What Is Programming? And How To Get Started
January 28, 2025
Article · 6 min read
Recommended experience
Intermediate level
Programming experience with at least one modern high-level programming language such as: JavaScript, Java, C, C++, Swift, Go, Kotlin.
Recommended experience
Intermediate level
Programming experience with at least one modern high-level programming language such as: JavaScript, Java, C, C++, Swift, Go, Kotlin.
Use Rust package manager Cargo to build applications
Write code with Rust syntax and data constructs
Apply Rust concepts of ownership, memory safety, and error handling
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Only available on desktop
Do you know that according to surveys, Rust is one of the most admired computer programming languages for 8 years in a row? Rust is a language that is prized for its performance, memory safety, and concurrency, making it ideal for today’s cloud-based computing world. It is used by major technology companies such as Microsoft and Github.
In this 1-hour long project-based course, your Rust learning journey will take off with the fundamental concepts and language syntax of Rust. We will do this by building a command line interface tool that calculate distances between cities. At the end of the course, you will be able to use Rust to create and build other projects. This course is aimed at learners who have at least intermediate level proficiency with at least one modern high level programming languages such as JavaScript, Java, C, C++, Swift, Go, Kotlin. As we will leverage that knowledge and further explore Rust’s unique features.
In a video that plays in a split-screen with your work area, your instructor will walk you through these steps:
Task 1: Introduction, Project Overview and Setup
Task 2: Print Application Title
Task 3: Parse Command Arguments and Add City Data
Optional Practice Task 1: Troubleshoot a Rust Application
Task 4: Validate Arguments and Handle Errors
Task 5: Lookup City Codes in City Data
Task 6: Write Function to Calculate Distance
Optional Practice Task: Prevent Same City Codes
Task 7: Refactor and Build Release Version
Optional: Cumulative Challenge: Create a CLI Application to Count Characters
Programming experience with at least one modern high-level programming language such as: JavaScript, Java, C, C++, Swift, Go, Kotlin.
The Coursera Project Network is a select group of instructors who have demonstrated expertise in specific tools or skills through their industry experience or academic backgrounds in the topics of their projects. If you're interested in becoming a project instructor and creating Guided Projects to help millions of learners around the world, please apply today at teach.coursera.org.
Skill-based, hands-on learning
Practice new skills by completing job-related tasks.
Expert guidance
Follow along with pre-recorded videos from experts using a unique side-by-side interface.
No downloads or installation required
Access the tools and resources you need in a pre-configured cloud workspace.
Available only on desktop
This Guided Project is designed for laptops or desktop computers with a reliable Internet connection, not mobile devices.
Duke University
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Edureka
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Edureka
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By purchasing a Guided Project, you'll get everything you need to complete the Guided Project including access to a cloud desktop workspace through your web browser that contains the files and software you need to get started, plus step-by-step video instruction from a subject matter expert.
Because your workspace contains a cloud desktop that is sized for a laptop or desktop computer, Guided Projects are not available on your mobile device.
Guided Project instructors are subject matter experts who have experience in the skill, tool or domain of their project and are passionate about sharing their knowledge to impact millions of learners around the world.
You can download and keep any of your created files from the Guided Project. To do so, you can use the “File Browser” feature while you are accessing your cloud desktop.
Guided Projects are not eligible for refunds. See our full refund policy.
Financial aid is not available for Guided Projects.
Auditing is not available for Guided Projects.
At the top of the page, you can press on the experience level for this Guided Project to view any knowledge prerequisites. For every level of Guided Project, your instructor will walk you through step-by-step.
Yes, everything you need to complete your Guided Project will be available in a cloud desktop that is available in your browser.
You'll learn by doing through completing tasks in a split-screen environment directly in your browser. On the left side of the screen, you'll complete the task in your workspace. On the right side of the screen, you'll watch an instructor walk you through the project, step-by-step.