Just last year, if someone had told me I'd be able to code up my own game from scratch in a matter of weeks, I never would have believed them. Coming from a business background with zero coding experience, I always assumed programming was something better suited to Computer Science graduates and engineers. But it all changed when I got to participate in Stanford's Code in Place (CIP) — a fully online, fully free, intro-to-coding course that not only taught me Python but also made me fall in love with it!

Initiated in 2020 as a response to the pandemic, the success of the CIP programme saw it through four iterations. After introducing 40,000 students to the wonderful world of programming, Code in Place is back in 2025 for its fifth iteration. So, if you've ever been curious about programming but didn't know where to begin, this is your chance to dive in!

What is Code in Place?

Code in Place (CIP) is a beginner-friendly programming course offered by Stanford University, based on its widely popular CS106A class. It's completely free and open to anyone above the age of 16, no matter their background or coding prowess. The course blends lecture videos, weekly live sessions, and hands-on coding projects — all designed to help beginners feel at home in the often intimidating world of programming.

When I first started with Code in Place, I wasn't even sure if coding was something I could pull off. However, from day one, the course was designed to be fun, engaging, and sometimes challenging as well in all the right ways. Guided by lectures, weekly live sessions, and Q&As with Professor Chris Piech and Professor Mehran Sahami, seeing the magic unfold on my screen always felt like just a line of code away!

The best parts about Code in Place

For me, three things made this experience truly special.

Firstly, learning Python with Code in Place isn't just about memorising syntax or writing theoretical code. Every week, I got to build something tangible, applying what I learned to solve creative challenges. The biggest highlight at the end of the journey? My final project — building a prototype of the classic DX-Ball game from scratch! Being a gamer all my life and getting to see my own code come to life on the screen was nothing short of magical.

Secondly, one of the most rewarding parts of Code in Place was the global community I got to be a part of. Once every week, I worked with a group of 10 students from around the world to solve coding problems, all under the helpful guidance of a volunteer instructor. Learning alongside global peers was an incredible confidence booster, especially when I realised that the things that are hard for me are hard for people from diverse backgrounds and geographies as well. Code in Place isn't just about figuring things out on your own — it's about sharing the experience with others, celebrating the wins, and overcoming challenges together.

And lastly, before Code in Place, I always thought coding was all about complex mental gymnastics and rigid syntax. But at the end of my six weeks with CIP, my perception changed wonderfully. The lessons were structured like a fun puzzle, where each new topic built on the previous one in a way that felt natural and exciting. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I found myself actually enjoying the learning process.

Why should you apply?

If you've ever been curious about programming but felt unsure where to start, this is the perfect opportunity. Code in Place is completely free with no cost and no hidden fees. It is beginner-friendly and no prior experience is required, flexible as the requirement is just 7 hours a week for 6 weeks and students are free to learn at their own pace, and interactive as students learn with a small group of peers. And you can earn a CIP certificate upon completion!

Key dates for Code in Place 2025

Applications for Code in Place 5 are now live and running till April 9, 2025. Classes start from April 21 and the programme runs for six weeks, ending upon attending all weekly sessions and submission of a final project.

So, if you're on the fence about trying your hand at coding, Code in Place might be just what you need.

Tasnuva Kinnori is a Global Ambassador for Code in Place in Bangladesh.