Algorithms, Data Collection, and Starting to Code from Coursera

This course starts you on your journey learning about computational thinking and beginning C programming. If you’d like to explore how we can interact with the world in a rigorous, computational way, and would also like to start learning to program, this is the course for you!

You may have heard lots of talk about computational thinking recently, but if you ask 10 different people what it is you’ll probably get 10 different answers. Rather than trying to define computational thinking, we’ll just say it’s a problem-solving process that includes lots of different components. In this course, we’ll explore algorithms and data collection.

Most people have a better understanding of what beginning C programming means! You’ll start learning how to develop C programs in this course by writing your first C program; learning about data types, variables, and constants; and honing your C programming skills by implementing a variety of STEM computations. This course doesn't assume you have any previous programming experience, so don't worry if you've never written code before.

If that all sounds interesting to you, go ahead and jump into the course!

Caution: Beginning (assuming no prior programming knowledge) is not the same as easy (not hard to do). Learning to program IS hard to do, especially since the courses in this specialization are built from a freshman-level college course. Meeting the course challenges while you master the material will be rewarding to you, but doing that will require hard work and maybe even a few expletives along the way.

Module 1: Learn about algorithms and write your first C program

Module 2: Discover how we store data in our programs

Module 3: Explore how we use data collection to solve problems and answer questions

Module 4: Practice writing C programs to implement STEM computations

What's inside

Syllabus

Algorithms and Starting to Code

Data Types, Variables, and Constants

Data Collection and More Algorithms

STEM Computations

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

No programming knowledge required. Great for beginners

Covers algorithms, data structures, and programming fundamentals

Focuses on STEM applications of C programming

Reviews summary

C programming for beginners with dr. t

learners say this course is well received, especially for beginners with little or no prior programming experience. Dr. T is described as an engaging instructor who simplifies complex concepts in easy-to-understand ways. Learners rave about the course's practical applications and the way it teaches algorithms, data collection, and coding concepts. Many emphasize its great explanations, clear examples, and simple yet effective approach to learning C programming.

Challenging Yet Educational

"Helped me understand basic of C programming."

"already given code make it difficult to understand."

Focus on Problem Solving

"The emphasis here was not on the coding and or dealing with syntax of the C language but more of on how to carry out the calculation"

"Problems are quite interesting to learn and solve."

"It gets you started thinking about programming by applying the basic idea of algorithms to everyday tasks and then you write simple programs in C."

Excellent Instructor

"Dr. T is a great instructor."

"The teacher is incredible and helps make this course seem a lot more fun!"

"Doesn't waste any time and get to the point."

Perfect for Beginners

"I really liked this course. It's not a hardcore programming class."

"It doesn't get too technical"

"It gets you started without overwhelming you."

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 Algorithms, Data Collection, and Starting to Code with these activities:

Review basic programming concepts

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Brush up on fundamental programming concepts to strengthen your foundation.

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Review online resources or textbooks on basic programming
Practice writing simple programs to reinforce your understanding

Read 'The C Programming Language' by Kernighan and Ritchie

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Gain a deeper understanding of C programming concepts by reading a classic textbook.

View C Programming Language, 2nd Edition on Amazon

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Read the book carefully, taking notes and highlighting important concepts
Solve the exercises at the end of each chapter
Discuss the book with other students or a mentor

Compile a list of C programming resources

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Gather and organize useful resources to support your C programming journey.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Search for online tutorials, documentation, code examples, and other relevant resources
Organize the resources into a structured and accessible format, such as a document or spreadsheet

Five other activities

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Follow online tutorials on C programming

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Supplement your learning with guided tutorials that cover specific C programming topics.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Find reputable online tutorials that cover the topics you need to learn
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and practicing the code
Complete the exercises and quizzes provided in the tutorials

Practice algorithm design and implementation

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Improve your understanding of algorithms and C programming by solving problems and implementing solutions.

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Identify a problem that can be solved using an algorithm
Design an algorithm to solve the problem
Implement the algorithm in C
Test and debug your code

Join a study group or participate in online forums

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Engage with other students to discuss course material, ask questions, and get help.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Find a study group or online forum that aligns with your learning goals
Participate actively in discussions and ask questions
Help other students by answering their questions and sharing your knowledge

Build a simple C program

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Reinforce your understanding of C programming by creating a functional program.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Choose a simple project to build, such as a calculator or a text editor
Design the program's architecture and data structures
Implement the program in C
Test and debug your code
Document your code and share it with others

Create a portfolio of C programming projects

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Showcase your C programming skills and build a portfolio of projects.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Identify a project idea that interests you and challenges your skills
Plan the project, including the design, implementation, and testing
Implement the project in C
Test and debug your code
Document your project and share it with others

Career center

Learners who complete Algorithms, Data Collection, and Starting to Code will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist requires skills in computer programming for data analysis and computation. An ability to program in C would prove beneficial in working with data in this role. This course covers topics in data collection and STEM computations that all factor heavily into everyday work as a Data Scientist. You may find that taking this course would help build a foundation you can use in your role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer needs knowledge of data types, variables, and constants, which is taught in this course. Basic programming skills are also typically required for the role, and this course helps introduce you to the C programming language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer needs knowledge of data types, variables, and constants, which is taught in this course. Basic programming skills are also typically required for the role, and this course helps introduce you to the C programming language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst requires skills in computer programming for data analysis and computation. An ability to program in C would prove beneficial in working with data in this role. This course covers topics in data collection and STEM computations that all factor heavily into everyday work as a Data Analyst. You may find that taking this course would help build a foundation you can use in your role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Actuary

An Actuary often needs skills in programming and computation. This course teaches you how to develop C programs and implement STEM computations, which could prove useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Statistician

A Statistician often needs skills in data analysis and computation. This course teaches you how to develop C programs and implement STEM computations, which could prove useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Software Developer

A Software Developer needs knowledge of data types, variables, and constants, which is taught in this course. Basic programming skills are also typically required for the role, and this course helps introduce you to the C programming language. It also shows you how to implement STEM computations in C, which may be useful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst often needs skills in data analysis and computation. This course teaches you how to develop C programs and implement STEM computations, which could prove useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

An Operations Research Analyst often needs skills in data analysis and computation. This course teaches you how to develop C programs and implement STEM computations, which could prove useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator often needs to implement STEM computations for data analysis. This course teaches you how to use STEM computations in the C programming language, which may be useful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst often needs skills in data analysis and computation. This course teaches you how to develop C programs and implement STEM computations, which could prove useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst may find knowledge of C programming useful, as this course teaches you how to use C to implement STEM computations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Web Developer

A Web Developer may find knowledge of C programming useful, as this course teaches you how to use C to implement STEM computations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst may find knowledge of C programming useful, as this course teaches you how to use C to implement STEM computations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Database Developer

A Database Developer may find knowledge of C programming useful, as this course teaches you how to use C to implement STEM computations.