How to Talk Like a Programmer Without Being One

Name: How to Talk Like a Programmer Without Being One
Rating: 4.4 (42 reviews)

Bridging the Communication Gap in Tech Teams

Created byScott Tremaine

Last updated 6/2025

English

What you'll learn

Understand basic programming concepts and terminology, enabling effective communication with developers.
Grasp the essentials of common programming languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript.
Learn key aspects of the software development process, including Agile and Scrum methodologies.
Develop skills to ask precise, informed questions to developers and interpret their technical responses.

Course content

4 sections • 12 lectures • 1h 59m total length

Introduction to the Course2:06
The Language of Programming23:23
Dive into the world of programming with this video, "The Language of Programming." Designed specifically for those new to the tech field or working closely with IT teams, this video is your first step towards fluency in the language of programming.
What You Will Learn:
Essential Programming Terms: Get familiar with key programming terms like 'algorithm,' 'code,' 'bug,' and many more. Understand these concepts through clear, concise explanations.
Real-World Applications: See how these terms are used in everyday programming scenarios, helping you bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Enhanced Communication: Gain the confidence to communicate effectively with developers and IT professionals, using the correct terminology in the right context.
By the end of this video, you'll have a comfortable grasp of basic programming terminology, paving the way for more effective communication and collaboration in tech environments. Join us on this journey to demystify the language of programming and become a more tech-savvy professional!
Terminology match-up
Understanding Programming Logic11:24
Venture further into the mechanics of programming with this lesson, "Understanding Programming Logic." Tailored for individuals new to tech or those who collaborate with IT and development teams, this lesson guides you through the foundational elements of programming structures.
What You Will Learn:
Introduction to Logical Structures: Discover the role of conditional statements and loops in programming. Learn how these logical constructs guide the flow of a program, similar to the steps taken when packing for a vacation.
Flowchart Fundamentals: Visualize programming structures with flowcharts. See how each shape in a flowchart corresponds to specific parts of the logic, providing a clear path from start to finish.
Applying Logic Through Exercises: Engage in practical exercises to create flowcharts that represent real-life processes, reinforcing your understanding of programming logic.
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to conceptualize the flow of a program using logical structures and flowcharts, setting a strong foundation for further learning in programming. Join us to navigate the logic behind the code and elevate your technical collaboration skills!
Map Your Morning Routine
The Landscape or Programming Languages6:14
Venture into the diverse ecosystem of coding with this lesson, "The Landscape of Programming Languages." Designed for individuals starting their tech journey or those working alongside IT and software development teams, this lesson provides a bird's-eye view of the most influential programming languages shaping our digital world.
What You Will Learn:
Python, Java, JavaScript, and C#: Understand the unique features and syntax of each language and why they are chosen for specific types of projects.
Industry-Specific Applications: Discover how these languages drive innovation in various sectors, from web development to artificial intelligence.
By the end of this lesson, you'll have a foundational understanding of the key programming languages used in the industry today. You'll be able to identify which language fits particular tasks and why it's important to choose the right one for your development goals. Join us as we unravel the complexities of programming languages and enhance your toolkit for the tech landscape ahead!
Reading Basic Code Snippets12:40
Venture deeper into the building blocks of programming with this lesson, "Reading Basic Code Snippets." Designed for those new to the technical world or those who work alongside IT and development teams, this lesson offers a gentle introduction to understanding the fundamental aspects of programming logic.
What You Will Learn:
Decoding Logic in Code: Learn to identify the role of conditional statements and loops, and see how they direct the flow of a program.
Recognizing Patterns: Understand how to recognize and interpret common patterns found in code snippets.
Analyzing Functionality: Discover how to read and deduce the purpose of code segments, which is vital for effective technical communication.
By the end of this lesson, you will have gained the skill to read and understand the basic structure of programming constructs, equipping you with the knowledge to better collaborate and communicate within a tech environment. Join us to demystify code snippets and grow your ability to engage with technical teams.
Code Snippet Identification Challenge

The Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)15:13
Venture into the structured world of software creation with this lesson, "The Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)." Tailored for those new to the tech realm or those collaborating closely with IT and development teams, this lesson demystifies the comprehensive process behind software development.
What You Will Learn:
Understanding the Phases: Grasp the purpose and activities of each SDLC phase, from requirements gathering to maintenance.
Sequential Progression: Learn how each phase flows into the next, ensuring systematic development.
Roles and Responsibilities: Discover the key roles involved in the SDLC and what is expected at each phase.
Quality and Testing: Understand the importance of testing at various stages to guarantee software quality.
Transitioning to Live Environment: Explore the final steps of deploying software to a live environment and the ongoing support that follows.
By the end of this lesson, you'll comprehend the life cycle that every piece of software undergoes from conception to release. Equipped with this knowledge, you'll be prepared to communicate effectively with development teams and contribute to the software development process in a tech environment. Join us to unravel the phases of the SDLC and enhance your ability to navigate the complexities of software projects.
SDLC Review
Agile and Scrum Basics12:52
Dive into the dynamic world of Agile methodologies with this lesson, "Agile and Scrum Basics." Designed for individuals new to tech or those collaborating with IT and development teams, this lesson breaks down the Agile approach to software development and the specific practices within the Scrum framework.
What You Will Learn:
Agile Foundations: Understand the key principles of Agile that prioritize flexibility, collaboration, and customer feedback.
Scrum Roles Explained: Get acquainted with the specific roles in Scrum—Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team—and their unique contributions to the project.
Scrum Ceremonies Unveiled: Discover how events like Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Reviews, and Sprint Retrospectives keep the project on track and team members aligned.
Scrum Artifacts: Learn about the tangible deliverables in Scrum, such as the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and the Increment, and how they facilitate progress and transparency.
Embracing Change: See how Scrum embraces change throughout the development process, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation.
By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a solid grasp of how Agile promotes a nimble and customer-centric approach to project management and how Scrum implements these principles through its structured yet flexible framework. This knowledge will empower you to support and collaborate effectively with Agile teams. Join us to unpack the essentials of Agile and Scrum, and take your first step towards Agile proficiency!
Version Control Systems13:31
Dive into the world of Version Control Systems. This lesson is designed for individuals new to the tech industry or those working closely with IT and development teams, providing an essential understanding of the systems that manage changes and collaboration in software development.
What You Will Learn:
Version Control Basics: Grasp the core concepts of Git as a system for tracking changes and managing project versions.
GitHub for Everyone: Explore how GitHub serves as a collaborative platform for code management and team interaction.
Real-World Applications: See how version control is used in project management, beyond just coding.
By the end of this lesson, you'll have a clear understanding of how version control with Git and GitHub plays a vital role in software development and project management. You'll learn why these tools are indispensable for developers and non-developers alike, providing the foundation for efficient and effective collaboration. Join us to uncover the fundamentals of version control and enhance your ability to participate in tech projects.
Git with the Program
Development Environments and Code Editors10:04
Venture into the workspace of developers with this lesson, "Development Environments and Code Editors." Designed for individuals who may not write code but wish to understand the spaces where software is brought to life, this lesson provides an essential overview of the tools that shape our digital world.
What You Will Learn:
IDE and Code Editor Basics: Uncover the difference between Integrated Development Environments and simpler, more focused code editors.
Tour of Features: Familiarize yourself with the typical layout and tools you'll find in these environments, such as text editors, debuggers, and extensions.
Cross-discipline Utility: Discover how these tools are useful not just for developers but for project managers, designers, and other roles.
By the end of this lesson, you'll have a foundational understanding of the digital environments where developers spend their time creating and refining software. Whether you're in management, design, or any other non-developing role, you'll learn how these tools enable efficient project collaboration and provide insight into the technical aspects of software creation. Join us to demystify the interfaces where ideas are transformed into applications, enhancing your ability to communicate with tech teams.

Effective Communication with Developers8:00
Venture into the world of tech communication with this lesson, "Effective Communication with Developers." Designed for individuals who may never write a line of code but need to work effectively with those who do, this lesson provides essential strategies for clear and constructive dialogue with IT professionals.
What You Will Learn:
Asking Good Questions: Learn the techniques for crafting clear, concise, and targeted questions that get to the heart of technical issues.
Enhancing Clarity: Discover how to refine your inquiries to facilitate understanding and prompt action, even when dealing with complex technical subjects.
Collaboration Techniques: Gain insight into fostering a collaborative environment with developers through respectful and informed questioning.
By the end of this lesson, you'll be equipped with the communication tools necessary for effective collaboration in technology-driven environments. Join us to unlock the secrets of engaging with tech teams and bridging the gap between technical and non-technical realms!
Series Wrap Up3:48

Requirements

Basic Computer Literacy: Familiarity with operating a computer, using the internet, and basic software applications.
Willingness to Learn: An open mind and the willingness to engage with new concepts and terminologies.
Basic English Proficiency: The course will be conducted in English, so a basic understanding of the language is essential for comprehension and participation.
Note-taking Tools: Whether digital (like a note-taking app) or traditional (like pen and paper), tools for taking notes can be helpful.

Description

In addition to the training videos you'll find here, I've created a library of free eBooks covering a wide range of topics in the tech industry. You can explore this ever-growing collection on the Breakpoint Coding website.

In today’s tech-driven world, effective communication between technical and non-technical team members is crucial for success. "How to Talk Like a Programmer Without Being One" is designed to bridge this communication gap. This course demystifies the complex language of programming and software development, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical background.

Throughout this course, you will embark on a journey to understand the foundational concepts of programming, the basics of popular programming languages, and the intricacies of the software development process. From understanding basic programming terminology to navigating version control systems like Git and GitHub, this course covers essential topics to enhance your communication with developers.

You'll learn not just to understand the language, but also to ask insightful questions and interpret responses in a technical context. With a mix of interactive content, real-world examples, and practical exercises, the course is designed to be engaging and applicable to everyday work scenarios.

This course is perfect for project managers, product owners, business analysts, or any non-technical professionals working in IT or tech-centric environments. No programming knowledge is needed. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to confidently navigate technical discussions and contribute more effectively to your team's success.

Join us to bridge the gap between coding and communication, and empower yourself to speak confidently in the language of technology.

Who this course is for:

This course is designed to be beginner-friendly and does not require any technical background or prior experience in programming. It's tailored to help anyone interested in understanding the basics of programming language and software development culture, thus facilitating better communication within tech-driven environments.

How to Talk Like a Programmer Without Being One

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction to Programming Concepts5 lectures • 56min

The Development of Software4 lectures • 52min

Final Thoughts2 lectures • 12min

Stay In The Loop1 lecture • 1min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: