Frequently Asked Questions


What is freeCodeCamp?

We’re a community that helps you learn to code, then get experience by contributing to open source projects used by nonprofits.

How can you help me learn to code?

You'll learn to code by completing coding challenges and building projects. You'll also earn verified certifications along the way. We also encourage you to join a study group in your city so you can code in-person with other people.

Is freeCodeCamp really free?

Yes. Every aspect of freeCodeCamp is 100% free.

Can freeCodeCamp help me get a job as a software developer?

Yes. Every year, thousands of people who join the freeCodeCamp community get their first software developer job. If you're curious, you can browse our alumni network on LinkedIn here.

How big is the freeCodeCamp community?

If you add up all the people who use our learning platform, read our news articles, watch our YouTube channel, and post on our forum, each month we help millions of people learn about coding and technology.

Is freeCodeCamp a nonprofit?

Yes, we are a 501(c)(3) donor-supported public charity. You can download our IRS Determination Letter here.

Does freeCodeCamp accept donations in Bitcoin or other crypto currencies?

Yes. Our cryptographically signed wallet details are here.

How long will it take me to finish each of freeCodeCamp's certifications?

Each certification takes around 300 hours of dedicated learning. Some people may take longer. These certifications are completely self-paced, so take as long as you need.

Is freeCodeCamp a coding bootcamp?

No. A lot of coding bootcamps use freeCodeCamp as part of their curriculum, though.

Is freeCodeCamp a replacement for a 4-year degree?

No. Please don’t drop out of college just to pursue freeCodeCamp. You can pursue both concurrently. Even though you don’t need a 4-year degree to work as a software developer, it still helps a lot.

Should I complete all of the coding challenges in order?

We’ve put a lot of thought into how we introduce concepts. But you’re free to jump around.

Do I have to use CodePen for the front end projects?

As long as your code is publicly viewable somewhere on the internet, and you have a live demo, you can use whatever tools you want.

How did freeCodeCamp get started?

Quincy started the freeCodeCamp community in 2014. He is now just one of thousands of active contributors.

I'm a teacher. Is freeCodeCamp an appropriate resource for my class?

Yes. Many high school, college, and adult ed programs incorporate freeCodeCamp into their coursework. We're open source, so no license or special permission from us is necessary. We're even building special tools for teachers.

Can I live-stream myself working on freeCodeCamp challenges and projects? Can I blog about how I solved them?

Yes. We welcome this. Also, don't be shy about "spoiling" projects or challenges. The solutions to all of these challenges are already all over the internet.

Can I create apps or tools based around the freeCodeCamp community and platform?

Yes. freeCodeCamp is open source (BSD-3 license), and most non-sensitive freeCodeCamp data is publicly available. But you must make it clear that you don't represent freeCodeCamp itself, and that your project is not officially endorsed by freeCodeCamp.

Does freeCodeCamp have a mobile app?

You can learn on the go by listening to the freeCodeCamp Podcast or watching freeCodeCamp's YouTube channel. And if you want a mobile app designed specifically for learning to code, we recommend Grasshopper. It's free and designed by a freeCodeCamp contributor and her team. You can download it on iOS or Android.

Can I get a job at freeCodeCamp?

We're a small donor-supported nonprofit. We've hired several prominent contributors from within the freeCodeCamp community, but you're much more likely to get a job at one of the hundreds of companies where freeCodeCamp alumni work.

Can my company advertise on freeCodeCamp?

We don’t show ads.

How can I support the freeCodeCamp community?

You can set up a monthly donation to our nonprofit that you can afford.

Where can I get technical support for using the freeCodeCamp.org platform?

Here are answers to common technical support questions.