Start Here

New to programming? You're in the right place. Here's the path.

1. Set up Python (once)

Before anything else, get Python working on your computer. The Install Python guide walks you through it on macOS, Windows, or Linux — no experience needed, about 15–20 minutes.

2. Pick a course

Head to the course catalog. If you've never programmed, start with CS 1050 — Computer Science 1. It assumes zero background and builds up from "what is a computer program?"

3. Learn by doing

Every unit has small, low-stakes exercises before any graded work, so you can check your understanding without pressure. Type the code yourself — don't just read it. That's where the learning happens.

4. Get unstuck the right way

When something breaks (it will — that's normal), note three things: your operating system, the exact command you ran, and the exact error text. That trio is what lets anyone help you fast. Using an AI tutor to explain an error is fair game; using it to write code you can't explain is not.

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Ready? Install Python, then open CS 1050.