My Quest for Coding Literacy As a Business Professional
TL;DR: I developed basic coding skills over 6 months with the following FREE resources. Sharing for anyone who aspires to develop coding literacy with 0 prior knowledge. (Difficulty indicated by✨)
- Code in Place by Stanford Univeristy. Easy, digestible, python courses with Kagel and Graphics coding. ✨✨
- CS50’s Intro to CS by Harvard University. Scratch, C, Python, Html, etc. Problem sets and Labs took many hours to complete. Definitely not easy. ✨✨✨✨✨
- Google’s Generative AI Learning Path. Helpful to understand the basics and working terms of generative AI such as encoder, decoder, and transformers. ✨✨
- Crash Course Computer Science. Easy, bite-sized YouTube videos about computer science concepts. ✨
- Google’s Python Class. Beginner python programming for those ready to geek out. ✨✨✨
Disclaimer: This article only represents my own personal opinion. I’m not compensated by or connected to any of these listed programs.
Intro
Last year I embarked on a new and exciting chapter of my career at Google. Tasked with the challenge of commercializing Google AI through strategic partnerships, my role brought me in close collaboration with some of the world’s most brilliant AI researchers and product managers. As I delved into this dynamic and ever-evolving field, one thing became clear: to excel in this role and provide invaluable support to my colleagues, I needed to become more proficient in AI.
The dynamic world of artificial intelligence demanded that I enhance my technical prowess. I was working alongside experts in the field, and the need to understand the nuts and bolts of AI became evident. This need sparked my interest in acquiring technical skills and deepening my understanding of coding, which led me to explore resources and courses aimed at improving my code literacy.
And so my journey began — six months ago, I didn’t know much about coding at all. The world of programming languages, algorithms, and web development seemed like a distant universe. However, after taking advantage of the free online resources, I can proudly say today, “I code!”
Code in Place by Stanford University
As my first step, I enrolled in the Code in Place program offered by Stanford University. My goal was simple: to develop basic code literacy and bridge the gap between the technical and non-technical realms. The program’s promise of free, high-quality education was too enticing to resist.
Fast forward six weeks, and I found myself creating my own BreakOut game using Python. It was a proud moment, one that reflected the progress I had made on my coding journey. The ability to comprehend, modify, and debug code filled me with a sense of accomplishment.
I owe my newfound coding skills to the incredible dedication of Professors Mehran Sahami and Chris Piech, who offered this amazing program for free. Their carefully curated learning materials, released every Monday morning, turned every week into a new adventure of learning.
I can’t recommend this program enough to anyone looking to dive into the world of programming. It’s a fantastic starting point for programming newbies. Bonus: You also receive a free certificate.
CS50 by Harvard University
My coding journey didn’t stop after Code in Place. I was hungry for more knowledge, eager to explore the vast landscape of computer science. That’s when I discovered CS50 by Harvard University — another coding freebie!
Completing the CS50 computer science crash course was exhilarating. The journey took me from creating a simple game in Scratch to diving deep into the world of C and Python, algorithms, and even web development. It was a challenging learning experience, but it was also incredibly rewarding.
One of the most exciting aspects of completing this course was the opportunity to earn a free certificate. The quality of the education provided by Harvard was world-class, and I can’t thank them enough for making this knowledge accessible.
Generative AI Learning Path by Google Cloud
As my journey into the world of coding and AI continued, I stumbled upon a remarkable resource that further expanded my understanding and proficiency in the field: Google Cloud’s Generative AI Learning Path. This learning path is a treasure trove for anyone interested in delving deeper into generative AI, image generation models, and the intricacies of LLM (Large Language Models) and Encoder-Decoder architectures.
The Generative AI Learning Path provides a structured and comprehensive approach to grasping the nuances of generative AI. It’s not just about learning to code; it’s about gaining a profound insight into the creative power of artificial intelligence. It also offers the opportunity to earn badges and certificates, demonstrating my progress and expertise in these AI domains.
I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone interested in AI and coding should consider this learning path. It’s a valuable resource for both beginners and those looking to deepen their understanding of AI’s creative potential.
Crash Course Computer Science on YouTube
In my quest for knowledge and a desire to explore computer science concepts in an easy, approachable way, my experienced programmer friend recommended “Crash Course Computer Science” on YouTube. These easy, bite-sized videos serve as an invaluable resource for understanding the fundamental concepts of computer science. The engaging presentation and simplified explanations in each video made complex topics more digestible.
The YouTube series covered a wide range of computer science concepts, from algorithms and data structures to programming languages and the history of computing. It’s a fantastic supplementary resource for anyone looking to demystify the intricacies of the digital world.
Google’s Python Class
For Python enthusiasts ready to dive into the language headfirst, “Google’s Python Class” is the perfect starting point. This resource is designed for beginners, offering a structured introduction to Python programming. The content is presented in a way that makes it easy for anyone to grasp, even those new to coding.
The class covers fundamental Python topics, such as variables, strings, and lists, and gradually progresses to more advanced concepts. Whether you’re a Python novice or simply looking to refresh your skills, this class offers a fun and engaging way to explore the world of Python programming.
Conclusion
As I look back on my journey, I can’t help but be excited about what lies ahead. With newfound coding skills, and thanks to resources like these, I’m now better equipped to collaborate with technical colleagues, understand their work, and contribute to the fascinating world of AI and machine learning.
If you’re a coding newbie like I was, these courses and programs, alongside the informative YouTube series and Google’s Python Class, are fantastic starting points. They provide a holistic understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of technology, enabling you to embark on a journey of growth and self-discovery, just as I did. I can’t wait to see what the future holds, but one thing’s for sure: I’m now code-literate, and I’m here to support my colleagues and teammates better than ever before.
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