Hey everyone! I'm diving into self-studying computer science from the ground up, aiming to develop a job-ready skill set (think junior to mid-level). I want to grasp both core concepts and practical skills essential for a CS position. I'm looking for a clear and efficient roadmap that includes fundamental topics, coding practice, and system design — basically, the skills I'd need even if I'm not planning to apply for a job just yet.
Here's my current plan:
1. Core CS Fundamentals: I want to cover algorithms, data structures, operating systems, networks, databases, and computer architecture.
2. Programming Proficiency: I'm aiming to really get to know 1-2 programming languages, likely Python and JavaScript/TypeScript.
3. Project Development: My goal is to build real-world applications (both web and backend) and contribute to open-source projects.
4. System Design: I plan to learn about scalable architecture principles, database management, and cloud deployment.
I'll be using a mix of free online courses like CS50, MIT OCW, The Odin Project, and freeCodeCamp, along with various other resources.
I have a few questions I'd love your insights on:
- Is my roadmap practical? What would you suggest changing or adding?
- What are some of the best current resources for self-learning computer science (YouTube channels, blogs, platforms)?
- With the rise of vibe coding, what should self-learners focus on or skip?
- Any recommended tools for vibe coding?
- What common pitfalls should self-learners steer clear of?
I'd really appreciate any advice from those who've successfully self-studied CS or who work in the field. Thanks a ton!
1 Answer
Your roadmap looks solid! I suggest checking out the website roadmap.sh for some additional ideas and resources for each topic. While vibe coding can be easier, understanding what your code does is vital, so don’t just rely on AI solutions. Maybe shift focus to starting projects early and use tutorials mainly when you hit a wall.
Thank you for the tip!