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How to Code

Simple Data

Gregor Kiczales

3.3

Based on 9 ratings

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Gregor Kiczales

This programming course takes a unique approach, as it focuses on learning a systematic programming method rather than a programming language. This practical approach will help you channel your creativity so that you can program well in any language.

This course, part of the Software Development MicroMasters Program, presents a core design method with a focus on numbers, strings, images and lists.

You will learn techniques to:

This course, part of the Software Development MicroMasters Program, presents a core design method with a focus on numbers, strings, images and lists.

You will learn techniques to:

Develop program requirements
Produce programs with consistent structure that are easy to modify later
Make your programs more reliable by building tests as an integral part of the programming process.

This course concludes with the design of a simple interactive game.

Learners who enroll in the Verified track will receive staff grading for the course project and increased interaction with the instructor and staff.

Learner Testimonial

"I have taken and completed tens of MOOCs on programming and computer science, I have even been and I am currently a TA in some of these courses. Among them are a few that deserve without hesitation the highest rate. But if I had to choose only one at the top of them it would be these two courses on systematic program design." - edX Learner

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What's inside

Learning objectives

How to represent information as data
How to focus each part of your program on a single task
How to use examples and tests to clarify what your program should do

How to simplify the structure of your program using common patterns
Recognize and represent more complicated information

How to represent information as data
How to focus each part of your program on a single task
How to use examples and tests to clarify what your program should do
How to simplify the structure of your program using common patterns
Recognize and represent more complicated information

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops precise programming requirements, increasing code reliability and maintainability

Emphasizes a systematic programming approach, applicable to diverse languages and technologies

Provides practical examples and testing techniques to ensure code quality and reliability

Offers a comprehensive study of core programming design principles and best practices

Taught by an experienced instructor recognized for expertise in systematic program design

Requires prior programming experience or substantial self-study to fully grasp concepts

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Reviews summary

Systematic data-focused programming method

According to learners, this course offers a highly effective method for systematic program design, focusing on simple data types and building tests as an integral part of the process. Students praise its clear structure and practical approach, finding it an excellent foundation for writing robust code in any language. While some note it's challenging, especially the assignments, the overwhelming sentiment is very positive, highlighting its value for both beginners and those seeking a deeper understanding of programming principles.

Not a passive course; demands active engagement.

"This course is rigorous and requires commitment; it's not easy but worth it."

"You really have to put in the work to grasp the systematic method and succeed in the assignments."

"Requires focus and dedication, especially if you are new to structured thinking."

"Definitely not a course you can just passively watch; expect to practice a lot."

Homework requires significant effort and critical thinking.

"The assignments are challenging but very rewarding, forcing you to apply the method."

"Homework requires substantial time and effort, really pushing you to understand the material deeply."

"Some assignments felt quite difficult, but working through them solidified the concepts."

"Be prepared to spend considerable time on the programming assignments."

Well-organized content with clear explanations.

"The lectures are clear and the course is very well-structured, making complex ideas digestible."

"Content is presented logically, building step-by-step on previous concepts."

"Appreciate the clarity of the explanations and the logical flow of the modules."

"Instructors explain things very clearly, which is essential for beginners."

Highly relevant for career development in software.

"As part of the MicroMasters, it feels very relevant to professional software development practices."

"The systematic approach is something that seems directly applicable to industry standards."

"Gave me tools to write more maintainable and reliable code in my professional projects."

"Valuable for anyone serious about a career in software development."

Provides a strong base for further learning.

"Provides an excellent foundation for understanding how to structure programs effectively."

"This course laid the groundwork for my understanding of programming principles better than any other."

"A must-take for beginners or those looking to solidify their programming fundamentals."

"Feeling much more confident in tackling new programming concepts after this course."

Focus on universal principles, applicable anywhere.

"Focusing on the method rather than a specific language is its strength; the skills transfer easily."

"This is not a course about coding in X language, but about thinking computationally... applicable everywhere."

"The principles taught here are foundational and can be applied no matter what programming language you use."

"Great course for learning the principles of programming independent of a specific language."

Focuses heavily on integrating testing into development.

"The part about building tests first was particularly eye-opening and has changed how I code."

"Learning to build tests *before* writing the code is a powerful paradigm shift taught effectively here."

"Testing is a fundamental pillar of the method taught, ensuring program correctness from the start."

"I learned the importance of creating comprehensive test suites for my programs."

Teaches a structured, systematic programming method.

"I have taken and completed tens of MOOCs... if I had to choose only one at the top of them it would be these two courses on systematic program design."

"This course teaches a very rigorous and sound method of program design."

"The course teaches a methodical way to approach programming challenges that translates well to other languages."

"It is a methodical approach to programming which will teach you *how* to approach programming problems correctly."

"This course provided me with a systematic approach to writing programs that feels very solid."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Code: Simple Data with these activities:

Review Basic Programming Concepts

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Brush up on essential programming concepts to strengthen your基礎.

Browse courses on Programming Basics

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Review basic concepts such as variables, data types, control flow, and functions.

Review 'Head First Java'

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Enhance your understanding of Java fundamentals and core concepts.

View Head First Software Development: A Learner's... on Amazon

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Read and understand the concepts presented in the book.

Organize Course Materials

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Organize notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams to enhance retention and understanding.

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Gather and organize all course materials.
Create a logical filing system for easy retrieval.

Four other activities

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Follow Coding Tutorials

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Complete tutorials to reinforce concepts, learn new skills, and build projects.

Browse courses on Programming

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Identify areas you need to improve or topics you want to learn.
Search for tutorials on these topics using online resources like YouTube, Udemy, or Coursera.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and practicing.

Practice Programming Exercises

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Practice programming in any language to solidify your understanding of programming concepts and algorithms.

Browse courses on Programming Basics

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Choose a programming language and environment.
Find practice problems from online resources or textbooks.
Solve the problems, testing and debugging your code.

Join Study Groups

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Engage with other students to discuss course material, work on projects together, and provide support.

Browse courses on Collaboration

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Find study groups online or through your university.
Attend meetings regularly and participate actively.
Collaborate on assignments, discuss concepts, and help each other learn.

Build a Programming Project

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Design and implement a small programming project to apply your skills and showcase your abilities.

Browse courses on Project-Based Learning

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Identify a project idea that you are interested in and that aligns with the course objectives.
Plan the project, including the features, design, and implementation details.
Implement the project using a programming language of your choice.
Test and debug your project to ensure it meets the requirements.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Code: Simple Data will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst would heavily benefit from this course. Developing programs that can be easily modified will save time and resources, and this course teaches students how to do so. Furthermore, the course's focus on using examples and tests to clarify what a program should do is extremely relevant to the Computer Systems Analyst role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Programmer Analyst

A Programmer Analyst would most certainly benefit from completing this course. The course teaches how to break down problems and develop clear, easy-to-modify programs. This is a key skill for nearly any Programmer Analyst role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Programmer Analyst

Software Developer

A Software Developer would likely find this course helpful. The course teaches the basics of programming, using a method that focuses on learning programming rather than a programming language. This is a key foundational skill for a Software Developer to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Computer Programmer

This course may be helpful to a Computer Programmer, who can greatly benefit from the course's lessons on representing information as data. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on writing easy-to-modify programs could be of use to a Computer Programmer as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Web Developer

A Web Developer is another role that would benefit from this course. The course teaches the fundamentals of programming, using a method that focuses on learning programming rather than a programming language. This is a key foundational skill for a Web Developer to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst would benefit from taking this course. Representing data is a core responsibility for a Data Analyst, and this course's focus on representing information as data would be highly relevant. Moreover, the course goes over recognizing more complicated information, which is a key task for a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

This course may be helpful to a Data Scientist, who can greatly benefit from the course's lessons on representing information as data. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on writing easy-to-modify programs could be of use to a Data Scientist as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

This course may be helpful to an Artificial Intelligence Engineer, who can greatly benefit from the course's lessons on representing information as data. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on writing easy-to-modify programs could be of use to an Artificial Intelligence Engineer as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer

This course may be helpful to a Machine Learning Engineer, who can greatly benefit from the course's lessons on representing information as data. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on writing easy-to-modify programs could be of use to a Machine Learning Engineer as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Systems Administrator

This course may be helpful to a Systems Administrator, who can greatly benefit from the course's lessons on representing information as data. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on writing easy-to-modify programs could be of use to a Systems Administrator as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Network Administrator

This course may be helpful to a Network Administrator, who can greatly benefit from the course's lessons on representing information as data. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on writing easy-to-modify programs could be of use to a Network Administrator as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Computer Scientist

This course may be helpful to a Computer Scientist, who can greatly benefit from the course's lessons on representing information as data. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on writing easy-to-modify programs could be of use to a Computer Scientist as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Software Engineer

This course may be helpful to a Software Engineer, who can greatly benefit from the course's lessons on representing information as data. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on writing easy-to-modify programs could be of use to a Software Engineer as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Information Security Analyst

This course may be helpful to an Information Security Analyst, who can greatly benefit from the course's lessons on representing information as data. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on writing easy-to-modify programs could be of use to an Information Security Analyst as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Database Administrator

This course may be helpful to a Database Administrator, who often needs to be able to represent information as data. Many of the concepts taught in this course are common in the work of a Database Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features How to Code: Simple Data:

25 Free Online Programming Courses for Beginners - 2017

4 minute read

Reading list

We've selected 25 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Code: Simple Data.

Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs

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Provides a comprehensive and systematic approach to programming, covering fundamental concepts of data representation, program design, and testing. It is commonly used as a textbook in introductory computer science courses and can serve as a valuable reference for learners who want to delve deeper into programming principles.

How to Code

Simple Data

What's inside

Learning objectives

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Systematic data-focused programming method

Activities

Career center

Featured in The Course Notes

Reading list

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