What Is Programming? And How To Get Started
January 28, 2025
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This course is part of Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization
Instructors: Dr Edward Anstead
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This MOOC provides you with the foundational skill set required to write computer programs. If you are interested in learning how to write interactive, graphical programs from an introductory level in a real programming language, this is the course for you. You will begin by learning the basics of editing and running programs. Then you will learn how to create 2D graphics using shapes and coordinates. Finally, you will learn how to create interactive graphics that you can control with the mouse. You will even solve a set of interactive puzzles using your coding skills in the Sleuth game which has been created especially for this course. The course uses the Javascript language and the p5.js library.
In this topic you will learn about three key concepts: • The toolkit we will use to develop programs.• Drawing using simple shapes and 2D coordinates.• The process and experience of writing code.
8 videos7 readings2 assignments1 programming assignment4 discussion prompts
In this topic you will learn about three key concepts: • Set of 2D drawing functions in p5.js • Colour representation and styles • Debugging with the console
7 videos4 readings4 assignments3 discussion prompts
In this topic you will learn about three concepts: • Variables and data • Simple interaction • Code organisation
10 videos4 readings4 assignments3 discussion prompts
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
Instructor ratings
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
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Taking this course by University of London may provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors in a related degree program which can help you decide if the topic or university is right for you.
Taking this course by University of London may provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors in a related degree program which can help you decide if the topic or university is right for you.
University of London
Degree · 3 – 6 years
895 reviews
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Reviewed on Jul 12, 2020
Muy buen curso. Aprendes las bases necesarias para dibujar en un canvas. Lo demás se puede investigar directamente de la página de referencias de p5.js
Reviewed on Aug 29, 2022
It was exactly as advertised, for absolute beginners like me. It was interesting, and frustrating to code through this class, and thus, I learnt a lot from it.
Reviewed on Jul 19, 2021
It's worth the hard work. I'm insatiable for learning and need more impossible looking projects or games that Coursera designed to help the student really get into the world of computer programming.
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