Cloud computing is no longer optional for developers. Whether you build frontend applications, APIs, or full-stack systems, understanding how cloud infrastructure works is becoming a core skill. As a developer transitioning into cloud fundamentals, I recently started learning Amazon Web Services (AWS). In this article, I’ll break down what I learned in Part 1 — from setting up a free AWS account to understanding IAM , EC2 , and storage services like EBS and EFS. If you’re just getting started with AWS, this guide will help you build a strong foundation. 1. Setting Up an AWS Free Tier Account The AWS Free Tier allows beginners to practice without immediate costs. It includes: 750 hours per month of t2.micro or t3.micro EC2 instances (for 12 months) 5GB of Amazon S3 storage Limited usage of other core services Important tip: Always enable billing alerts in the AWS Billing Dashboard. Even small configuration mistakes can lead to unexpected charges if limits are exceeded. Learning clo...
Practicing coding through challenges is one of the fastest ways to improve your programming skills . Coding challenges help you think logically, solve problems efficiently, and prepare for interviews . In 2025, many websites offer free coding challenges suitable for beginners and intermediate developers. Here’s a detailed list of the top 5 free websites for coding challenges : 1. freeCodeCamp Overview: freeCodeCamp is a completely free platform for learning programming and web development. It provides interactive challenges, projects, and certifications . Key Features: Over 1,000 coding exercises covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and more. Guided projects to build real-world applications. Active community and forums for help. Why it’s great: Ideal for beginners who want structured learning and practice simultaneously. Tip: Complete the projects for a hands-on coding portfolio. 2. HackerRank Overview: HackerRank is widely used by beginners and prof...