Learn cloud from scratch using free courses, real projects, and certification prep tools
Practice on AWS, Azure, or GCP to build hands-on experience and stand out to employers
Get beginner-friendly certifications to boost your chances in the growing cloud job market
Cloud computing runs in the background of almost everything online, streaming music, backing up photos, playing games, and running all kinds of business apps. As more jobs transition into technology, understanding how cloud computing works opens numerous doors, whether for a first job or building something new.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to begin learning cloud computing from the beginning, described in a plain, straightforward manner.
Cloud computing means using the internet to store and access data or programs instead of relying only on personal computers or local servers. Think about Google Drive, Netflix, or even Instagram all of them use cloud services behind the scenes.
There are three primary categories of cloud services:
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Leasing servers or storage (such as Amazon EC2)
PaaS (Platform as a Service): Developer tools to create apps (such as Google App Engine)
SaaS (Software as a Service): Online-accessible apps (such as Gmail or Zoom)
Before diving into tools or platforms, it helps to know a few basics:
How computers and networks work
Basic Linux commands (many cloud platforms run on Linux)
Simple coding/scripting, like Python or Shell, can be helpful
Free tutorials on platforms like YouTube or websites like W3Schools and GeeksforGeeks can help with this.
Three of the best-known cloud providers currently are:
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Microsoft Azure
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Each offers free beginner-level services for practice. AWS, for example, offers users a free tier to test out features, such as launching a website or running a small app.
It’s okay to start with just one. AWS is the most widely used, so many people begin there. Azure is popular among large companies, while GCP excels in AI and data tools.
In 2025, there are tons of beginner-friendly training courses online. Some of the best ones include:
AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials (available free on AWS Skill Builder)
Google Cloud Digital Leader (free training on the GCP site)
Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) from Microsoft Learn
Other websites like Coursera, edX, and YouTube also offer great content. Platforms like IBM SkillsBuild and upGrad offer full beginner paths.
Also Read: Top Cloud Computing Courses Online: Your Ultimate Guide
A rough learning plan can help stay on track:
1. Week 1–2: Learn what cloud computing is, how it works, and key services
2. Week 3–5: Try out services on a platform like AWS—launch a server, store files, build a basic app
3. Month 2: Learn about tools like Docker (for containers), GitHub (for code), and CI/CD (for automation)
4. Month 3–4: Explore security, monitoring, and best practices for real-world cloud setups
Sites like GitHub even offer open-source cloud learning roadmaps made by developers.
Practice matters. Launching a website, building a cloud-based app, or creating a file backup system are all solid beginner projects. Many cloud providers have sandbox environments where it's safe to try things without risk. Documenting these projects on GitHub or a blog can help later when applying for internships or jobs.
Certifications show that someone understands the basics. Good starter certifications include:
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Google Associate Cloud Engineer
These are entry-level and don't need tech experience. Free or low-cost prep materials are widely available.
Online communities are great for support and advice. Reddit, Discord, and Stack Overflow have active groups focused on cloud computing. Following cloud news, tutorials, and updates also helps stay current, as technology continues to evolve.
Earning a Cloud Certification from these major providers can significantly enhance your career prospects in the tech industry. Cloud computing might seem complicated at first, but it becomes clearer with hands-on practice. The demand for cloud skills is only growing. With consistent effort, anyone can go from a complete beginner to job-ready in just a few months.