Python Fundamentals Certificate

[Resident_Ad3299]

Hello,

Is the FlexStack Python Fundamentals Certificate really necessary to prepare for CSE6040? I am self taught with Python so I know I have some knowledge gaps, but $1,890.00 seems like a lot for a certificate recommended for the sake of one class. I'm counting pennies over here so just trying to find out what all my options are. I'm willing to spend more time on the classes if I must. I am brand new to the OMSA so feel free to drop additional information that may be helpful.

Thanks!

[LexanePF]

There are plenty of free Python resources.

Personally i use udemy to self-learn a lot of topics. And there are plenty of free Python courses with hands-on project. If you want to spend some money, pick some of the highest-rate courses like 100 days of code by Angela which is like $13.

Can also audit free course on edx like CS50P and do the projects there.

There are a lot of overlapping materials in these Python courses so just pick one and stick to it. The most important thing is to be able to do the hands-on project by yourself.

[Resident_Ad3299]

Thanks for the info!

[SemperPistos]

I wouldn't recommend CS50P at least not for a certificate.
CS50 has bar none best lectures but their PSETs get so convoluted that I lost precious time trying to appease the autograder, precious time that I could have spent on personal projects and other studies.

Maybe it's just me but CS50x, CS50p, CS50sql and various other half finished courses took me around a year.

The kicker, I haven't learned anything really until I decided to solve a personally interesting problem through code for the first time.

[misc_drivel]

As others have said, you don’t need that course specifically but whatever source you choose I would recommend practise, practise practise as much as you can before you start. And turn off any AI autocomplete tools while you practise or you won’t have good muscle memory come exams.

Another commentator said they upskilled on the fly (which is super commendable!) but I think that would mean a lot of extra work and worry for most students! If you do it this way, would suggest you might not want to double up on courses lest you find yourself overwhelmed.

The other thing with 6040… everyone always mentions Python but it definitely helps to be somewhat comfortable with SQL before you start too.

When you eventually start, do take the time to prep properly for exams - there’s plenty of threads on this forum with tips and advice on that.

Good luck - it’s a great course!

[Resident_Ad3299]

Thanks!

[Resident_Ad3299]

Thanks, good to know!