Ready to learn how to code? If you've chosen C# as the computer language you want to learn how to code with, then prepare yourself for a steep learning curve. While C#, a Microsoft-based general-purpose computer language, might be the most widely used computer code in the world, it can be tricky learning how to use C# efficiently and functionally.
Compared to some computer languages which are more simplistic, like Python or Java Script, learning the ropes of C# on your own is a recipe for headaches and confusion. That's where e-learning platforms come into play. In this Pluralsight review, we'll tell you about the best internet tutorials - and why e-learning for C# is the smartest decision you'll ever make.
What Is Pluralsight?
E-learning has picked up a lot of speed over the last several years. We can probably give thanks to those endlessly helpful YouTube tutorials for starting this particular trend of using online videos to teach valuable skills. In particular, Pluralsight is a service that takes e-learning via videos to a whole other level.
According to Pluralsight, the human brain processes videos faster than text - which means that information is absorbed faster through instructive, engaging videos than through explanatory textbooks. Pluralsight has made its mission to provide video training courses for a variety of industries and subjects. C# training courses are just one of many kinds of courses that Pluralsight offers.
Pluralsight has many big-name tech clients, so anything you learn from Pluralsight comes directly from the source company. Pluralsight works with Adobe, Intel, Oracle, Dell, Disney, and Microsoft, which is great if you want to master C# and learn to use this language like a pro.
Product Specs
Pluralsight courses range from coding and software development to IT administration and cybersecurity. When you sign up for Pluralsight, you will immediately notice that the courses are organized from introductory to beginner to intermediate.
The e-learning videos are created in partnership with experts and the teachers of each course are available for extra assistance, instruction, or information. Pluralsight prides itself on being convenient and allowing students to learn at their own pace. These personalized features are especially helpful for students who have busy schedules.
Aside from the different course levels, Pluralsight also has post-course assessments to track student progress and let the student know if they are ready for a higher level of learning. Pluralsight even allows students to print off certificates to prove their mastery of course material, something which is especially beneficial to those new to coding or the tech industry. Premium users can even download entire courses for offline use.
Pricing
The best thing about Pluralsight is probably its price and ease of availability. For around $30 a month for subscribers, students have access to thousands of courses.
Pluralsight is a very affordable e-learning tool and even offers free courses for children. Pluralsight offers two additional subscription plans that are a bit pricier but also offer extra features, such as mobile apps, interactive courses, and professional certification practice exams.
Although more expensive than the monthly plan, getting a certification through Pluralsight is a fraction of the cost of paying for college courses and then a certification.
How It Compares
We picked a few similar e-learning companies available on the market to see how they compare to our Pluralsight review. We evaluated these companies based on price, ease of use, the training quality, the variety of training, and customer support that is available to students.
Pluralsight
Price
Ease of Use
Pluralsight makes everything easy. Once you have an account, Pluralsight will help you pick the right courses for you and has different levels of difficulty for each course to make sure that students aren't overwhelmed by new information.
Training Quality
The training offered by Pluralsight is second to none. Each course is designed and led by experts in the field. The training videos are informative and engaging, which allows students to better absorb complex information. Some training courses are even interactive, giving students a real-time glimpse of how to apply their knowledge. Each course has a post-course assessment so students can track their progress.
Variety
While primarily an e-learning platform with a focus on the software industry, Pluralsight also works with companies like Disney to offer courses in different subjects, such as animation. Pluralsight offers thousands of different videos and learning courses in software development, coding, IT administration, and cybersecurity. Pluralsight also offers courses in architecture, construction, manufacturing, and creative professional work.
Customer Support
Pluralsight is there for their students. Alongside 24-hour tech support, Pluralsight also supports students through their teachers to make sure that each student is progressing and learning the material well.
Code Academy
Image via Code Academy website
If you're dead-set on learning how to code C# and nothing else, then Code Academy might be a good choice for you. Code Academy has a centralized focus on teaching code - every computer code you can think of can be learned here.
And unlike the features offered in the Pluralsight review, Code Academy takes a more aggressive approach to mastering coding skills by providing quizzes, portfolio-building projects, and real-world projects.
Code Academy puts students right in the center of e-learning courses and expects students to rise to the challenge. Code Academy works directly with tech industry giants such as Facebook, IBM, and Google.
Price
Ease of Use
Code Academy is easy to use, with personalized content and member-only content that customizes e-learning for each student. The pathway for e-learning is tailored to the individual student. Code Academy has a philosophy of personalizing each path to begin coding to the student and allows students to choose coding courses that work best with their goals.
Training Quality
Code Academy positions itself as something between a college course and a boot camp - just more affordable and accessible than both. The quality of the training provided by Code Academy is approachable but demanding, which means a quick acquisition of coding skills for all students.
Variety
If you're only taking online courses to learn how to code, then you won't be bothered that the only courses Code Academy offers are for coding. Code Academy teaches every computer programming language that is used in the real world. However, Code Academy only offers coding classes, so if you are looking for additional courses to learn how to apply code to different areas of the tech industry, then this platform will not be helpful.
Customer Support
Code Academy has 24-hour tech support. But more importantly, Code Academy has community-based support where students can find answers in forums run by other students.
Coursera
Image via Coursera website
Do you learn better when information is structured and more similar to a traditional learning environment? If that's the case, then Coursera is a great option for e-learners who prefer a more comprehensive approach to learning new skills.
Coursera is probably the most college-like e-learning platform on this list. This is true for two reasons; first, the structure of the courses is likened to an "interactive textbook," and second, Coursera works directly with top colleges, such as Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Penn State.
Price
Ease of Use
The Coursera platform might be a challenge to get used to, but once you understand how the platform works, then navigation of each course is very easy. The "interactive textbooks" take you through lessons, quizzes, videos, and projects that help each student fully master each subject. Through this organization, it's very unlikely that you'll miss an important bit of information that will be helpful later on.
Training Quality
Coursera works with top colleges for a reason. Each course is curated by experts and organized to give each student a comprehensive education in the subject the course teaches. With Coursera, students attain an education that rivals that of traditional college learning - all for a fraction of the price and with flexibility for busy schedules.
Variety
Like the variety mentioned in the Pluralsight review, the variety of courses offered by Coursera is incredibly extensive. Aside from learning C# and other coding languages, you can also learn IT engineering, financial markets, data science, and health. Additionally, Coursera sets itself apart by offering a full range of professional certifications and full degree programs that can be sponsored through employers.
Customer Support
Given the way Coursera's online platform works, there should be very little reason that customer support is necessary - but on the off chance it is, tech support is usually only a phone call away, although it is not 24-hour support.
Udemy
Ready to learn but want a targeted course? Udemy has you covered. At Udemy, you pick what you learn and pay for it by the course. This is a great option for those who have a foundation for what they want to learn and for those who are able to assess their own level of mastery.
Price
Ease of Use
Udemy offers individual e-learning courses that target specific areas of learning. This by-the-course method is easy, but it can be confusing if you select the wrong course for yourself.
Training Quality
Just like in the Pluralsight review, the e-learning training quality of Udemy is curated by experts in the field. You simply select the course you want to learn, pay for that course, and start learning on your own time. However, unlike other e-learning platforms in this Pluralsight review, Udemy does not work directly with companies and colleges.
Variety
Udemy offers 100,000 online learning courses in a wide variety of topics, including development, design, business, IT, software, marketing, and photography. Any subject or skill you want to learn is probably waiting for you on the Udemy server and is only a click away.
Customer Support
Udemy does a little to help support students. Aside from tech support, Udemy also has personalized recommendations for courses you might be interested in based on the subject of your previous classes.
Pluralsight Review Conclusion
Learning C# is a challenge if you are trying to teach yourself because of how nuanced the computer programming language is. Thankfully, there are many different e-learning platforms that are available to the public to teach you this exact skill and many more.
Most of the e-learning platforms mentioned in this Pluralsight review share many of the same features, such as video training, certificates, and affordability of classes. E-learning platforms are also easy to work with busier schedules and many offer courses in a wide variety of subjects.
Image by Danny Meneses via Pexels
If your goal is to learn and master C#, then you will be satisfied with the online training offered by both Pluralsight and Code Academy. Both of these platforms specialize in software and have expertly curated courses that personalize learning for each student.
However, if you are interested in being able to access a wider variety of subjects, then Coursera and Udemy are probably your best bet for accessing material for other subjects. That said, while all of these e-learning platforms have different course difficulties, if you feel that you need a more structured learning environment, then both Pluralsight and Coursera have the best comprehensive learning platforms.
No matter which e-learning platform you decide is best for you, you can be sure that mastering C# with one of these courses will make your goal much easier to achieve.
Featured image by Kaboompics .com via Pexels.