We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
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.

Read more

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:

  • 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

Three deals to help you save

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

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

Save this course

Save How to Code: Simple Data to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

An introduction to functional programming

Learners say this beginner-friendly course provides a solid foundation for functional programming. They appreciate the step-by-step approach and the emphasis on testing. However, some find the pace to be slow and the custom language and IDE to be unhelpful.
This course teaches learners how to write tests for their code, which can help them to catch errors early.
"The course teaches a good deal of test-oriented programming and some basic design principles."
"Data definitions, data-driven templates for functions, tests of each small function are what make you solve really difficult problems without feeling stressed about stupid mistakes."
This course is suitable for absolute beginners, as it starts from scratch.
"Perfect course for people who really want to start coding from the very beginning."
"It's really basic course about basic concepts at programming and program design."
Some learners find the course's custom language and IDE to be a hindrance.
"I just can't stand it, can't stand those animation tasks."
"The course needlessly develops its own terminology for well-known concepts and practices already present in the industry."
"The language also doesn't transfer well to other popular functional languages."
Some learners find the course to be slow-paced and prefer a more challenging option.
"This class teaches really basic concepts at a very slow pace."
"You'll go a lot further, a lot faster, and with a lot less headache by enrolling in any of the other courses mentioned at the start of this review instead of this one."

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
Brush up on essential programming concepts to strengthen your基礎.
Browse courses on Programming Basics
Show steps
  • Review basic concepts such as variables, data types, control flow, and functions.
Review 'Head First Java'
Enhance your understanding of Java fundamentals and core concepts.
Show steps
  • Read and understand the concepts presented in the book.
Organize Course Materials
Organize notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams to enhance retention and understanding.
Show steps
  • Gather and organize all course materials.
  • Create a logical filing system for easy retrieval.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow Coding Tutorials
Complete tutorials to reinforce concepts, learn new skills, and build projects.
Browse courses on Programming
Show steps
  • 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
Practice programming in any language to solidify your understanding of programming concepts and algorithms.
Browse courses on Programming Basics
Show steps
  • 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
Engage with other students to discuss course material, work on projects together, and provide support.
Browse courses on Collaboration
Show steps
  • 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
Design and implement a small programming project to apply your skills and showcase your abilities.
Browse courses on Project-Based Learning
Show steps
  • 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
This widely-used textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to algorithms and data structures. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the design and analysis of algorithms.
Offers a practical guide to software development, emphasizing the importance of code quality, maintainability, and testing. It provides insights into best practices for writing efficient, reliable, and extensible code, complementing the course's focus on program design and testing.
Introduces design patterns, which are reusable solutions to common programming problems. It helps learners understand how to identify and apply design patterns effectively, enhancing their ability to design and implement complex programs.
Provides a hands-on guide to test-driven development (TDD), a software development approach that emphasizes writing tests before implementing code. It aligns well with the course's focus on testing and can help learners apply TDD principles in their own programming projects.
This classic book provides a catalog of reusable design patterns that can be used to solve common software problems. It is essential reading for any software engineer who wants to learn how to write effective and maintainable software.
Offers a comprehensive overview of data structures and algorithms in Java. While the course does not focus specifically on Java, this book can serve as a valuable resource for learners who want to implement the concepts they learn in the course using Java.
Provides a comprehensive overview of agile software development, a software development methodology that emphasizes flexibility and responsiveness to change. It is essential reading for any software engineer who wants to learn how to develop software in a more efficient and effective way.
Introduces refactoring techniques, which are ways to improve the design and quality of existing code without changing its behavior. It can benefit learners who want to enhance their skills in code maintenance and optimization.
Provides a fun and engaging introduction to the Java programming language. It great choice for beginners who want to learn how to program in Java.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the Java programming language. It great choice for beginners who want to learn how to program in Java.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to algorithms, covering both fundamental concepts and practical applications. It can serve as a valuable resource for learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of the algorithms underlying various programming tasks.
Offers a concise and accessible overview of computer science fundamentals, covering topics such as data structures, algorithms, and software engineering. It can serve as a helpful supplement for learners who want to broaden their understanding of computer science concepts.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the C++ programming language. It great choice for beginners who want to learn how to program in C++.
This classic book provides insights into the challenges and complexities of software development, emphasizing the importance of planning, communication, and management. It can offer valuable lessons for learners who aspire to become successful software engineers.
Provides a concise guide to the JavaScript programming language. It is essential reading for any JavaScript developer who wants to write effective and maintainable JavaScript code.
This monumental series of books provides a comprehensive and in-depth treatment of computer science theory and algorithms. While not directly related to the specific topics covered in the course, it can serve as an invaluable reference for learners who want to delve deeper into the foundations of computer science.
This textbook provides a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of algorithms and data structures. It can serve as a valuable reference for learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of the algorithms underlying various programming tasks.
This monumental work provides a comprehensive treatment of the art of computer programming. It is essential reading for any serious computer scientist.
Provides a practical guide to preparing for technical coding interviews, covering common interview questions and solution strategies. It can be helpful for learners who are preparing for job interviews in the software industry.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book explores the relationship between mathematics, logic, and art. It fascinating read for anyone interested in the nature of computation.
Provides a gentle introduction to programming using Python. While not directly related to the course's focus on systematic programming, it can be a useful resource for learners who are new to programming or want to brush up on their Python skills.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser