Searching for Computer Science Resources
So you want to learn how to code!
You’ve EVEN considered going to coding bootcamps.
BECAUSE…
You had a quick conversation with a friend.
who didn’t have computer science background BUT they still learned.
AND they got an AMAZING job as a result.
You’re blown away!
Because:
- the training wasn’t that long.
- “the money is good.”
- Plus, The world is moving towards computer science MORE& MORE!
You went online to do some research— but you were “OVERWHELMED!”
There are like a MILLION plus resources out there.
“YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START”
How do you KNOW that these resources would be good for a non-comp sci major?
Don’t Worry, I got you.
I am going to give you HAND-PICKED, Tested resources, that have helped ME learn to code.
I’ve PERSONALLY spent hundreds of hours testing all of these resources.
To repeat- I’ve PERSONALLY TESTED every single resource in this post.
To help YOU avoid wading through the murky waters of figuring out which one is good.
To let you know where to start.
In order from simplest to hardest.
RESOURCE: A Smarter Way to Learn Series
A foolproof way practice coding WITHOUT making mistakes.
The Smarter Way To Learn Series MISTAKE-FREE way to learn how to code.
This is where I recommend all beginners start.
When I first started coding, I HATED entire lines of code not working because of one-simple error: a semi-colon.
The Smarter Way series completely eliminates that pitfall.
You code bite-sized chunks in a “practice playground.”
Each chapter is roughly 10 minutes.
You read. You practice.
Just like all great coding should be.
This resource is SO good, I feel bad sharing this with you.
I really want to keep this for myself!
Because I’m BLOWN AWAY that more people haven’t caught wind of author Mark Myer’s approach.
BUT that would be unfair to you.
Get the entire series (on kindle) !
LINK TO PURCHASE
RESOURCE: Jon Duckett Books
A side-by-side way of coding. Raw Code next to Finished Site.
These books are a visual learners DREAM!
When I first came across this book, it checked EVERY box for me.
- Simple VISUAL breakdowns of complex ideas. Check.
- Side by side comparisons of the code and the website so I can SEE what I was coding. Absolutely!
- Complex subjects made easy to grasp! You betcha.
Being able to look at the raw code on one page and the finished website on the other to deconstruct and compare was INVALUABLE!
I promise that by the end of the HTML book and the Javascript book, you will have a SOLID understanding of how websites work and the language behind them.
[NOTE: The information architecture enthusiast geeks out in me EVERYTIME I see this book. The design is IMPECCABLE!]
LINK TO PURCHASE
Get the series here! (It’s a no-brainer!)
RESOURCE: Mimo
Mimo is basically DuoLingo for coding.
To be a good coder, you have to get your “reps” in.
Mimo is a stress-free way to get your reps in.
So it becomes second nature.
It’s simple, Easy, and you can do it in between classes or meetings.
LINK TO DOWNLOAD
RESOURCE: W3schools
A Handy Website for a fast Guess and Check When You’re Coding.
W3Schools gives fantastic examples!
There are even little tests that you can do.
A FEW LINES OF CODE. YOU CAN THEN “TRY IT YOURSELF.” EASY!
Forgot the css property for changing text color? Just go to W3schools.
Test yourself in each area.
In combination with, Resource: A smarter way to learn series, you can safely learn without missing a SEMI-COLON!
LINK TO W3SCHOOLS WEBSITE
RESOURCE: Harvard CS50
The same intro to computer science class that Harvard students take — for free!
It’s the same intro to CS class that Mark Zuckerberg took!
(Kind of)
You of the things to get a flavor for it before you start your full coding journey.
you can just watch them and like 2x Speed 3x to just get a feel for the concepts.
Then when you go back and do the exercises.
LINK TO THE COURSE
RESOURCE: FreeCodeCamp
An entire coding Bootcamp—FREE!
Free Code Camp is an educational non-profit that is, “it’s designed to help people break into coding.”
With the simple tagline:
“Learn to code for free.”
Essentially, it’s a FREE coding bootcamp.
Before you make a decision to go to a bootcamp, prototype out this material!
The thousands of dollars you would spend going to a coding bootcamp, you can find the information here.