8 answers
ODEL
Student
Florida City, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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how do I learn computer science
how do I learn computer science ?
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7 answers
Zakaria Laouabdia Sellami
4
Answers
Annaba, Annaba Province, Algeria
Updated
Zakaria’s Answer
Learn computer science by following this four-step framework:
* Master a Language: Start with Python for fundamentals or Harvard's CS50 on edX for a world-class, free introduction.
* Understand Theory: Learn Data Structures and Algorithms (arrays, trees, sorting) to train how you solve problems.
* Build Projects: Stop reading and start coding. Build web scrapers, data tools, or simple applications that matter to you.
* Explore Systems: Learn the basics of databases (SQL), how the internet works (networks), and how code interacts with hardware.
* Master a Language: Start with Python for fundamentals or Harvard's CS50 on edX for a world-class, free introduction.
* Understand Theory: Learn Data Structures and Algorithms (arrays, trees, sorting) to train how you solve problems.
* Build Projects: Stop reading and start coding. Build web scrapers, data tools, or simple applications that matter to you.
* Explore Systems: Learn the basics of databases (SQL), how the internet works (networks), and how code interacts with hardware.
Amit Yathirajadasan
Software Engineer
4
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Learn it formally, or learn it because you're interested/curious? There are great answers here for the former, but if you want to learn because your curiosity led you here, I'd say reading, and practicing the craft. If programming is what you're curious about, start by creating small programs, and build your way up. Don't bother spending on any of the resources right away. Use what's already available publicly - like YouTube videos. If you're going to use AI, use it judiciously - use it when you're stuck on something, not for everything.
Amit Yathirajadasan
Software Engineer
4
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Learn it formally, or learn it because you're interested/curious? Either way, that's fantastic! If you want to learn because your curiosity led you here, I'd say reading, and practicing the craft. If programming is what you're curious about, start with small projects and gradually take on bigger challenges. There's no need to spend money on resources right away; plenty of free materials are available, like YouTube videos. If you're going to use AI, use it judiciously - use it when you're stuck on something, not for everything. Enjoy the journey of learning!
Stef Landry
Computer Science, Legacy to Digital Transformation
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Stef’s Answer
This is a great question. Computer Science is a broad and generalized umbrella topic, much like Marketing. CompSci (abbreviated) has opportunities for everything from program coding to program design to user analytics and more. My first suggestion is to research the specific type of computer science in which you are interested. Do you want to write compute code? Do you want to test software programs before they are used? Do you want to design new software yet not precisely write the code for it? Do you want to use the data in the program to help the company make better decisions on their products and customer service plans?
My path started with Database Management (which is different from Database Administration -DBA) and then onto Business Systems Analysis. My goal was to learn how to best understand the underlying framework of any given software program, determine its place in the company's architecture, and compare/contrast with the company's long term goals. The types of questions I would answer: does the program provide all the needed functionality the company wants? [does it allow the company to have all the customer data needed for proper business measurements, analytics, forecasting, and business plan trajectory?] If/when the answer is no, identify what is "missing" [it may not even be known it is missing because it is something the company hasn't yet considered it needed] and how can that information be obtained and used?
Another part of my journey encompasses business measurements and metrics. How many [x-like phone calls, orders, shipments] were processed correctly versus had issues? How many times did a customer contact the company before their issue/request was completed? Why was the request not completed the first time the customer contacted the company? Is it a problem with the way we talked/communicated with the customer?
This list of questions can go on and on and on. It all boils down to this... what makes you want to do computer science? Do you even known the answer to this question? I mean that in the most innocent way possible. It took me more years than I will admit to figure out what I wanted to do, and once that decision was made, my life changd for the better immediately.
Best wishes to you and your journey. I look forward to hearing more about which direction you take.
Give yourself time, over many days, to think about what part of Computer Science intrigues you, makes you smile, or give you satisfaction.
Research schools offering the types of CompSci careers in which you are interested. Do not stop at one or two. There are so many options available.
Ensure the higher education institution you choose is an Accreditted school, meaning your efforts and the certificate you receive at the end holds high regard with most employers.
Consider non-profit schools in addition to for-profit. They often have similar course work yet one is less expensive than the other.
It is okay to change your mind after you have started done one path. If you choose path A and then decide it doesn't fit well, change your path. There is no one answer, it is your choice for your life.
My path started with Database Management (which is different from Database Administration -DBA) and then onto Business Systems Analysis. My goal was to learn how to best understand the underlying framework of any given software program, determine its place in the company's architecture, and compare/contrast with the company's long term goals. The types of questions I would answer: does the program provide all the needed functionality the company wants? [does it allow the company to have all the customer data needed for proper business measurements, analytics, forecasting, and business plan trajectory?] If/when the answer is no, identify what is "missing" [it may not even be known it is missing because it is something the company hasn't yet considered it needed] and how can that information be obtained and used?
Another part of my journey encompasses business measurements and metrics. How many [x-like phone calls, orders, shipments] were processed correctly versus had issues? How many times did a customer contact the company before their issue/request was completed? Why was the request not completed the first time the customer contacted the company? Is it a problem with the way we talked/communicated with the customer?
This list of questions can go on and on and on. It all boils down to this... what makes you want to do computer science? Do you even known the answer to this question? I mean that in the most innocent way possible. It took me more years than I will admit to figure out what I wanted to do, and once that decision was made, my life changd for the better immediately.
Best wishes to you and your journey. I look forward to hearing more about which direction you take.
Stef recommends the following next steps:
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2710
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest in Computer Science. There are many careers relared to Computer science. Have yiu thought about what you have interest ?
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out mote Computer Science related careers, eg web developer, AI Engineer,LLM Engineer, Apps Developer, ERP Developer, Application Support, Database Administrator, etc. You can find out more online
2. Find out more on these subjects and determine what yiu have interest
3. Attend the information sessions hosted by computer science department of colleges
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of computer science in college
6. Select the relevant subjects in computer science course
Hope this helps ! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out mote Computer Science related careers, eg web developer, AI Engineer,LLM Engineer, Apps Developer, ERP Developer, Application Support, Database Administrator, etc. You can find out more online
2. Find out more on these subjects and determine what yiu have interest
3. Attend the information sessions hosted by computer science department of colleges
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of computer science in college
6. Select the relevant subjects in computer science course
Hope this helps ! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
118
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hello Odel,
As with any other subject you would like to understand - ask a lot of questions. What do you know about this topic right now? How did you learn that? What's the next question you have? Who do you know that might be able to answer it? Think about books and magazines that might have some of the answers.
Write a program - any language. How do you get the program to run on your computer. Don't think about the program. Think about all the things that must happen so you can write and run that program.
Take an old junk computer apart. Do you know why each part is there? Start asking questions about that. If you are curious enough, you will find the answer.
If you have fun doing any of that.....it might turn into a career for you.
Good luck and good hunting, Odel!
As with any other subject you would like to understand - ask a lot of questions. What do you know about this topic right now? How did you learn that? What's the next question you have? Who do you know that might be able to answer it? Think about books and magazines that might have some of the answers.
Write a program - any language. How do you get the program to run on your computer. Don't think about the program. Think about all the things that must happen so you can write and run that program.
Take an old junk computer apart. Do you know why each part is there? Start asking questions about that. If you are curious enough, you will find the answer.
If you have fun doing any of that.....it might turn into a career for you.
Good luck and good hunting, Odel!
Sijoy Sagar
Program Manager
133
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sijoy’s Answer
Hi Odel,
It's fantastic that you ae curious about computer science. Curiosity is the perfect way to begin. Computer science might seem big at first, but you can take it one step at a time. I was curious about computers too when I was younger.
Getting Started with Computer Science:
1. Start with the Basics: Learn programming basics. Python is a great language for beginners.
2. Online Courses: Check out platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn for free or low-cost courses. A good one to start with is Harvard’s “CS50: Introduction to Computer Science.”
3. Practice Regularly: Try small projects like making a calculator, a simple game, or a website. Practicing helps you remember what you learn.
4. Math & Logic: Improve your problem-solving and logical thinking. Even simple algebra and logic puzzles can be helpful.
5. Explore Areas: Computer science covers many fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering. As you learn, you'll find what interests you most.
Helpful Skills:
1. Problem Solving: Break big problems into smaller, manageable steps.
2. Persistence: Debugging can be tough, but patience is key.
3. Collaboration: Many projects involve teamwork, so communication is important.
4. Creativity: Finding new ways to use technology makes it exciting.
My Advice: You don't need to learn everything at once. Start small, keep practicing, and let your curiosity lead you. Over time, you will gain both confidence and skill. Computer science is about more than just coding, it's about thinking in structured, creative ways. Best of luck, and feel free to ask if you have any questions.
It's fantastic that you ae curious about computer science. Curiosity is the perfect way to begin. Computer science might seem big at first, but you can take it one step at a time. I was curious about computers too when I was younger.
Getting Started with Computer Science:
1. Start with the Basics: Learn programming basics. Python is a great language for beginners.
2. Online Courses: Check out platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn for free or low-cost courses. A good one to start with is Harvard’s “CS50: Introduction to Computer Science.”
3. Practice Regularly: Try small projects like making a calculator, a simple game, or a website. Practicing helps you remember what you learn.
4. Math & Logic: Improve your problem-solving and logical thinking. Even simple algebra and logic puzzles can be helpful.
5. Explore Areas: Computer science covers many fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering. As you learn, you'll find what interests you most.
Helpful Skills:
1. Problem Solving: Break big problems into smaller, manageable steps.
2. Persistence: Debugging can be tough, but patience is key.
3. Collaboration: Many projects involve teamwork, so communication is important.
4. Creativity: Finding new ways to use technology makes it exciting.
My Advice: You don't need to learn everything at once. Start small, keep practicing, and let your curiosity lead you. Over time, you will gain both confidence and skill. Computer science is about more than just coding, it's about thinking in structured, creative ways. Best of luck, and feel free to ask if you have any questions.