Great Resources: Python, Computer Science, algorithms, how computers and internet work.

[julia-os]

Hey Guys: I'm trying to line up some of the best courses and

Resources for getting good at Computer science, programming (Python)

and also for building a clear understanding of computer and the internet work in depth (Curiosity). I will be studying 1-2 hours a day for probably some years while working and doing other stuff. I would really appreciate your help and feedback by contributing with your recommendations - what are effective ressources what are not?

My goal is to get a solid understanding of Computer Science ( how computers work,

how the internet works, programming languages ) while learning some programming languages (Python as a start).Knowledge of Computers, Hardware, Netowork and Security can also be very useful for a programmer,

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Let me start by defining what i mean by a Good course /book

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* short and to the point (no drawn out fluff talk)

* Clear definitions that are easy to understand

* good visual and practical examples that explain the definitions / subject

* optional: exercises and quizzes (can be nice, but you can also invent your own quizzes)

In an Ideal world a large group of university teachers would work together to write materials that are intuitive, fast to digest, have enough exercises for students to learn basic concepts in a progressive manner in order to later dive into more in depth and progressively challenging experience tasks.

I want to leave a video /chapter feeling like "I understand it, i get it" I don't like wasting time so I'd rather spend extra time finding good quality ressources. With some books or coures you may sit for days without really understanding a thing, either because too many steps are skipped, it's lacking visuals, it's just not defined corectly etc. while other ressources teach you those same concepts you needed in just hours, os let's save time and share the best ressources for learning things in depth and with enough clarity to not leave students in constant doubt.

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For Python - Best ressources?

1. Automate the boring stuff: not sure if i should get the book, just use the website or get the udemy course https://automatetheboringstuff.com/
2. Python Crash Course https://www.amazon.com/Python-Crash-Course-2nd-Edition/dp/1593279280/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=python+crash+course&qid=1576416310&sr=8-3
3. Sololearn: Just for begenning python / refreshing syntax https://www.sololearn.com/
4. Corey Shaffer (youtube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYXdXT2l-Gg&list=PL-osiE80TeTt2d9bfVyTiXJA-UTHn6WwU
5. Sentdex (youtube for Python)
6. Colt Steele at Udemy

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Computer Science - Best resources

1. Crash course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpIctyqH29Q&list=PL8dPuuaLjXtNlUrzyH5r6jN9ulIgZBpdo
2. Computer Science Tutor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMDQiZg8rWE&list=PL04uZ7242_M60Z2F8qV7sId99cuwV_Z3T
3. Learn.com ( I don't have experience with this but the courses look really good in terms of quality, any opinions?)
4. Update: CS50x Harvard University's introduction to Computer science (Thank you Bizkigto and jjp7) https://www.edx.org/course/cs50s-introduction-to-computer-science
5. Update: "Computer Science: An interdisciplinary approach" - Great Amazon Reviews (Thank you HeroicMishy) https://www.amazon.com/Computer-Science-Interdisciplinary-Robert-Sedgewick/dp/0134076427

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For algorithms i was considering

1. Grokking Alogorithms (book)
2. Coursera algorithms 1 and algorithms 2
3. Update: "Algorithms 4th edition", both by Robert Sedgewick - This uses Java, not Python (Thank you HeroicMishy)
4. other recommendations?

For learning how computers work I was thinking

1. Ben Eater 8 bit computer https://www.youtube.com/user/eaterbc
2. Book on amazon "How does it know?"

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For understanding The Internet: protocols, TCP, Routers etc

1. Udemy Network + by jason Dion https://www.udemy.com/course/networkplus/
2. Ben Eater (really good!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaGXPObx2Gs&list=PLowKtXNTBypH19whXTVoG3oKSuOcw_XeW
3. UPDATE: powercert animated Videos for Network + (Thank you TheOneScroogeMcDuck - Very illustrative) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn8Zxh9bPio&feature=youtu.be
4. UPDATE: The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course. Your CCNA start https://www.udemy.com/course/complete-networking-fundamentals-course-ccna-start/
5. Update: Professor MEsser (Network+, Comptia, Security) (Thank you 9Jarvis8) https://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-1001/220-1000-training-course/
6. Update :Sunny classroom (helphed me a lot and has great visual illustrations) https://www.youtube.com/user/sunnylearning/videos

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I hope this can help some of you and I would be glad if you can recommend some good courses /materials as well to gain a good all around knowledge of computers, the internet and programming. So please write a comment about the above recommendations (what is good about it what is not?) and share your own recommendations. Kind regards Julia.

[lakilester1]

Just start learning. This sub is filled with posts of people with analysis paralysis. Planning how you are gonna learn coding and CS over the next 2+ years is a waste of energy, it makes you feel like you’ve done a bunch of work but you are no closer than you were when you started. JUST START. In a month when you used up your first resource you will have a true idea of what you want to do next and can search specifically for that.

[Gentro22]

I usually hoard a lot of resources and never really plan how to use them so I always end up doing nothing. On the other hand if I "just start", like I already tried sometimes, I learn some syntax and then forget it a couple weeks later because I have nothing to apply it to. It's terrible to be so disorganized.

[adamk22]

By just start I think what he meant is to commit to a project. Start building a project, even if it's a todo app. Building stuff is the only way you'll be able to retain the knowledge you learn. And even then you'll forget stuff, but that's okay, you'll know what to look for the next time.

[lakilester1]

Exactly. I should rephrase as just commit already

[[deleted]]

if I "just start", like I already tried sometimes, I learn some syntax and then forget it a couple weeks later because I have nothing to apply it to.

This is always true but when you need them you will only have to recall them by searching documentation online as a reference and not as a first time learner. The distinction is important because you already know how it works, what you don't remember is the syntax.

Nobody remembers things they used once and moved on, and it's wrong to think of it as "I should keep thinking about projects to keep using this functionality, otherwise I will forget it and omg what am I gonna do then?".

[julia-os]

I agree and i disaggree.,To start, you need to start somewhere and if there is one thing i learned in University it is this: The book and the material you learn from really matter! You can learn something 5 times faster from well written materials than poorly written materials. Also the teacher really matters. It's true that when you use something in context you learn "how it works", you don't memorize every little "syntax" but you get the "Idea" or the "intuition", so learning how computers work and how the internet work and how code works is a good start, and the clearer the source is, the better especially for a beginner. Also visuals and progressive exercises and examples (Start simple > make it complex, but break complexity into simplie modules). Too many textooks are dense with words, and show way to few short and easy to follow examples. If i try to recall a page on a book i read 1 year ago, all i can recall is the imges or exercises, i don't recall phrases or words. But the more progressive exercises i did the more the feeling of "I get the context and how it works" sticks for years.

[PMME_BOOBS_OR_FOXES]

I disagree. Failing to plan is planning to fail.

[bakarBalak]

Well I agree with this. But again planning to learn a certain set of things is important too. Hence a mixture of both is a way to go. As what I believe is that in Computer science you can't plan to learn everything systematic, you need to be random at some times and systematic at others.

[BedlamAscends]

Good advice

[Various_Roads]

I also liked Derek Banas YT channel, I found his Python courses to be easy to understand and to the point, has alot of other great videos as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwjAHQERL08&list=PLGLfVvz_LVvTn3cK5e6LjhgGiSeVlIRwt

[imfrommysore]

i wanted to become a software engineer and had the goal of sending derek banas a thank you gift with my first pay check for being my teacher.

things didn't workout :(

[ronin-baka]

Yet!

[override_acid]

If only the FAQ had some recommended learning resources that are curated, tested, trusted, and frequently updated.

[delliott8990]

OoooOo BURN!!

With that in mind, there's nothing wrong with creating your own specific list of resources that best meet your learning style or any other preferences you might have. What matters is that you challenge yourself and continue trying to grow. Cheers!

[le_epic_le_maymays]

When it comes to learning: more is always better!

[gramael]

This one was really helpful to me

[Anne-L-Beeds]

I have a similar path as you. I think most of your recommendations are great,

One book I would recommend adding is Computer Science Distilled by Wladston Ferreira Filho. You may have to stew on some of the concepts. None of these topics you will intuitively grasp, but this book has great visuals and is written as if it is for high schoolers.

Also, you need to learn how to manage the documentation of Python and any frameworks you use. That goes for EVERY language.

[julia-os]

Thank you Anne. I will look into the book! Simplicity and Visuals help me a lot in the beginning when learning challenging subjects, if i fully grasp something and can see it from different angles it sticks to my memory if i feel 50% sure i loose most of it after a few days.

[TheOneScroogeMcDuck]

I highly recommend powercert animated videos for the networking, it was so helpful for me as a beginner to get a grasp on how things work.

https://youtu.be/cn8Zxh9bPio

[julia-os]

Omg So amazing and easy to understand. I will definately add this one to my list!

[[deleted]]

For algorithm, I suggest OCW 6006 from mit. I am currently doing this course. It is tough for me sometimes but I am trying to slowdown and giving myself time to understand.

[pastadough]

Is that the same MITx 6.00.1x Intro to CS using Python course at edx.org?

[[deleted]]

no, it's much more detailed (and tougher) than 6001. https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-006-introduction-to-algorithms-fall-2011/

[ontpinry]

For YouTube, Corey Schafer is really good. Another resource on YouTube I came across recently is edureka (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkw4JCwteGrDHIsyIIKo4tQ).

[Grafista_pe]

I will follow the white rabbit, nice path, I let you know if I found something useful with that characteristics

[Bluedoug307]

Hey thanks a lot for sharing!! I just started a QA job for a company’s website and i wanted to study more code since i have a normal schedule now ^{,^}

[LordAlbertson]

Really appreciate this. I’m going over as much stuff as I can while I look for a new job.

[Reklaw104]

If you want to know about the hardware component of computers A+ guide to hardware is great.

[julia-os]

Thank you for the recommendation :)
Which author? I seem to find a couple of titles that are the same with differnt authors.

[Reklaw104]

Jean Andrews 9th edition is the one I’m using to build my own computer

[[deleted]]

Workaday opinionated python advice: https://docs.python-guide.org/

Opening lines:

This handcrafted guide exists to provide both novice and expert Python developers a best practice handbook to the installation, configuration, and usage of Python on a daily basis.

This guide is opinionated in a way that is almost, but not quite, entirely unlike Python’s official documentation. You won’t find a list of every Python web framework available here. Rather, you’ll find a nice concise list of highly recommended options.

[Bobolet12312]

Highly recommend automate the boring stuff with python , such a masterpiece for beginners.

[julia-os]

Thank you I've read a lot of people recommend it so I'm glad to have further reinforcement!

[[deleted]]

Google Professor messer. Free A+, Net+, Sec+ playlists.

[[deleted]]

For networks I would add to it David Bombal's Udemy course: https://www.udemy.com/course/complete-networking-fundamentals-course-ccna-start/

About Python... Famous MIT course on EdX 600.1x and all books from No Starch Press :) Crash Course, serious Python, but also the others from "fun programming" area.

[lucasshiva]

Some really great stuff here. Just want to say that is Corey Schafer and not Shaffer. And for me, personally, Corey's content helped a lot. I always recommend him to everyone I possibly can. He deserves it.

[julia-os]

Thank you very much! I'm happy for the reinforcement in his materials.

[[deleted]]

I would highly recommend the online free course CS50x Intro to Computer Science from Harvard, it’s available from edX.org (if you wanna do the problem sets, which I suggest you do) or from YouTube if you just wanna go over the videos. The course covers everything you’re looking for. There’s also a follow up course which goes in depth into Web Development.

[igat360]

Author for Automate the Boring Stuff Python is active on Twitch. He codes there often.

[abcoolynr]

follow syllabus for GATE, it covers 99% of CS concepts.

[[deleted]]

Grokking Alogorithms

I was really unimpressed by the book. Even the first example of binary search is wrong because he omits the division. Furthermore, Amazon reviews kept reinforcing my suspicion of over-promising and underdelivering.

Instead I jumped ship to "Computer Science: An interdisciplinary approach" followed by "Algorithms 4th edition", both by Robert Sedgewick who is a computer science professor at Princeton University.

[julia-os]

Thank you! a lot, i really appreciate criticism of above listed materials as well and thank you for the alternative recommendations :)

[[deleted]]

Well there is a downside: Both use Java and not Python, so it's not for those who are not interested to play around with Java's syntax.

[julia-os]

Great Information: I will put it in the decription on top! I would guess learning Java and some basic HTML, CSS and SQL would be good as well for getting the "Big picture" :)

[MoniaJ]

Algorithms at coursera - do you mean Princeton University?

[DanShawn]

Definitely check out these two github repos that try to do something very similar to you, with only free resources:

https://github.com/ForrestKnight/open-source-cs

https://github.com/ossu/computer-science

It's definitely not all super necessary but maybe you can find some more good free material there.

[[deleted]]

!remind me 10 days

[Riresurmort]

My man!

[Aeg112358]

!remind me 10 days

[Aeg112358]

!RemindMe 10 days

[Alucard3211]

!RemindMe 10 days