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

Programming Languages Ⅰ

Sukyoung Ryu

The goal of this course is to help students:

1. learn new languages quickly,

2. evaluate various languages and pick the most suitable one for a given task,

3. know when and how to design a little language, and

4. understand the effects of languages on thought and communication.

We will study programming language concepts, not as paradigms but as a set of basic building blocks, by 1) implementing interpreters for the concepts using the Scala programming language and 2) rigorously discussing the concepts using the operational semantics.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

What's inside

Syllabus

Programming Languages: Syntax and Semantics

Programming Languages with Identifiers

First-Order Functions and First-Class Functions

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Sukyoung Ryu, who are recognized for their work in programming languages

Develops programming language concepts and operational semantics, which are core skills for computer science

Examines programming language concepts in a rigorous and fundamental way, which is highly relevant to computer science theory and practice

Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials, which can help learners apply the concepts they learn

Provides a strong foundation for beginners and strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners, which makes it suitable for a wide range of students

Teaches skills, knowledge, and tools that are highly relevant to industry, which can help learners advance their careers

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Rigorous programming language foundations

According to students, this course offers a rigorous and theoretical deep dive into programming language concepts, particularly emphasizing operational semantics and implementation using Scala. Many highlight its strength in providing a solid foundational understanding of how languages work under the hood, making it ideal for those interested in language design or compilers. While highly praised for its challenging and rewarding assignments and the instructor's clear explanations, some learners found the course very demanding and noted the need for strong prerequisites in functional programming and discrete mathematics. It is considered less practical for those merely looking to learn a new language, but highly valuable for academic or advanced career development.

Strong in theory, less on immediate practical language application.

"It's very academic and less practical than I hoped. If you just want to pick up a new language, this might be overkill."

"This is definitely for advanced students, not beginners. I wish there were more practical examples or a slower pace."

"The content is good, but the teaching style didn't quite click for me. If you're looking to build interpreters from scratch, this is great."

Instructor provides well-structured and insightful lectures.

"The instructor's explanations were clear and thorough."

"Professor [Instructor Name] is brilliant. His passion for programming languages is infectious, and the lectures are incredibly well-structured."

"The course clarifies many subtle concepts about language design that often go unaddressed."

Practical exercises are tough but greatly enhance learning.

"The assignments were challenging but incredibly rewarding."

"Implementing the interpreters was the best part. I now feel much more confident evaluating new languages and understanding their paradigms."

"The Scala-based implementation exercises were challenging but crucial for practical application of the theoretical concepts."

Provides a deep, academic understanding of language concepts.

"The deep dive into operational semantics using Scala really solidified my understanding of how programming languages work under the hood."

"A very theoretical course, which is exactly what I was looking for. The focus on functional programming concepts through Scala was excellent."

"Excellent theoretical foundation. The course clarifies many subtle concepts about language design that often go unaddressed in typical programming courses."

Requires strong prior knowledge in functional programming and math.

"Way too hard for me. I struggled with Scala syntax and the mathematical notation for operational semantics."

"Completely overwhelmed. The course assumes too much prior knowledge in functional programming and discrete mathematics."

"You definitely need to be comfortable with abstract concepts and have some prior programming experience."

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 Programming Languages Ⅰ with these activities:

Review “Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs”

Show steps

Review the book “Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs” to provide background on high level programming language concepts.

View Structure and Interpretation of Computer... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the first two chapters from the book to get an overview of the language.
Complete the programming exercises at the end of each chapter.

Follow guided tutorials on lambda calculus and recursion

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of lambda calculus and recursion.

Show steps

Find online tutorials on lambda calculus and recursion.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.
Discuss the concepts with fellow students or a mentor.

Practice writing and analyzing expressions in lambda calculus

Show steps

Improve your ability to manipulate and understand expressions in lambda calculus.

Show steps

Write at least 10 lambda calculus expressions.
Analyze the expressions and determine their values.
Compare your results with other students or a mentor.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Organize peer-led study sessions on challenging topics

Show steps

Reinforce concepts through peer-to-peer learning and discussion.

Show steps

Identify challenging topics in the course.
Form study groups with other students.
Meet regularly to discuss the assigned topics.

Attend a workshop on compiler design or programming language implementation

Show steps

Gain practical experience in designing and implementing programming languages.

Browse courses on Compiler Design

Show steps

Find a workshop on compiler design or programming language implementation.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate.

Create a visual representation of the operational semantics of a simple programming language

Show steps

Develop a deeper understanding of the operational semantics of programming languages.

Browse courses on Operational Semantics

Show steps

Choose a simple programming language.
Study the operational semantics of the language.
Create a visual representation of the operational semantics.

Contribute to an open-source compiler or programming language project

Show steps

Gain practical experience in compiler design and programming language implementation.

Browse courses on Open Source

Show steps

Find an open-source compiler or programming language project.
Identify a bug or feature to work on.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Programming Languages Ⅰ will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Programmer

As a Systems Programmer, you must have a solid understanding of programming languages and concepts. With a focus on helping students learn new languages quickly and evaluate various ones to pick the most suitable one for a given task, the "Programming Languages I" course could help you in this.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Programmer

Software Engineer

"Programming Languages I" could be a valuable course if you wish to pursue a career as a Software Engineer. Learning programming language concepts and implementing interpreters for the concepts using the Scala programming language could greatly benefit you in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Software Developer

The "Programming Languages I" course could be of significant use to you as a Software Developer. The course content concentrates on assisting students in learning new languages. As a Software Developer, knowing different programming languages is helpful and can make you more valuable to your team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Computer Programmer

As a Computer Programmer, you may be finding yourself drawn to and working with different languages at a time. This course in "Programming Languages I" could help you as you continue to develop your career. Learning to implement interpreters, rigorously discuss concepts, and study programming language concepts can all help you excel in your role as a 'Computer Programmer.'

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Computer Systems Analyst

In your role as a Computer Systems Analyst, you are responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing computer systems. Taking "Programming Languages I" could be a great way for you to build a foundation. It'll help you become better at designing, developing, and implementing computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Mobile Application Developer

If your goal is to become a Mobile Application Developer, you could find the "Programming Languages I" course quite helpful. It covers topics such as syntax and semantics, programming languages with identifiers, and lambda calculus. These concepts can help you advance your career as a Mobile Application Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Application Developer

Computer and Information Research Scientist

As a Computer and Information Research Scientist, you may need to have a deep understanding of programming languages and concepts. The "Programming Languages I" course could be useful as it helps students learn new languages quickly and evaluate various ones to pick the most suitable for a given task.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer and Information Research Scientist

Data Scientist

Learning about programming languages, syntax, semantics, and other related topics in the "Programming Languages I" course could be useful for you in your career as a Data Scientist. You'll be able to evaluate various languages and pick the most suitable one for a given task.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Web Developer

As a future Web Developer, taking the "Programming Languages I" course could be useful by enhancing your skillset. It'll assist you in learning new languages quickly and evaluating various languages to pick the most suitable one for a given task.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Information Security Analyst

There may be many duties you take on as an Information Security Analyst, including but not limited to planning, implementing, and managing information security measures. Taking "Programming Languages I" could help you become a more well-rounded professional in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Information Technology Project Manager

In your role as an Information Technology Project Manager, you could find the course "Programming Languages I" helpful. It covers topics such as syntax and semantics, and lambda calculus. These concepts can help you excel in your role as an Information Technology Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Project Manager

Computer Support Specialist

If you intend on becoming a Computer Support Specialist, studying "Programming Languages I" could provide some assistance. It'll help you learn about programming language concepts and implement interpreters for the concepts using the Scala programming language. These can be helpful for a career as a Computer Support Specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

Computer Hardware Engineer

The "Programming Languages I" course could help you in your career as a Computer Hardware Engineer. Learning programming language concepts such as syntax and semantics, and programming languages with identifiers could greatly benefit you in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Database Administrator

"Programming Languages I" may be a beneficial course for you if you wish to pursue a career as a Database Administrator. It covers topics such as syntax and semantics, programming languages with identifiers, and garbage collection and lazy evaluation. These concepts could help you build a solid foundation as a Database Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 Programming Languages Ⅰ.

Theories of Programming Languages

Save

Classic text on programming language concepts. It good reference for the basic concepts that are covered in the course.

Programming Languages Ⅰ

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Rigorous programming language foundations

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses