Introduction

Data science is an interdisciplinary field encompassing statistics, mathematics, programming, and domain knowledge to derive insights and knowledge from it. With the democratization of data and overwhelming pressure on decision-makers to make data-driven decisions in every nook and corner, the market for data scientists has spiked unprecedentedly. But it can become overwhelming for beginners to navigate, especially when it comes to which coding platform is the best to commence the journey. This article will discuss the top 8 well-suited coding platforms for beginning one’s data science journey and receiving optimal support and coverage.

Why You Would Need a Coding Platform for Data Science Beginners? 

Several reasons make coding platforms for data science beginners essential. First, they provide a structured learning path and introduce concepts, programming languages, and relevant libraries in a well-organized manner. As a result, beginners gain a solid foundation without feeling overwhelmed. These platforms also have interactive coding environments, which allow users to write and execute code directly. Consequently, users can practice their coding while learning. Furthermore, coding platforms usually include access to real-world datasets and projects. This helps the transition from theory to application and facilitates readiness for real-world data science tasks. 

Coding platforms for beginners also offer exercises and challenges related to complex topics. These platforms simplify difficult concepts into smaller pieces that are easier to understand and practice. Additionally, many coding platforms offer vibrant online communities. Users can ask questions, seek help, and collaborate with peers or mentors. Other platforms have assessment tools and feedback mechanisms to help beginners see where they can improve and track their learning progress. Finally, these coding platforms are accessible and flexible. Users can include them in their schedules and specific learning preferences. Therefore, it is more accessible for beginners to start their data science journey.

Coding Platforms for Data Science Beginners

Here are some of the coding platforms for data science beginners:

LeetCode

Official Link: LeetCode

LeetCode is a popular online platform that provides thousands of coding challenges and interview questions. Its primary goal is to help developers improve their problem-solving abilities and prepare for professional interviews. LeetCode is a user-friendly online source that presents a wide range of solutions, making it an excellent resource for coders at any level. It also serves as a source for code interview problem practice, offering hundreds of real interview questions from some leading tech firms.

HackerRank

Official Link: HackerRank

HackerRank is a well-known coding practice platform featuring coding challenges, competitions, and skill evaluations. It supports various programming languages and equips developers with an interactive zone to perfect their programming skills. HackerRank is also favored by companies for recruitment and individuals looking to practice their coding. It is the world’s leading technology recruiting platform and has consistently been the top recommendation for recruiters to test developers’ skills for the past decade. 3,000+ global enterprises trust it. HackerRank also equips tech recruiters and hiring managers with an impartial lens to measure talent during each stage of the recruitment process, allowing companies to find expert developers to boost their innovation processes.

CodeChef

Official Link: CodeChef

CodeChef was founded as an extraordinary initiative to drive talented young coders into the world of algorithms, computer programming, and competitive coding. The platform presents a top tier of monthly contests, including the Long Challenge, CookOff, LunchTime, and Starters, with top performers graciously rewarded for their victory. However, beyond these prominent monthly contests, the platform welcomes the programming community, including institutions and student bodies, to run contests. CodeChef’s platform has been adopted by colleges and corporations in India and worldwide for their internal assessments and external coding challenges. On average, the platform has more than 30 leading external contests, which defines CodeChef as a hub of programming excellence and a brand of team code battles.

CoderByte

Official Link: CoderByte

CoderByte is a web-based platform that promotes coding challenges and puzzles to help programmers develop problem-solving skills. It is the number one platform for technical assessments, interviews, and projects. It offers multiple challenges across programming languages and difficulty levels. The great user interface and extensive solutions make CoderByte a valuable coding practice platform.

FreeCodeCamp

Official Link: FreeCodeCamp

FreeCodeCamp is a renowned non-profit organization that provides a comprehensive curriculum and interactive learning platform for individuals interested in web development. It offers a combination of coding tutorials, projects, and certifications, enabling learners to acquire practical skills and build a professional portfolio.

Here, you can Learn to code for free, build projects, and earn certifications. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started.

Codewars

Official Link: Codewars

Codewars is a gamified coding platform that presents coding challenges through “kata” exercises. It offers various challenges spanning various programming languages and difficulty levels. Codewars encourages a collaborative learning environment where users can solve challenges, compare solutions, and engage with a vibrant coding community.

Attain expertise via multiple practice questions.

Enhance your developmental abilities by engaging in code kata sessions alongside your peers, where you’ll constantly confront and elevate your coding proficiency.

StrataScratch

Official Link: StrataScratch

StrataScratch is a coding platform designed for data science and machine learning enthusiasts. It offers various challenges and coding exercises covering various aspects of data analysis, machine learning algorithms, and data manipulation techniques. StrataScratch provides a practical learning experience for aspiring data professionals.

Codecademy

Official Link: Codecademy

Codecademy, an interactive online platform based in the United States, provides complimentary coding courses across 12 diverse programming languages. These include Python, Java, Go, JavaScript, Ruby, SQL, C++, C#, Swift, and markup languages like HTML and CSS. It provides a structured learning experience with hands-on exercises, projects, and quizzes, making it an excellent resource for beginners and those seeking to expand their coding skills.

Bonus Chimmed in For You

DataHack

Official Link: DataHack

DataHack Analytics Vidhya is a premier online destination tailored for mastering data science. Its interactive coding challenges, engaging projects, and structured learning journeys encompass vital subjects like Python programming, data analysis, and machine learning. With its hands-on methodology and vibrant community, DataHack is the ideal platform for novices seeking to hone practical data science abilities.

Empowering the Future AI Trailblazers

At the forefront of nurturing AI talent lies Avian’s commitment to providing comprehensive insights, top-tier courses, dynamic contests, and a supportive network of industry pioneers. Analytics Vidhya is dedicated to fostering the next generation of AI leaders through immersive learning experiences and invaluable connections.

Talking about the project offered by DataHack Analytics Vidhya:

1. You can Build a solution to automate the loan approval process for a retail bank using Machine Learning & take your first step in the Data Science World!
2. Practice on “Sales of a given product at a retail store can depend on store and product attributes. Build a data science solution to predict the same for ‘Big Mart’!”

And many more projects to get hands-on experience and connect with like-minded data scientists.

Conclusion

To sum it up, choosing the suitable online coding platform among the provided list of data science platforms for a beginner depends on various aspects, including the coding platform’s learning approach, course content, interactive coding environments, community support, and alignment with individual learning goals and preferences.

In addition, many first-class coding platforms also provide free introductory courses or a trial period, making it ideal to try some of them before choosing a particular platform. Nonetheless, data science is a never-ending learning adventure, and newcomers should be patient, tenacious, and open-minded toward various resources and platforms. Combined with practice, hands-on projects, and a few years of learning the ABCs of professional data science, these coding platforms can set the formative basis for fulfilling data science career paths and keeping up to date with this ever-changing domain.

I hope this article helped you with coding platforms for data science. Moreover, if you are looking for a Certified AI & ML course, go for our BlackBelt Plus Program on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.