8 free resources on this topic. Everything here is free and hand-picked. You can also search within this topic.
Hayden Bleasel discusses open-source maintenance and argues that its value extends beyond code, even as AI agents make reproducing software easier. A free essay about software development and maintainers.
Free, ungated interactive map of AI engineering skills and subtopics, informed by job-posting analysis and interviews. The skills map is accessible without joining; the related course series has a separate waitlist and is not presented as an available free course.
Interview with David Heinemeier Hansson, creator of Ruby on Rails and co-owner of 37signals, on why he stopped writing code by hand, how AI is ending programmers' monopoly on the machine, which software businesses are living on borrowed time, and what is left of the craft. Published September 28, 2026.
A large open community where software developers publish tutorials, post-mortems and career posts. Good for practical write-ups on tools and frameworks, and for publishing your own work in public where hiring managers can find it.
Why I recommend it: Free to read and free to post, no subscription. Quality varies a lot because anyone can publish, so check dates and test code before relying on it.
A charity running free software development and basic online skills courses, with mentoring and job support, for people facing barriers to work including refugees and people on low incomes.
From the site: Exceptional free tech training and support to get a job
Why I recommend it: Completely free for learners — funded by donations and volunteers, not tuition. Places are limited and there is an application and commitment expectation, so apply when you can give the course your time.
Armin Ronacher's critical look at long-horizon AI coding models and what they change about software work.
Why I recommend it: A skeptical engineer's take, which is exactly what I look for when every other post is hype.
Documentary on how Visual Studio Code was built, including the team decisions and product bets behind it.
Why I recommend it: Great watch if you want to understand how engineering teams make tradeoffs. It reads more like a career lesson than a tech demo.
Coursera catalog of software development courses and certificates, many auditable at no cost.
Why I recommend it: Use audit mode to learn free and only pay if you need the certificate. Pick one track and finish it — a completed project beats five half-done courses.
