I'm considering taking Harvard's free CS50 or CS50P course to become more well-rounded and build some technical background. I don't currently need programming for a specific job or project, but I'd like enough understanding to potentially work more effectively with technical teams in the future. Has anyone had a good or bad experience with these courses? Are there other affordable ways to learn or practice that you would recommend?
5 Answers
CS50 is widely considered one of the strongest introductions to computer science. It covers more than just programming syntax, including problem-solving, data structures, and how computers work. It’s a solid way to build a broad foundation, especially if you want to understand technical concepts rather than immediately specialize.
It’s a great starting point, but don’t expect it to be effortless. The problem sets get harder quickly, and moving from watching a lecture to writing working code can be a big jump if you’ve never used a terminal or programming tools before. Stick with it, and don’t skip the shorter supplemental lessons or walkthroughs because they explain details that the main lectures may move past quickly.
There are several versions, so choose based on your goal. CS50x gives you a broader computer science foundation, while CS50P focuses more directly on learning Python. If you want theory and general background first, start with CS50x; if you mainly want to start writing Python programs quickly, choose CS50P. Doing CS50x followed by CS50P could also work well if you have the time.
Thanks! I’ll probably start with CS50x and move on to CS50P afterward if I’m enjoying it.
One course won’t make anyone an experienced programmer, but it can give you useful context for understanding why software is designed the way it is. Afterward, choose one language and practice with small problems or simple projects from books and free online resources. Consistent hands-on practice will help the material stick much more than watching lectures alone.
I took CS50 before university and found it valuable, especially the sections on data structures, linked lists, dictionaries, and problem-solving. Some exercises are challenging, but they teach you to think through problems instead of just memorizing code. It’s worth trying, as long as you give yourself time to work through the assignments rather than rushing through the course.
That sounds like what I’m looking for. I’m aiming for a project-manager level of understanding so I can communicate better with technical and business teams, not become an expert right away.