Learning to Code in Chicago
What is coding?
PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
Java
- Runs fast.
- Embedded and cross platform application. Particularly interactive features in websites.
- Over 3 billion devices use Java.
C (C++, C#)
- One of the oldest programing languages (1972).
- Influenced C++ (1985) and C# (2000) which are extensions of the original program.
- Used for system programing and databases. Embedded systems such as car interfaces are often programmed in C.
Python
- Concise syntax. Shorter code needed to perform functions than other programs.
- Easier to learn than C and Java.
- Best for data science, AI, machine learning.
How do you pick which language to learn?
Which programming language should you learn?
Sources: https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/most-popular-programming-languages/
Education: Degrees and Certifications
Certification Program: A certificate demonstrates you have a single skill, often not granted by a university. Often take a few weeks to several months to complete.
University Program: Degrees take longer, there are different requirements for an Associates Degree (generally 2 years) and a Bachelors degree (generally 4 years).
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- Program Cost: Free
- Need an average of 6-8 hours of study each week for up to 6 months to complete coursework
- Students are expected to take the certification exam upon completion
- It is a synchronous class that meets weekly with an instructor/coach
Free Online Resources
Code Academy
Languages & Subjects
| HTML & CSS, Python, JavaScript, Java, SQL, Bash/Shell, Ruby, C++, R, C#, PHP, Go, Swift, Kotlin | Web Development, Data Science, Computer Science, Developer Tools, Machine Learning, Code Foundations, Web Design, Game Development, Mobile Development, Data Visualization, Full Catalog |
Code Academy
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| + Aesthetically pleasing courses. For paid service, only $20 per month. + Good guides for finding information. + Explains errors. |
- Reported bugs in some courses. Also reported it runs slowly occasionally. - No certifications |
Each certificate curriculum takes 300 hours to complete by submitting 5 required projects.
When coding, what is an extra benefit of creating projects?
Free Code Camp Certifications
- Responsive Web Design (HTML, CSS, Flexbox, CSS Grid)
- Algorithms and Data Structures (JavaScript.)
- Front End Libraries (React, Redux, Sass, Bootstrap, jQuery)
- Data Visualization (D3.js)
- APIs and Microservices (Node.js, Express.js)
- Information Security and Quality Assurance (Chai, Helmet.js, BCrypt, Passport.js)
Free Code Camp
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| + Completely free. + Grants legitimate certifications. + Project based, completed projects required in order to earn certifications. |
- Stylistically less pleasing to look at. - The “help” button opens on a chatroom. You will need to rely on past forum posts for answers instead. -No progress indicators. |
Paid version: $200 a month to get as many certifications as desired with personal instruction available.
Udacity
Languages & Subjects
| 187 Free Courses Python, AI, Machine Learning, Statistics, app development, Rapid Prototyping, Linear Algebra Refresher Course, and more |
59 Programs Hybrid Cloud Engineer, Development for Microsoft Azure, Data Science for Business Leaders, Introduction to Cyber Security, and more |
Udacity
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| + Stylistically pleasing to look at. + Code error notifications. + Great selection of free courses. App development for both Android and iOS not common. |
- $200 a month. - Paying a monthly subscription instead of paying by course is not suitable for everyone. |
IDE
Integrated Development Environment
IDE Features
- Text Editor: Autocompletion, spelling and syntax check
- Debugger: Will alert you to errors & suggest ways to fix them
- Refactoring: Will re-write code for you
- Libraries: Various libraries available to import
