I've dabbled in programming, but this year I'm diving in headfirst.
I'd like to form a group of people with similar goals to share ideas and hold each other accountable. My plan is to learn programming through a combination of courses, books, and projects, starting with MIT's free intro to Python class, which begins today (January 13). If enough people are interested, I'll set up a chat room where we can discuss courses, projects, problems, and whatever else.
If you want to join me on this journey (or even if you just want to share some wisdom) please reply or send a PM. Thanks!
I've always wanted to learn programming and from what I've read Python is a good place to start. While I wanted to study something related to computer science I ended up becoming a chartered accountant (the equivalent of CPA for US) so the desire to do anything computer related is just a hobby now. I am a total beginner in programming but I consider myself quite tech savvy in terms of computers and technology in general.
I would love to join!
Not familiar with Discord but I will look into it. Hopefully there is Linux support as Arch Linux is the only OS I have on my PC at the moment.
Would like to, but currently im learning Javascript on FreeCodeCamp. Have done python before, but I dont want to mix up learning different languages at the same time
I'm on my mobile and running from one class to another, I want to join in on the fun, but is it to late if I join next week? I really don't have time to check for details right now. Are these courses anything like the online courses from coursera. Com? (referring to weekly mini-project deadlines?) Also I don't know what discord is but I will probably be OK with it.
The wokload of this class is 15-20 hours per week. It seems very similar to Coursera, but it's MIT so it's probably a bit more demanding than most courses. I'm pretty sure you can sign up next week, but the sooner the better. There are two lectures each week and usually one problem set each week, so it's about the same pace as a typical college class.
I am taking a Udacity course right now on Front End Web Development, whoever is taking it as well, hit me up, maybe we can do something together. For those who want to know what it is about, here is a link
Well, the thing with Udacity is that the nanodegrees are considered to be higher than regular specializations by a lot of companies(some companies are oblivious about udaacity tho), and once you go past this course and Senior web development, they help you out with getting a real job. They pretty much build your first web dev portfolio as you go and you are being recognized by companies like google, github and some others. But granted, these do not guarantee that you get a decent job, I would add a few personal projects to distinguish yourself from other guys who have the same nanodegree and get a better placement. For example I have a personal project that I wanted to do, and I am planning to get the raw/beta version by the end of next week. So I guess as long as you have some 'personal' experience, I wouldn't see any issues with you getting a job.
As for the course itself it really is nice the way they laid out the course. What I liked about them first is that they assign grades to your work. They have 3 grades. 1: Under performance 2: Meeting expectations and 3: Udacious(the interesting ne). Grade of 1 is self explanatory, you contributed little and put very little effort into the project. Grade of 2 is when you do everything as requested by the instructor and you pass. Grade of 3 is when you go past what the instructor had asked you to do and it understandably has no criteria as to how to meet it. So you really never know how to get the best grade and you just gotta do your best and ask for help or visit their forums.
The assignments are given out in a nice manner. An expected roadmap of where you are at, and your current progress into the project. UI is nice and all that, but that has little importance and you sort of expect that level of professionalism from a company that teaches Web Development. The forums are using codinghorror'sDiscourse, and this is exact same thing that this forum uses, so I am fairly familiar with it and therefore comfortable. The way you hand in the projects is using github. they give you instructions as to how to do it so you are not going to be lost on your last step. Also everyone is willing to help you but not do the work for you, so having a connection to any reputable search engine is a requirement :).
But keep in mind that you shouldn't put all your eggs into one basket and look for more opportunities out there, internships and other things that would give you experience in learning about programming, development and technology. So plan accordingly.
The price for The Front End Web Dev is $199/month. First week free and then they bill you For Senior Web Dev it's either $199/month or $299/month depending on whether you would like a %50 refund if you don't find a job or a %100 refund.
Thanks. That helps a lot. My goal is basically to get really good at programming without spending a dime, so while Udacity sounds pretty cool, the pricing means it's probably not for me.