TOP 10 BEST CODING PLATFORMS FOR YOUR CHILD TO BE FUTURE READY
Research indicates that brain development occurs in phases through certain windows of opportunity or sensitive periods. But there are also certain parts of the brain that develop quicker than the others. The fact remains that children are at their most observant when they are young. This is also the best time to begin teaching them the basic concepts of AI, Robotics and other smart technology that are predicted to stand out in the near future.
Here is a glimpse into the top 10 best coding platforms for your child to be future ready.
1. TopCoder
A community-based learning platform it encourages the use of code editor to pick and submit your challenge thus, promoting online competitive programming. A few times each month, single round matches are offered where participants can compete, solve challenges, and record their fastest score.
TopCoder is priced across 7 different modules, at least where the admin fee can range anywhere between $10 to $40 and the minimum costs is between $60 and $240.
The platform does not have a friendly reputation and lacks coverage across behavioral skills. Due to its competitive environment, TopCoder only attracts those who already have some proficiency in coding.
https://www.topcoder.com/html/cockpit/framework/content/pricing.html
2. Coderbyte
Encompassing a library of more than 300 challenges Coderbyte allows users to participate in the easiest to the most complex coding challenges. Students can learn from a range of introductory videos, tutorials, preparatory courses, and algorithm tutorials.
Pricing is broadly divided into Subscription and One-Time Payments. You can get a monthly subscription of about $35 and an annual subscription of $150. Both these plans can be canceled at any time. One-Time payments can be made for 14 days or 90 days costing $29 and $79, respectively. The one-time plans need not be canceled.
According to Capterra one week is too short a trial time to detect software weaknesses. Besides, it does not include personality and candidate management in its pre-employment testing. Capterra is also unhappy with the UX Choices of the courses.
3. Project Euler
Project Euler attracts students and adults alike to solve challenging computer and mathematical program problems. The challenges range from figuring out a clever mathematical equation to writing an array of algorithms.
Project Euler does not charge anything and is free to register. It encourages skill development through high-quality problems that are well-written and interesting.
Unfortunately, in spite of high participation rates, the number of problems solved does not come with any credibility. You could have aced several problems by simply googling the answers.
https://projecteuler.net/about
4. HackerRank
Primarily including algorithms, SQL, AI, functional programming and much more, challenges can be resolved by participants online on HackerRank. A leaderboard and discussion ensue before every challenge. Solve company-sponsored coding challenges on the platform and apply to jobs to the very companies whose codes you have resolved. While offering a free trial, HackerRank includes three packages, namely Individual, Team and Enterprise. Annually, the Individual costs around $249 and Team about $599 per month. The Full-Access User Licenses also vary accordingly. Although content and layout come well-curated, the execution of the technology is sloppy. Coding exercises also tend to be inaccurate and users have reportedly experienced audio drop issues during interviews.
https://www.hackerrank.com/products/pricing/
5. DIYA Labs
A comprehensive training online coding academy, DIYA focuses on early learning and growth and is inclined to impart future-ready knowledge, the hands-on way. The courses are internationally certified and industry oriented. Focus is on the child’s overall development, according to age, which can range from 5+ and up to 14 + years of age. Curriculums are across AI, Robotics, fundamentals of programming, Android, and 3D Printing, with an introduction to JavaScript, HTML, Cyber Security and Python.
The pricing varies between Rs. 1,500 for the group-based workshop which last about 2 weeks and north of Rs. 2,500 for the 121 personalized programs, with dedicated professional student success mentor. The program includes 1 live and 1 recorded session every week followed by a capstone project being completed at the end of the module. The ideal choice for a practical approach towards a long term domain experience oriented learning.
6. CodeChef
An online Indian-based programming community, it originally began as an educational initiative. The platform currently, helps programmers thrive in the world of algorithms, programming, and related contests. There are enough Practice & Learn modules, competitive events, and discussion forums that provide participants with all the needed support. CodeChef’s CCDSAP Certification has two levels, Foundation and Advanced, which cost ₹5000 and ₹7500, respectively. According to users, the system tests are sometimes weak, and rating takes too much time, among other issues.
https://www.codechef.com/certification/data-structures-and-algorithms/details
7. Exercism.io
People of various backgrounds can avail of all the material available on Exercism to develop their programming skills. Spread over approximately 50 different language tracks, the exercises are both automated and human driven. It is open-source, and free of cost but not devoid of drawbacks. While Exercism itself is said to be extremely complicated, there are some parts of the solution that are common across various tracks.
8. Codewars
Software developers get to train across various programming challenges called kata. Maintained online by a community, the creators teach several techniques of solving the kata as other members are also enlightened. Thus, skills are simultaneously improved, through challenges. Currently, the business model charges a subscription of $9.99 per month to access video tutorials and other levels. Focused primarily on algorithmic programming the platform has only competition at its core.
9. LeetCode
Seekers can avail of a list of more than 190 challenges that help you practically prepare for job interviews. Choose from any one of the nine programming languages to resolve challenges directly and online. For your interview preparation, you can reach out to the extremely useful Mock Interview section. The platform offers two subscriptions at $35 / mo. and $159 / yr. LeetCode’s biggest weakness is its marked focus only on volumes of code, and most companies are looking for candidates who can do more than just code.
10. SPOJ
Sphere Online Judge or SPOJ offers more than 20,000 challenges and allows users to submit their code online. Contests are mostly designed internally, and coding problems are discussed on a forum. But official solutions are not published anywhere. For the most part, SPOJ has a pool of classical programming that is not arranged very well.
