Want to learn basic coding? You've got options. There are so many courses to choose from.

Once you've found a programming language that you're passionate about, you've got a long adventure ahead of you. Like any other skill, coding requires deliberate practice and patience, but it doesn't have to feel like homework.

Dip your toe into any of these simple coding courses to learn more about any of these programming languages. These microlearning apps will take just a few minutes of your time each day. You'll have a lot to show for it after all is said and done.

1. Grasshopper (Android, iOS): Learn JavaScript With Fun Lessons

The Grasshopper app homepage.

Grasshopper is a fun gamification tool that teaches you JavaScript. This Android and iOS app will take you through a series of entertaining mini-games, all based on coding.

Each level is designed to strengthen your fundamental programming skills with JavaScript; these basics are common to all programming languages. The lessons start with "The Fundamentals"; these show you how to call functions, variables, and strings.

The challenges are made up of fun and approachable puzzles and quizzes; you can easily play a couple of them in a few minutes or less. Set your own practice schedule with reminders so you don't lose your streak.

Download: Grasshopper for Android | iOS (Free)

2. Mimo (Web, Android, iOS): Choose From 23+ Bite-Sized Courses

Mimo has many languages and technologies on its platform. You can start with simple HTML, moving on to more advanced languages like C# and Java. The site and the apps break down all of the lessons into tiny chunks that take only a few minutes to complete.

You can pick one language or hop on one of several specialized tracks that take you through a single skill step-by-step. For instance, the "Become a Hacker" course is eight hours long; the bite-sized daily lessons will teach you about basic programming, security, hacker culture, and cryptography.

Like other gamified apps, you collect points, badges, and other achievements as you progress through the lessons. Mimo offers a 7-day trial—you can then opt for a yearly or monthly subscription plan.

Download: Mimo for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchase)

3. SoloLearn (Web, Android, iOS): Learn to Code With a Community

Some of the programming languages available on SoloLearn.

To keep you motivated, SoloLearn relies on the power of community learning. SoloLearn's Q&A forum is the nerve center of this experience. This forum follows the bite-sized lessons, interactive quizzes, and fun practice sessions on the site.

You can learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, Ruby, Swift, C, C#, C++, Java, and Python. The lessons are short and you can collaborate with other learners, as well, taking part in interactive peer-to-peer challenges that reinforce your coding lessons.

SoloLearn is free. A premium subscription called SoloLearn Pro is the same service, only ad-free. The subscription allows you to set learning goals and track your activity.

Download: SoloLearn for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases)

Related: Is Learning to Code Easier Than You Think?

4. Encode (Android, iOS): Bite-Sized Lessons on the Go

Encode is an interactive coding editor. That means you get an interface to actually write and practice code. The app presents bite-sized lessons and supports them with interactive challenges that test your new skills. If you're a distraction junkie, the app's Offline Mode removes your dependency on bandwidth.

For now, Encode covers Python, Javascript, and web markup languages like HTML and CSS. The core concepts on Encode are perfect for beginners who are just starting out.

Encode is free, but ad-supported. You can buy Encode Plus if you want to remove the ads.

Download: Encode for Android | iOS (Free, $4.99)

5. Edabit (Web): Take on 1300+ Small Coding Challenges

Edabit is a free site that bridges the gap between basic syntax and more advanced problem-solving. Edabit doesn't give you lessons; it tests you with interactive challenges.

These challenges are supported by the best tutorials and documentation from the web. Each completed challenge shows that you understand the concepts it illustrates well. If not, you will learn from the solutions to your mistakes.

Edabit is one great shortcut to real-world programming. Even if you are still a beginner, you can use Edabit and its short challenges to get better at JavaScript, C#, C++, Java, PHP, Python, Ruby, and Swift.

Related: The Easiest Programming Languages for Kids

Can You Learn to Code in a Few Minutes a Day?

The short answer: no. A book or a fully-fledged programming course is the best way to study and to excel in the craft.

These bite-sized lessons are a great start for those thinking about taking on a computer science skill, especially if you're still just a kid. If you think that you aren't cut out to be a programmer, pick up one of these apps and give it a shot for a month.

These apps will introduce you to the rigor of coding; they might be the gateway to a life-long passion. If you end up liking it, the sky is the limit for you. There is always something more challenging to learn ahead.