Self Study Resources
Self-Study Resources for the Software Engineering with Java/AWS Specialization Program Coding Assessment
Below you will find a series of resources that can help you learn fundamentals of software development. There are physical books, text-based online courses, and video-based online courses. Each can help you prepare for the coding assessment you will need to complete as part of the admissions process for the Software Engineering with Java/AWS Specialization program. They are listed in no particular order and are not intended to be a comprehensive list of suitable resources.
As you review them, please recognize that everyone learns differently. That is why we selected a range of materials. If one learning resource does not work for you, try another. If JavaScript does not click for you, try Python. Or vice versa. Moreover, if it takes you longer to complete a course or exercise than a resource recommends, do not worry. You are doing well if you are learning and having fun.
As always, please let us know if there is any way we can help.
Resources
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A Smarter Way to Learn… books
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Myers, Mark. A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript: Learn it faster. Remember it longer. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014.
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Myers, Mark. A Smarter Way to Learn Python: Learn it faster. Remember it longer. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017.
These books introduce fundamental programming concepts and emphasize learning through repetition. They prioritize practice through short, repetitive exercises. They are available Amazon.com. See, also, the A Smarter Way to Learn website.
NOTE: Although there are other books in the “Smarter Way” series, only the JavaScript and Python books are appropriate to prepare you for the coding assessment.
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Take Your First Steps with Python by Microsoft
This online course introduces the basic syntax and thought processes necessary to build simple applications with Python. Students walk through a series of ten text-based learning modules to learn how to store and manipulate data, use some of Python’s built-in functionality, and use logic to control program flow.
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Introduction to Python Programming by Udacity
Learn fundamentals of the Python programming language with a series of video-based learning modules by Udacity. Represent and store data with Python data types and variables. Use conditional statements and loops to control the flow of your program. Work with Python libraries to extend the functionality of your code.
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Learn Code the Hard Way Courses
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Learn JavaScript the Hard Way (NOTE: At the time of this writing, the JavaScript course is not yet available.)
Designed for “complete beginners,” Learn Code the Hard Way courses take learners from “absolute zero” to programming in popular languages and understanding other programming books. This multimedia program offers several different languages.
NOTE: You may take either the Python or JavaScript course. The other courses will not adequately prepare you for the coding assessment.