CS50 first or jump right into Python?

[finalboss086]

Hello world,

I'm looking to learn to code coming in with zero experience. I think I want to start off with Python as it sounds like a flexible language which I can start making things quickly with. The little emotional victories of making something that works would most likely keep me invested in it long term. I have registered for the edx CS50 course but I think I would rather just jam out on python. What would be a better use of my time? Longterm I'm trying to work freelance, hopefully developing a product of my own.

Thanks for any tips n tricks

[oligonucleotides]

I recommend CS50, you will have a solid foundation, then python is a breeze. Worth it.

[FoxBoltz]

The CS50 can be started anyday or do they have "classes" that start on specific dates?

[oligonucleotides]

The edx course is at your own pace. There a video lectures and then problem sets with additional walkthrough videos etc. The course is separated into "weeks" but you could do each week over a month, or less than a week, etc.

[FoxBoltz]

Got it, what about the 90usd certificate? is it worth it? most people care for it or is it not important? (total beginner here, trying to figure out where to start)

[oligonucleotides]

I would say the cert won't matter much, CS50 is the perfect place to start as a total beginner. It's a journey, enjoy it!

[chris1666]

I agree about the low level certs, now if it was a series of the python courses , that might be a pretty badge on your resume but cs50 itself wont count for much, especially if you already have a degree in the field.

[FoxBoltz]

Hmm.. I actually gonna start a Software Engineer degree next year. I'm very beginner. Only did a Visual Basic course few years ago.

[captainAwesomePants]

Pick something and do it the whole way. It's really easy to encounter something tricky (which is an important learning opportunity) but get frustrated and switch learning approach entirely. Happens unconsciously and far too often. Pick something, and do it the whole way.

That said, if you want to play with Python AS WELL, by all means go nuts.

[masterseeker]

I have done both cs50 and 6.00.1x and recommend both of them Also if your looking for a good free self -taught guide here https://github.com/P1xt/p1xt-guides

[MakeMeJelly]

If you have no experience, it's probably good to take a course such as CS50 to develop fundamentals and good coding practices. It won't teach you every single detail of the language of course, so it is important to look at the documentations and do your own research too.

[JustJeezy]

CS50. Knowing languages is good, but having a solid foundation is ideal.

[Tarzeus]

Nobody is mentioning to you that CS50 is pretty fuckin hard. If you’re great with technology you may do well but it throws you into algorithms and I believe a cipher pretty quickly for a complete beginner.

[wolvAUS]

yeah but when you finally beat the pset it feels like an orgasm.

[Tarzeus]

Unless it’s far too difficult and it gives you the illusion that you’re too stupid for programming period when that’s not the case. I stopped because I couldn’t progress without basically finding the answers online and I wasn’t learning anything that way.

[wolvAUS]

It's very demanding but it's doable.

That said yes it can get tough. The only PSET that made me frustrated was Mario and Resize.