 5 languages, you can become a full-stack web developer.
The learning experience on Mimo is gamified using interactive exercises. You also get to work on larger projects to get skills working with real projects. There are also playgrounds for you to practice on your own and build things.
Mimo is free and has a paid plan that offers advanced features such as an ad-free learning experience, unlimited playgrounds, and shareable certificates.
It works on:
- iOS
- Android
Sololearn
Sololearn is a popular coding app for people learning to code on the go. Apart from Python, it offers numerous other courses in languages such as C, Java, HTML, and CSS. It is available as a mobile app for Android and iOS.
Sololearn is geared to provide you with a learning experience relevant to your skill level. It provides bite-sized lessons with quizzes to test your knowledge as you learn. They also offer certificates upon completion of courses.
Sololearn also provides a code editor for writing and running your code so you can practice within the app. It is a free application with a paid plan.
It works on:
- iOS
- Android
Datacamp
Datacamp is a popular learning platform for skills relating to data science and artificial intelligence. The platform has courses in Python, R, Excel, ChatGPT, and Tableau, among others.
The Datacamp learning experience revolves around learning new content, practicing skills introduced in the content, applying the skills to solve real-world problems, and assessing how well you understood the skill. As a result, you learn in a hands-on and practical manner from instructors who work as professionals in existing companies.
Datacamp is a paid product with plans for businesses, universities, and huge discounts. It has mobile applications available for Android and iOS.
It works on:
- iOS
- Android
Programming Hub
Programming Hub is an interactive and simple way to learn programming. The award-winning coding app utilizes research-based learning techniques to create fun, interactive, and visual lessons. The platform uses thousands of illustrations to help you better understand concepts.
Like most learning programs, Programming Hub provides verifiable e-certificates that can be added to your LinkedIn to demonstrate your skills. The platform has courses for more than 25 programming languages and more than 5000 programs to learn and practice on.
It also has compilers for more than 24 of the languages offered, so you do not need to install any additional software on your device to get started.
The application is available on App Store and Play Store.
It works on:
- iOS
- Android
Enki
Enki is a coding app for AI-related skills. These skills include coding in Python and SQL and using tools such as Excel and Tableau. The application teaches you by providing content and interactive quizzes to test your knowledge of important concepts.
It also includes challenges that require coding to solve. These challenges give you hands-on experience in actually writing and building stuff.
When you get stuck, Enki includes an AI-powered mentor that you can ask questions and will help you when you are stuck. In addition to the focus on AI, Enki also covers concepts such as Web Development, Java, and Understanding Data.
The application also includes a coding playground, so you don’t have to set up a development environment and can use it on the go.
The Enki mobile application is available for both Android and iOS.
It works on:
- iOS
- Android
Programming Hero
Programming Hero is a gamified application for learning to code. It makes it easy to learn to code with its great and well-designed user interface. The application is highly rated in the app stores and reviewed as being an excellent app. The content covered in the app includes Python and HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
The learning experience is project-based – you will learn to code while building a game. This helps you apply the concepts you would have learned quickly. The application is available for download in the Play Store and App Store.
The application is part of the broader Programming Hero training program that takes you from beginner to job-ready. This course includes coding training, interview training, and help with applying for jobs.
This means the full Programming Hero program will take you from beginner, guide, and teach you programming until you land a job.
It works on:
- iOS
- Android
Encode
Encode is a free application for learning to code. Like most applications on this list, learning Encode is self-paced. This makes it ideal so it fits into your schedule where possible.
Its lessons are small and bite-sized, also perfect for learning on the go. Encode is beginner-friendly and has content covering HTML, CSS, JS, SQL, and Python. With these skills, you will be able to become a full-stack web developer.
The application also includes challenges so you can practice programming to test your knowledge and help you practice. It includes summaries so you can revisit content without redoing everything. The application is available for both Android and iOS.
It works on:
- iOS
- Android
Author’s Note
While each app covered is a good choice for learning to code, my recommended coding app for a beginner is the Mimo application. It is polished, covers the languages you want to start with, and has a free plan.
We explored the different coding applications you can use to learn to code on the go. Learning to code is a useful skill to learn. To become proficient, coding requires practice.
Next, you can check out beginner Python projects to practice and learn.