Choosing a learning path is one of the most critical decisions you make as a beginner. When I set out to learn web development, I knew exactly what I needed: resources that were thorough, accessible 24/7, and completely free—both online and in print.

Before settling on my 2026 learning path, I experimented with a few popular options. Here is a look at what I tried, why they didn’t quite stick, and where I ultimately landed.

What Didn’t Work for Me

Scrimba
Scrimba offers highly interactive introductory courses in web development. However, I realized a bit too late that the platform isn't entirely free; a paywall kicks in shortly after you begin the core HTML and CSS sections. Because I was looking for fully open resources, I had to move on.

Frontend Mentor
Frontend Mentor is an excellent platform for practicing UI design, but it operates on a freemium model. While the basic learning paths are free, accessing project solutions, starter files, and advanced challenges requires a paid upgrade.

100Devs
100Devs is a free, self-paced, community-taught bootcamp led by Leon Noel. Originally broadcast live on Twitch, the full 30-week course repository is now available on YouTube and communitytaught.org.

I actually joined the inaugural cohort in 2020 and attempted subsequent restarts. Leon is an engaging instructor, but the live-stream format presents some hurdles for self-paced learners. The videos are several hours long and include significant time spent interacting with the live chat, managing stream tangents, and breaking away from the core curriculum. Ultimately, the pacing made it difficult for me to stay focused and build momentum.

(Note: I also found myself misaligned with some of the community’s culture and leadership choices over time, which made it easier to look for a fresh start elsewhere.)

What did I choose?

Ultimately, I chose The Odin Project (TOP) as my primary framework, and I couldn't be happier with the decision.

The Odin Project checks every single box for me:

100% Free: No hidden paywalls or premium tiers.

Thorough & Deep: It provides an incredible foundation, guiding you through the Command Line, Git, GitHub, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Project-Based: You build real projects from scratch, including extra credit assignments that push your limits.

Flexible: It’s fully online and accessible 24/7, allowing me to learn at my own pace.

Supplementing the Journey

To round out my education, I am supplementing TOP’s curriculum with their curated external links and a personal goal: reading one non-fiction and/or web development book per month.

Finding the right path is all about trial and error. It takes time to discover what aligns with your learning style, but finding the right fit makes all the difference. I’ll dive into the first book on my reading list in my next post—stay tuned!