CS50's Introduction to Computer Science

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Overview

An introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming.

What you'll learn

A broad and robust understanding of computer science and programming
How to think algorithmically and solve programming problems efficiently
Concepts like abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development
Familiarity in a number of languages, including C, Python, SQL, and JavaScript plus CSS and HTML
How to engage with a vibrant community of like-minded learners from all levels of experience
How to develop and present a final programming project to your peers

Skills you'll practise

Security Software Finance C (Programming Language)Computer Science Resource Management Data Structures Algorithms Forensic Sciences JavaScript (Programming Language)SQL (Programming Language)HyperText Markup Language (HTML)Python (Programming Language)Cryptography Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

One of the best-taught programming courses in the world, by David J. Malan and his team.
Problem sets are real projects that stay on your GitHub.
Free certificate from CS50 when you finish on cs50.harvard.edu (the edX certificate is paid).
Active community on Discord, Reddit and Ed for help at any hour.
University courses you can audit for free, with lectures, readings and practice quizzes.
A verified certificate from the university if you pay for it.
Taught by Harvard University, one of the strongest names in its field.
7,500,318 learners have taken it, so help and notes are easy to find.

Disadvantages

Problem sets are hard and take far longer than the videos; plan 10–20 hours a week.
Lectures are long (about 2 hours each).
Graded assignments and the certificate need the paid track.
Audit access can expire a few weeks after the course ends.
Learning is free, but the certificate costs money.
Some parts (graded work, certificate) are paid.
A big commitment: about 12 weeks, 5 - 14 hours per week in all.

Some points apply to every course of this kind; see how we rank.

Free to audit

Free: Choose "Audit this course" when you enrol: lectures, readings and practice are free.
Paid: Graded assignments and the verified certificate. Audit access may end after the course closes.

Before you start

None.

Taught by

David J. MalanGordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science
Doug LloydSenior Preceptor in Computer Science
Brian YuSenior Preceptor in Computer Science

Harvard University is in Tier 1: world-leading universities and India's top institutes of our institution ranking (98/100). CS50 and HarvardX are among the best-taught courses anywhere.

Get the course link

Enter your email and we'll send a 6-digit code to confirm it. Then the link appears here. Phone is optional.

Go to the course

Opens edx.org

PlatformedX

UniversityHarvard University

PriceFree to audit

CertificatePaid certificate

LanguageEnglish

Time12 weeks, 5 - 14 hours per week

PaceSelf-paced

LevelBeginner

Learners7,500,318

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