
This course includes our updated coding exercises so you can practice your skills as you learn.
See a demo
Learn what computers are, be able to explain the difference between a calculator and a computer, and understand what programming is and how to begin learning it in the context of what we just learned about computers.
Be able to describe the two primary tools in a programmer's toolbelt, why they are important, and how they relate to the general reasons we use computers in the first place.
Learn how arrays and loops work together, what an iteration variable is, and how to make use of it.
Learn what variables are, how to assign values to them, how these assignment statements are evaluated by the computer, and how to declare variables.
Learn about different variable data types and which one you should choose depending on what you want to use your variable for.
Learn about how computers process code, and how you can process it the same way. You will get a better idea of how to think through code and understand how needs to be put together.
Learn all about functions - how to understand them, how to write them, and when you might need to create them.
Fill in the last missing piece of your foundational programming knowledge - scope. It can be a little complicated, but don't worry too much. You already got past the big stuff! You're nearly done.
Final send-off and congratulations for completing the course.
This course gives you the best start in learning computer programming by covering the fundamentals that every student struggles with. You'll first look at the two most basic and fundamental tools in a programmer's tool belt. The course then moves on and looks at some equally basic but less important concepts to round out your knowledge. There's also no fluff and we dive straight into it, and it's a fairly short course. While the course touches on some Java code here and there, the principles you are learning apply in very much the same way to every programming language. This way, you don't get tripped up by technical syntax details and picky stuff that's specific to just one language. Instead of wondering what all those errors mean, you'll be able to understand and edit your code with confidence. You can benefit from the instructor's many years of tutoring experience, seeing student after student struggle with these same concepts, no matter the language. Rest assured you'll be learning how to program the right way from the very start. The course includes lectures, quizzes, and coding exercises to help ensure that you remember and fully understand what you've learned and will be able to take it with you into your next programming adventure.