Codecademy Alternative: 365 Data Science vs Codecademy Comparison
Course Content, Features, Pricing: Why 365 Data Science Brings More Value to Beginner Data Science Students
Codecademy, founded in 2011, is an online data science learning platform that initially offered free courses but later introduced paid plans to students. While Codecademy’s text-based courses and diverse curriculum of programming languages may be helpful to some students, 365 Data Science’s video-based and overall learning approach might better meet students’ needs. If you are looking for alternatives to Codecademy, you’ve come to the right place.
In the next sections, we are going to look at the comparison between Codecademy and 365 Data Science, and which platform offers the superior learning experience.
In the next sections, we are going to look at the comparison between Codecademy and 365 Data Science, and which platform offers the superior learning experience.
Pricing: 365 Data Science vs Codecademy
365 Data Science is particularly suitable for beginner and intermediate students. The course curriculum ensures a solid foundation that allows you to understand the more complicated topics later, including programming languages like SQL, R, Python, and Excel and valuable business concepts.
Premium
$15.37 per month
Billed annually- Online On-demand Video
- Gamifield Platform
- Comprehensive Portfolio
- Free Plan
- Step-by-Step Curriculum
- Real environment practice
- Personalized learning dashboard
- Career tracks
- Exams
Pro
$19.99 per month
Billed annually- Online On-demand Video
- Gamifield Platform
- Comprehensive Portfolio
- Free Plan
- Step-by-Step Curriculum
- Real environment practice
- Personalized learning dashboard
- Career tracks
- Exams
Course Content: 365 Data Science vs Codecademy
365 Data Science
The curriculum of 365 Data Science offers three career tracks: Data Scientist, Data Analyst, and Business Analyst. Each track starts with an Introduction to Data and Data Science. Each course comprehensively covers fundamental concepts and provides guided assignments and practice exams that help students strengthen their knowledge.
What makes 365 Data Science particularly suitable for novice users is that each course is a natural continuation of the previous ones and considers skill levels already reached. You won’t need to adhere, for example, to repeated explanations just because the course authors were unsure whether a given concept had been taught in previous courses.
What makes 365 Data Science particularly suitable for novice users is that each course is a natural continuation of the previous ones and considers skill levels already reached. You won’t need to adhere, for example, to repeated explanations just because the course authors were unsure whether a given concept had been taught in previous courses.
![](https://365datascience.com/resources/assets/images/data-camp-img1.jpg)
![](https://365datascience.com/resources/assets/images/codecademy.jpg)
Codecademy
As the name suggests, Codecademy’s curriculum focuses more on coding—covering the previously mentioned languages plus (among others) HTML, JavaScript, PHP, and C++. They also offer nine Career Paths, including Full Stack Engineer, Front End Engineer, Back End Engineer, Computer Science, IOS Developer, and a Data Scientist Career Path. Those paths provide the following four specializations: Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Natural Language Processing, and Interference. Like 365 Data Science’s approach, each data Career Path begins with the Foundations of Data Science, where students can learn the general data science skills needed to specialize in their field of choice. Codecademy’s students can enroll in Skill Paths to help them master a particular skill like web development, machine learning, mobile development, and much more. Moreover, Codecademy offers 12 Career Paths, 46 Skill Paths, and 120+ individual courses. While Codecademy provides more diverse educational content, 365 Data Science differs in a few ways.
The 365 Data Science curriculum is taught by industry experts from diverse academic and industrial backgrounds to ensure a high-quality teaching standard. Codecademy does not feature the names of its instructors, making it more difficult for students to conduct background checks or research.
The 365 video-based format teaching strongly emphasizes theory, taught in a systematic and step-by-step fashion, which Codecademy’s text-based teaching focuses less on theory and more on guided exercises that you must complete to advance to the next section of the course.
The 365 video-based format teaching strongly emphasizes theory, taught in a systematic and step-by-step fashion, which Codecademy’s text-based teaching focuses less on theory and more on guided exercises that you must complete to advance to the next section of the course.
Key Features
Learning Platform
365 Data Science acknowledges the challenges students face with online learning, such as the lack of engagement, accountability, motivation, and enjoyment. Their platform offers gamified features that encourage positive learning habits to address these issues. In addition to the standard learning dashboard where you set goals and track your progress, the platform provides an EXP system, newsfeed, collectible cards, and other benefits.
Codecademy also offers the standard learning dashboard but none of the above-gamified features. They do have a convenient focus timer feature that allows you to pace your learning. Another useful feature they have includes the saved resources buttons that enable you to save docs, cheat sheets, and articles in one place for later use.
Codecademy also offers the standard learning dashboard but none of the above-gamified features. They do have a convenient focus timer feature that allows you to pace your learning. Another useful feature they have includes the saved resources buttons that enable you to save docs, cheat sheets, and articles in one place for later use.
Learning Material
While 365 Data Science and Codecademy seem to be on the same page regarding providing students with the same learning materials, there are a few key differences.
365 Data Science’s resources are downloadable to your drive, which can be accessed offline even after canceling your subscription.
The only way to access your saved Codecademy resources is by logging in to your profile.
365 Data Science offers course notes that are detailed text-based pdf files covering the concepts and formulas in each course. At the same time, the Codecademy equivalent is cheat sheets, which are concise summaries of the concepts from a course section.
Both e-learning platforms offer code-ready templates. The main difference here is the working environment in which they can be used. 365 Data Science templates need the respective programs to be used, while Codecademy has in-browser coding. In the next section, we’ll go over the environment in greater detail on why in-browser coding might disadvantage many students.
365 Data Science’s resources are downloadable to your drive, which can be accessed offline even after canceling your subscription.
The only way to access your saved Codecademy resources is by logging in to your profile.
365 Data Science offers course notes that are detailed text-based pdf files covering the concepts and formulas in each course. At the same time, the Codecademy equivalent is cheat sheets, which are concise summaries of the concepts from a course section.
Both e-learning platforms offer code-ready templates. The main difference here is the working environment in which they can be used. 365 Data Science templates need the respective programs to be used, while Codecademy has in-browser coding. In the next section, we’ll go over the environment in greater detail on why in-browser coding might disadvantage many students.
Real Environment Practice
Codecademy’s in-browsing coding function allows students to code inside the platform, saving set-up time and making it more convenient to follow text-based instructions and tips.
The big downside, however, is that in real-life situations and interviews, you must be confident enough to set up your own environment for coding and solve real-world tasks in the respective domains. Plus, no one will give you tips whenever you get stuck in your coding schemes.
365 Data Science, on the other hand, walks you through the entire process step by step—including how to load Python, R, Tableau, or SQL before starting a coding assignment. This gives you a tremendous competitive advantage in the data science job market. Moreover, this approach teaches you how to solve problems in a real-world environment where coding in the browser isn’t powerful enough for massive datasets.
The big downside, however, is that in real-life situations and interviews, you must be confident enough to set up your own environment for coding and solve real-world tasks in the respective domains. Plus, no one will give you tips whenever you get stuck in your coding schemes.
365 Data Science, on the other hand, walks you through the entire process step by step—including how to load Python, R, Tableau, or SQL before starting a coding assignment. This gives you a tremendous competitive advantage in the data science job market. Moreover, this approach teaches you how to solve problems in a real-world environment where coding in the browser isn’t powerful enough for massive datasets.
Practical Case Studies
365 Data Science and Codecademy emphasize practical case studies that allow students to practice what they’ve learned from the lessons in a practical context.
The difference here is that Codecademy’s case studies come from practice and portfolio projects. They focus on topics such as machine learning in Python which you can add to your portfolio. The Practice Projects provide tips and video walkthroughs for those who feel stuck. At the same time, Portfolio Projects provide high-level tasks where you’re expected to use Codecademy and other internet resources to complete your project. The emphasis is on finding your own approach and solutions.
It’s important to note that the Portfolio Projects require you to set up real-world environments. If you have difficulties installing it, you can turn to Codecademy’s articles and videos.
Conversely, 365 Data Science highlights the business application of data science in its exercises and case studies in courses such as Python for Finance
The difference here is that Codecademy’s case studies come from practice and portfolio projects. They focus on topics such as machine learning in Python which you can add to your portfolio. The Practice Projects provide tips and video walkthroughs for those who feel stuck. At the same time, Portfolio Projects provide high-level tasks where you’re expected to use Codecademy and other internet resources to complete your project. The emphasis is on finding your own approach and solutions.
It’s important to note that the Portfolio Projects require you to set up real-world environments. If you have difficulties installing it, you can turn to Codecademy’s articles and videos.
Conversely, 365 Data Science highlights the business application of data science in its exercises and case studies in courses such as Python for Finance
- Credit Risk Modeling in Python
- Time Series Analysis in Python
- Ai Applications for Business Success
Exams
Exams are an excellent way to evaluate your theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained throughout the course. More importantly, passed examinations indicate your level of expertise and competence to future employers.
365 Data Science takes the lead in terms of quality and quantity. The platform provides the opportunity to test the skills you’ve acquired with three types of (timed) online exams: Practice Exams, Course Exams, and Career Track Exams.
Practice Exams are optional. They aim to help you gain confidence in your skills, show you areas you need to work on and prepare you for your course exams and final career track exam.
Course Exams test all the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you’ve gained at the end of each course.
Career Track Exams are accessible to students who have successfully passed the required course exams in their chosen career track, including seven mandatory exams and two electives.
Codecademy, on the other hand, does not offer comprehensive exams, only short practice quizzes that test your knowledge of a specific course section.
365 Data Science takes the lead in terms of quality and quantity. The platform provides the opportunity to test the skills you’ve acquired with three types of (timed) online exams: Practice Exams, Course Exams, and Career Track Exams.
Practice Exams are optional. They aim to help you gain confidence in your skills, show you areas you need to work on and prepare you for your course exams and final career track exam.
Course Exams test all the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you’ve gained at the end of each course.
Career Track Exams are accessible to students who have successfully passed the required course exams in their chosen career track, including seven mandatory exams and two electives.
Codecademy, on the other hand, does not offer comprehensive exams, only short practice quizzes that test your knowledge of a specific course section.
Certificates
Arguably, the main selling proposition of any online learning platform includes the certificates it issues to students upon successful completion of a course or career track. The data science industry places high value on certificates because they indicate that the student has the necessary technical skills and character traits to be a good job candidate.
365 Data Science provides industry-recognized certificates that significantly increase students’ chances of landing a data science job. Students can earn two types of certificates (Course Certificates and Career Track Certificates) which are granted upon the successful completion of exams with a score of at least 60%.
Codecademy offers certificates of completion that are easier to acquire since they don’t have assessment-based certification—all you need to do is complete all the practice quizzes and exercises. This also means that Codecademy certificate value is lower in the job market.
Neither 365 Data Science nor Codecademy charges additional fees for online certificates.
365 Data Science provides industry-recognized certificates that significantly increase students’ chances of landing a data science job. Students can earn two types of certificates (Course Certificates and Career Track Certificates) which are granted upon the successful completion of exams with a score of at least 60%.
Codecademy offers certificates of completion that are easier to acquire since they don’t have assessment-based certification—all you need to do is complete all the practice quizzes and exercises. This also means that Codecademy certificate value is lower in the job market.
Neither 365 Data Science nor Codecademy charges additional fees for online certificates.
Q&A support
365 Data Science provides superb, personalized customer support, where instructors are actively engaged in answering specific questions from the platform’s Q&A section. Such support is vital for beginners and when they need help or expert tutoring.
Codecademy offers community forums and a discord group where students can turn for peer help when experiencing difficulties with a particular problem from the course. Unfortunately, students cannot receive professional support from instructors, and the forum’s navigation is not the most user-friendly.
Codecademy offers community forums and a discord group where students can turn for peer help when experiencing difficulties with a particular problem from the course. Unfortunately, students cannot receive professional support from instructors, and the forum’s navigation is not the most user-friendly.
Student Ratings
365 Data Science and Codecademy platforms are well-regarded by students, although Codecademy reviews are more on G2 and Trustpilot review platforms.
As of 2022, Codecademy has a 4.4/5 rating on G2’s tech marketplace based on 147 reviews and a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot from 1,331 user opinions.
With an impressive 667 reviews, 365 Data Science boasts 4.9/5 stars on Trustpilot. And only four students left reviews on G2, resulting in a 4.8 rating.
As of 2022, Codecademy has a 4.4/5 rating on G2’s tech marketplace based on 147 reviews and a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot from 1,331 user opinions.
With an impressive 667 reviews, 365 Data Science boasts 4.9/5 stars on Trustpilot. And only four students left reviews on G2, resulting in a 4.8 rating.
Pros and Cons
Codecademy
Pros:
- Diverse Portfolio Projects
- Plethora of external informational resources
- Diverse curriculum of software development and programming languages
Cons:
- No exams
- Fewer video lessons
- Lack of graded assignments
365 Data Science
Pros:
- Real environment practice and use cases
- Lessons from world-class instructors
- Recognized Certificates of Achievement
Cons:
- Fewer Practical Case Studies
- No Guided Projects
Pricing
Codecademy and 365 Data Science offer free content to students who want to taste the platforms’ teaching styles before deciding on a plan. 365 Data Science allows students access to the first chapters of each course and the resources and practice exams in them. In this way, students have an excellent opportunity to decide if they want to upgrade.
Codecademy’s free plan allows students to access the free courses, but you need a Pro membership to access all the practice quizzes, portfolio projects, and walkthrough videos.
Codecademy’s free plan allows students to access the free courses, but you need a Pro membership to access all the practice quizzes, portfolio projects, and walkthrough videos.
Codecademy Pricing
- Basic subscription: free
- Pro Lite: $13.99/month billed annually
- Pro: $19.99/month billed annually
365 Data Science Pricing
- Free subscription: access to the first few lessons of all courses
- Premium: $36/month or $29/month billed annually
365 Data Science vs Codecademy: Which One to Choose?
By now you are probably asking yourself if Codecademy is worth it?
Codecademy is an excellent choice if you’re interested in learning various programming/coding languages, thanks to its extensive library of courses. It also offers a wider variety of practical data science projects which you can add to your portfolio. The fewer video lessons, text-based instructions, and links to external resources for information and tips give Codecademy a more self-study approach that might appeal to some students.
365 Data Science is a great alternative for Codecademy. The platform compensates for the lack of (comparatively speaking) courses and projects with its comprehensive video lessons taught by industry experts and industry-recognized certificates.
If you’re looking for a systematic curriculum and an engaging platform that motivates you to study and become job-ready, then 365 Data Science is the right choice.
Codecademy is an excellent choice if you’re interested in learning various programming/coding languages, thanks to its extensive library of courses. It also offers a wider variety of practical data science projects which you can add to your portfolio. The fewer video lessons, text-based instructions, and links to external resources for information and tips give Codecademy a more self-study approach that might appeal to some students.
365 Data Science is a great alternative for Codecademy. The platform compensates for the lack of (comparatively speaking) courses and projects with its comprehensive video lessons taught by industry experts and industry-recognized certificates.
If you’re looking for a systematic curriculum and an engaging platform that motivates you to study and become job-ready, then 365 Data Science is the right choice.