Sololearn: Learn to Code

Writing this review as I just started this program. It has lots of potential. Unfortunately, it has some issues that definitely need to be fixed. First it starts off easy and makes you feel like you’re doing great. Then all the sudden it’ll have you try to write a program and fix errors on an issue that wasn’t even in the learning questions. Then it offers help but it makes you purchase Max. So even though you may purchase pro you cannot get help unless you purchase the max. For someone like myself who is just learning it would be helpful if there were more tips accessible and if it would explain to you how to write the program and why you are using the coding you’re using step by step. I have had to rely on google to help me get through various questions and practices in which i would think when paying for an app that “teaches” you, you would also get the teaching and not have to rely on other sources to get you through the practice. For those who are already knowing what to do and have a bit of background. I do think this is a good app for retaining knowledge or keeping up on problem solving for sure. As of now will probably cancel my subscription though as it doesn’t mean anything to even have it since in order to get help I have to purchase the more expensive version. At this point might as well use the free one if I get the same exact access. Or I’ll just look for another app altogether.

*Edit to respond to the developer response: It’s “free” content built on a model designed to limit use unless you pay. The idea that someone new to programming can only make 3 mistakes and will then have to wait 5 hours to continue learning unless they upgrade is absurd. That is not a model that promotes learning. That is a model that promotes paying. I stand by my review. The original version of the app actually promoted learning.” I tried this a long time ago when it was actually free to learn. Recently I decided to check it out again just out of curiosity to see how it’s changed. Now the app is basically a pay wall where you’ll have to pay for the subscription to actually learn anything. I actually have decent knowledge in multiple programming languages now and have broadened my knowledge through books, actual college courses, video tutorials, and learning apps/sites like this and Khan Academy. I’d say this app is not worth money. You’re better off using Khan Academy for introductions to programming or reading books for more in depth learning. This app started off with good intentions, but has developed into a pay to learn product. And while I don’t fault them for trying to monetize their product as it’s the only way to continue providing this service, the method in which they’ve chosen to do this crushes the learning experience and excludes the very people that this is meant to help. With the limitations of the depth in which you can actually learn I’d say paying for the subscription is a waste of money. Either buy books, use free tutorials online, or pay for an actual class. Do not waste money on this app.

I’ve been wanting to get into programming a little so i downloaded a few similar apps and ran thru a few of their modules. Within maybe 10-15 minutes, I would exhaust their free content and would be pressed to upgrade to a pro account to learn any more. I thought about doing it for one of the apps even though the language i was looking for (C#) wasnt available yet. Then I found this app and my search is over! It does have a pro version like the rest, but it doesnt appear to hold back content from non pro members. It also has waaaaay more content to dive into compared to the others. I love that in addition to the learning/ module side, there is also a challenge mode that turns a tough subject into a game. Then SoloLearn takes it a step further and lets users share codes they’ve been working on INSIDE THE APP and you can run them on your phone to check out how they work. This is awesome and is going to keep me hooked for a while!