7 answers
L
Student
Destin, Florida
2
Questions
Updated
815 views
What and how to start learning computer science.?
Hi everyone! I’m a student interested in going into computer science, and I’d love some advice on how to prepare now.
What classes, coding languages, or projects should I start with in middle/high school? Are there any clubs, internships, or online resources you recommend? I’m especially interested in learning what real computer science jobs are like day-to-day.
Thank you for any tips you can share!
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7 answers
Allan Thompson
Volunteer
25
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Allan’s Answer
Good answers above. It's also important to focus on English and math. English so you can quickly understand problem descriptions and sort out what it important and communicate well with your team members and others. Good English is also essential to describe functions to AI code generators. Basic math is important as a foundation for higher math as you continue your education.
Hima Bindu
Software Employee
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Hima’s Answer
Hi Allan's,
We speak english to communicate with each other right, similarly we need to learn computer languages to communicate with the computer. To enter into computer science, start learning the languages like python, java etc to communicate with computer.
We speak english to communicate with each other right, similarly we need to learn computer languages to communicate with the computer. To enter into computer science, start learning the languages like python, java etc to communicate with computer.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2621
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in Computer Science
Below are my suggestions:
1. Subs rive the newsfeed of technology update
2. Join the computer club in school
3. Identify some simple computer language to learn programming, eg Python, Scratch, etc.
4. You can find plenty of resources about the structure and syntax online
5. Start doing some programming yourself
6. When you familiar the language, you can try to do some simple projects , eg control robotic arm, toy cars, etc
7. You can learn another programming language after you familiar one
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Subs rive the newsfeed of technology update
2. Join the computer club in school
3. Identify some simple computer language to learn programming, eg Python, Scratch, etc.
4. You can find plenty of resources about the structure and syntax online
5. Start doing some programming yourself
6. When you familiar the language, you can try to do some simple projects , eg control robotic arm, toy cars, etc
7. You can learn another programming language after you familiar one
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
David Allen
Consultant
124
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
To start learning computer science in high school, focus on mastering a versatile foundational language like Python for its readability or Java if you plan to take AP Computer Science A. Beyond coding, prioritize math classes like Algebra II and Pre-Calculus, as they build the logic necessary for algorithm development. Engaging in hands-on projects—such as building a personal website using HTML/CSS or creating a simple game in Scratch—is the best way to solidify your skills. Online platforms like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp offer structured paths, while joining a First Robotics team or a coding club can provide the collaborative environment found in professional tech settings.
The day-to-day life of a computer science professional involves much more than just writing code; it’s largely about collaborative problem-solving. A typical day often begins with a "stand-up" meeting to discuss project progress, followed by hours of "deep work" where you write, test, and debug software. You’ll also spend significant time in code reviews, where you provide feedback on colleagues' work, and in design meetings to plan how new features will function. To get a head start, look for high school internships through platforms like LinkedIn or local tech meetups. For a realistic look at different roles, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook provides detailed breakdowns of responsibilities, environments, and salary expectations for various tech careers.
The day-to-day life of a computer science professional involves much more than just writing code; it’s largely about collaborative problem-solving. A typical day often begins with a "stand-up" meeting to discuss project progress, followed by hours of "deep work" where you write, test, and debug software. You’ll also spend significant time in code reviews, where you provide feedback on colleagues' work, and in design meetings to plan how new features will function. To get a head start, look for high school internships through platforms like LinkedIn or local tech meetups. For a realistic look at different roles, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook provides detailed breakdowns of responsibilities, environments, and salary expectations for various tech careers.
Anilkumar Hanchinal
Learning and Development
89
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anilkumar’s Answer
Starting computer science is like opening a door to understanding how to talk to computers, not just use them. Begin by writing simple code, which is the first step in building a strong base in programming and solving problems.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
316
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
The best way to start learning computer science is to begin with small steps instead of trying to learn everything at once. A great first language is Python because it's easy for beginners and widely used in many jobs. Start by understanding basic concepts like variables, loops, conditionals, and simple problem-solving. If your school has classes like AP Computer Science, coding electives, or robotics, definitely join them, but you don't have to wait for school. Free resources like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, or YouTube tutorials are perfect for getting started.
Working on projects is more important than being perfect at coding. Try creating small, fun, or useful things like a simple game, a homework tracker, a calculator, or a website about something you enjoy. Joining a coding club, robotics team, or hackathon is great because you learn how to build things with others, which is important in tech jobs. Even helping with school tech projects or making a website for a club counts as real experience when you're starting out.
In most computer science jobs, you won't be coding nonstop. A lot of time is spent solving problems, fixing bugs, talking with teammates, and improving existing software. People work on apps, websites, cybersecurity, AI, games, or data systems depending on their specialty. The best skills to develop now are curiosity and consistency. Coding a little each week and gradually building projects will help much more than trying to learn everything quickly.
Working on projects is more important than being perfect at coding. Try creating small, fun, or useful things like a simple game, a homework tracker, a calculator, or a website about something you enjoy. Joining a coding club, robotics team, or hackathon is great because you learn how to build things with others, which is important in tech jobs. Even helping with school tech projects or making a website for a club counts as real experience when you're starting out.
In most computer science jobs, you won't be coding nonstop. A lot of time is spent solving problems, fixing bugs, talking with teammates, and improving existing software. People work on apps, websites, cybersecurity, AI, games, or data systems depending on their specialty. The best skills to develop now are curiosity and consistency. Coding a little each week and gradually building projects will help much more than trying to learn everything quickly.
Nagesh K J
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Nagesh’s Answer
To learn computer science effectively, follow these steps:
1. Start with a programming language like Python or C. Python is easy for beginners, while C helps you understand how software works with hardware. Learn basic concepts such as variables, loops, and functions.
2. Study Data Structures and Algorithms. This will teach you how to organize data and solve problems efficiently, which is crucial for most computer science jobs.
3. Learn Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). Understand concepts like classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism, as they are key to building modern software.
4. Focus on problem-solving. Break problems into smaller parts and think logically before coding. This approach strengthens your analytical and computational skills, which are vital in computer science.
1. Start with a programming language like Python or C. Python is easy for beginners, while C helps you understand how software works with hardware. Learn basic concepts such as variables, loops, and functions.
2. Study Data Structures and Algorithms. This will teach you how to organize data and solve problems efficiently, which is crucial for most computer science jobs.
3. Learn Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). Understand concepts like classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism, as they are key to building modern software.
4. Focus on problem-solving. Break problems into smaller parts and think logically before coding. This approach strengthens your analytical and computational skills, which are vital in computer science.