Code is for everyone.

Daniel Shiffman's class, What is Code? explores computers and code in a fun and friendly environment.

Watch the trailer

In this class

Learn about what code is, how coders think, and the basic building blocks of code, all taught on a computer from the 80s.

View video lessons Sign up and start learning

Anyone can code. You don’t need shiny new technology to do it.

A class for beginners.

You don't need to be an engineer to learn how to code. All it takes is a little bit of curiosity! You'll learn about what code is and how to think like a coder—which is all about breaking down a problem into smaller steps.

Comparing the pseudocode of drawing a vector tree with the JavaScript code.

Discover the joys of retro technology.

Daniel teaches this class on his childhood Apple II+ computer from the 80s. It’s been 40 years since then, but some things haven't changed: coding foundations are still the same, and computers need you to tell them what to do.

“you are truly the bob ross of programming.”

NatyaCodes

Comment on Coding Challenge 171: Wave Function Collapse

Learn the basic building blocks of code.

These make up the foundations of any programming language. In this class, you’ll learn in Basic, but the concepts are applicable across any programming language. No matter what language you want to work with after this class, this knowledge will apply.

Concepts you'll learn:

Variables

Conditionals

Loops

Arrays

Functions

Put it all together into a program.

You'll put together those building blocks you learned to create a simple program. Follow along with Daniel as he walks through each line of code.

Taught by
Daniel Shiffman

Daniel has been teaching coding for almost 20 years. He makes creative coding videos tutorials on his channel, the Coding Train, and is passionate about teaching and sharing code in a fun and approachable way.

What people say about Daniel

Your videos really remind me how coding can be fun.

hdr

Comment on What was Coding like 40 years ago?

You really strikes me as pedagogical and passionate about transferring both knowledge about and interest for programming.

jens

Comment on What was Coding like 40 years ago?

You were the reason I started coding a couple of years ago.

Matdrox

Comment on Coding a Spiral of Primes

You've inspired me, more than once, to code fun projects in my spare time, rather than just for my day job.

Paul Kerrigan

Comment on Coding Challenge 171: Wave Function Collapse

Your videos actually make me want to learn coding and replicate similar projects.

Taqi Hussain

Comment on Coding Challenge: Image to ASCII

Daniel's enthusiasm is contagious.

Jesse S

Comment on Coding a Spiral of Primes

Only on Nebula.

Nebula is the home of smart, thoughtful videos, podcasts, and classes from your favorite creators.

For just $4/month, a Nebula subscription includes:

For just $2.50/month (billed annually), a Nebula subscription includes:

Full-length documentaries, collaborative series, animated specials, and more.
Only on Nebula.

Develop real-world skills, discover new passions, and gain valuable insights from your favorite creators.

Bonus material including extended cuts, companion videos, and interviews. Only available on Nebula.

Early releases available on Nebula before anywhere else.

Support Creators

Nebula is creator-owned and operated.

No Pre-roll Ads

No need to skip what isn't there.

Download Videos

Watch offline in our mobile apps.

The world’s first curated library of practical, hands-on classes owned and operated by creators. New classes launching all the time.

More classes on Nebula

Join over 650,000 people on Nebula.

More than half a million people are learning, watching, and supporting their favorite creators on Nebula. Sign up now to join them.

Code is for everyone.