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Intro to Computer Science

In this introduction to computer programming course, you’ll learn and practice key computer science concepts by building your own versions of popular web applications. You’ll learn Python, a powerful, easy-to-learn, and widely used programming language, and you’ll explore computer science basics, as you build your own search engine and social network.

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Bootcamp level quality

Complete hands-on projects and get personalized feedback with Udacity.

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Taught by Dave Evans, who is the Udacity co-founder and CEO

Focuses on building real-world web applications, catering to learners interested in practical experience

Emphasizes foundational computer science concepts for beginners, making it accessible to learners with no prior programming background

Instructs in Python, a widely-used programming language suitable for both beginners and experienced learners

Provides hands-on experience through project-based learning, enhancing practical skills

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Reviews summary

Solid intro to computer science

learners say this course offers a solid introduction to computer science, particularly beneficial for complete beginners. The hands-on projects are frequently praised as being highly effective for learning Python and foundational concepts through practical application. While many find the lectures clear, some reviewers note that certain topics lack depth or require seeking additional resources for full understanding. Overall, it's seen as a good starting point for those with no prior experience, though opinions on the pace and difficulty can vary.

Opinions vary on how clear lectures are.

"The lectures were clear and easy to follow. Hands-on labs really helped."

"The projects are good, but the lectures were sometimes hard to follow or felt dry."

"Poor explanations, felt lost most of the time."

"The explanations in lectures were not sufficient for me."

Accessible for those with no prior experience.

"Excellent course for a complete beginner! The projects were challenging but very rewarding."

"As a complete beginner, I found the pace and explanations perfect for getting started."

"No prior knowledge needed is true; it starts from the absolute basics."

Hands-on coding boosts understanding.

"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me."

"Building the search engine and social network helped solidify the concepts practically."

"I really appreciated the chance to apply what I learned immediately through the assignments."

Some topics need more detail or supplements.

"Good course overall. Covers the basics well. Some topics could use a bit more depth."

"Had to look up additional info for some concepts to fully grasp them."

"Didn't feel like a deep dive into computer science, more just programming basics in Python."

"Might need supplementary material for certain concepts if you want to go deeper."

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 Intro to Computer Science with these activities:

Read 'Automate the Boring Stuff with Python'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of Python's capabilities and practical applications.

View Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 3rd... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Read through the book, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
Complete the exercises and projects provided in the book.
Apply the knowledge and techniques learned from the book to your own projects.

Work through Python tutorials

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Develop a solid foundation in Python syntax and programming concepts.

Browse courses on Python

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Choose a reputable Python tutorial website or platform.
Follow the tutorials in order, completing exercises and projects.
Take notes and write down any questions you have.
Research unfamiliar concepts or syntax.

Join a Python study group

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Collaborate with peers to reinforce your understanding of Python concepts and solve problems.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify or form a study group with other Python learners.
Meet regularly to discuss course material, work on projects, and provide support.
Share knowledge, ask questions, and learn from each other's experiences.
Hold each other accountable for progress and provide encouragement.

Four other activities

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Solve Python coding problems

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Hone your Python programming skills by solving coding challenges.

Browse courses on Python

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Join an online coding challenge platform or website.
Select problems appropriate to your skill level.
Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
Review solutions and explanations.

Attend a Python workshop

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Enhance your Python skills through hands-on, expert-led instruction.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify and register for a Python workshop that aligns with your needs.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities.
Take notes, ask questions, and engage with the instructor and other attendees.
Apply the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop to your own projects.

Contribute to an open-source Python project

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Gain practical experience and showcase your Python skills by contributing to real-world projects.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify an open-source Python project that aligns with your interests and skill level.
Familiarize yourself with the project's codebase and documentation.
Find an issue or feature to work on.
Implement your solution and submit a pull request.
Collaborate with other contributors to improve the project.

Organize and review course materials

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Improve retention and understanding by organizing and reviewing course materials.

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Gather and organize notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Review the materials regularly, focusing on key concepts.
Summarize and condense the materials for easy recall.
Create flashcards or use other study tools to aid memorization.

Career center

Learners who complete Intro to Computer Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers are the minds behind the efficient and effective execution of computer programs. They write, test, and maintain the code that tells computers what to do. This course can help you build a strong foundation in Python, a widely used programming language, and help you develop a solid understanding of computer science basics. These skills are in high demand for computer programmers, so this course is a great option if you're looking to start or advance your career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites, translating ideas into functional and aesthetically pleasing digital experiences. This course provides a great foundation for this role by teaching Python, a popular language for web development, and covering important concepts like building search engines and social networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply engineering principles to design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. This course can help you build a solid foundation in computer science concepts and Python, giving you a strong starting point for a career in software engineering.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to extract meaningful insights and derive conclusions. This course can help you develop a strong foundation in Python, a language commonly used in data science, and provide you with a good understanding of computer science basics. These skills can give you an edge in the competitive field of data analytics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators ensure the integrity, security, and performance of databases. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals and Python, which can be beneficial for this role. Additionally, the course covers database fundamentals, making it a valuable asset for aspiring Database Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and develop new computing technologies and applications. This course provides a good overview of computer science fundamentals and Python, which are essential for this role. While a more advanced degree is typically required for this role, this course can help you build a strong foundation for future studies and research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you develop a strong foundation in computer science concepts and Python, which are valuable assets for this role. Additionally, the course covers cryptography and network security, which are important topics for Information Security Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems to meet the needs of businesses and organizations. This course can help you build a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals and Python, which are essential for this role. The course also covers systems analysis and design, making it a valuable asset for aspiring Systems Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for technical products and services, such as software, hardware, and websites. This course can help you develop strong writing skills, a solid understanding of computer science concepts, and proficiency in Python, all of which are valuable for this role. The course also covers user experience design, which is an important consideration for technical documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can help you build a strong foundation in computer science concepts and Python, which can be beneficial for this role. Additionally, the course covers requirements gathering and analysis, which are important skills for Business Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Game Developer

Game Developers design and develop video games. This course may be helpful for this role by providing a foundation in computer science concepts and Python, which are useful for game development. Additionally, the course covers user experience design, which is important for creating engaging games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software to ensure quality. This course may be helpful for this role by providing a foundation in computer science concepts and Python, which are useful for software testing. Additionally, the course covers software testing techniques, which are important for Quality Assurance Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. This course may be helpful for this role by providing a foundation in computer science concepts, computer networks, and Python, which are useful for network administration. The course also covers network security, which is an important consideration for Network Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

UX Designer

UX Designers design user experiences for products and services, such as websites, software, and mobile applications. This course may be helpful for this role by providing a foundation in computer science concepts and user experience design, which are essential for this role. The course also covers programming basics, including Python, which can be useful for UX Designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. This course may be helpful for this role by providing a foundation in computer science concepts and project management, which are useful for project managers. The course also covers communication and leadership skills, which are important for project managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Intro to Computer Science:

25 Free Online Programming Courses for Beginners - 2017

4 minute read

Reading list

We've selected 30 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 Intro to Computer Science.

Think Python

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Provides a comprehensive and in-depth introduction to Python programming. It valuable resource for those who want to develop a strong foundation in Python and understand its underlying concepts.

Intro to Computer Science

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Reviews summary

Solid intro to computer science

Activities

Career center

Featured in The Course Notes

Reading list

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