By Betty Vandenbosch, Chief Content Officer at Coursera
Today, we are excited to welcome new industry partner Tencent Cloud to the Coursera partner community. As one of the world’s leading cloud providers, Tencent Cloud brings deep technical expertise to the Coursera learner platform. Over the coming months, the company will roll out a series of courses designed to help learners develop in-demand cloud skills, starting with the beginner-level Tencent Cloud Practitioner course available today.
Demand for cloud talent is projected to grow as organizations increasingly rely on cloud-driven technologies. Our new partnership aims to equip learners for these emerging roles, drawing from Tencent Cloud’s work developing cloud solutions for a wide range of sectors. The company has a notable presence globally, with a growing infrastructure network that now spans across 27 regions.
The new Tencent Cloud Practitioner course is designed for learners who want to kickstart their cloud career and familiarize themselves with the Tencent Cloud suite. The beginner-level course does not have any prerequisites and takes about eight hours to complete. It covers the different features, advantages, use cases, and billing methods of several core Tencent Cloud products. Learners will also explore the cloud basics needed to take the Tencent Cloud Practitioner exam. For $49, learners can access the full course experience, including video lectures, assignments, and quizzes, and receive a certificate upon completion to display on LinkedIn or share with an employer.
“As a leading cloud services provider in the world, we are committed to nurturing more talents and professionals in the cloud computing field by equipping them with the right skill sets and cloud foundation knowledge,” said Poshu Yeung, Senior Vice President of Tencent Cloud International. “We are delighted to collaborate with Coursera on this educational initiative, which will truly benefit our existing customers, partners as well as all industry practitioners.”
Tencent Cloud brings valuable experience providing industry-leading cloud solutions to a global audience. We’re thrilled to partner with Tencent Cloud to help learners develop the right technical skills to succeed in a rapidly changing digital economy.
Anthony Tattersall, Vice President EMEA at Coursera
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way we learn, teach, and work. What began as a short-term response to the crisis will likely result in an enduring digital transformation of higher education. As more jobs require digital skills, students and employers are increasingly looking to universities to prepare job-ready workers.
Today, I am excited to announce that 16 new universities and higher education institutions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa have embraced Coursera for Campus to serve their students. As these universities consider new ways to adapt, they have access to a high-quality, job-relevant content catalog of over 5,000 ready-made courses from more than 200 university and industry educators, including University of London, HSE University, Yale University, Google, and IBM on Coursera for Campus. Faculty can also author private courses and assessments.
Coursera for Campus is used by higher education institutions in three primary ways:
Professors assign a set of courses, for-credit — similar to an independent study.
As part of a university’s blended learning experience – offering the Coursera for Campus catalog as part of the institution’s combined campus and online teaching.
And finally, for non-credit, multi-disciplinary learning, to improve student employability upon graduation (especially in business, tech, and data domains).
In Russia, Coursera for Campus has seen five new partnerships in the last three months, including Tomsk State University, Tomsk Polytechnic University, Saint-Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, Finance University and Northern (Arctic) Federal University.
In France leading business schools such as Grenoble Ecole de Management – one of the top business schools in the country, are integrating Coursera for Campus into their learning experience.
Other markets where Coursera for Campus is gaining momentum in Europe include Austria, with two new partnerships during this period, including the University of Salzburg; SMC Education Group, headquartered in Malta and Austria, and Sofia University in Bulgaria.
“With Coursera for Campus, students at SMC Education Group will have access to high quality content that equips them with vital emerging skills delivered by big brand names,” said Markus Müller, Director of International Relations at SMC Education Group. “Students will be able to increase their knowledge in almost any discipline and link their learnings back in new ways to their relevant fields of study.”
Meanwhile, adoption in the Middle East and Africa continues to grow. A total of 6 universities had signed up to Coursera for Campus in the region by the end of March 2021, after three new partnerships in Q1. These include leading North African universities such as Hassan 2 University of Casablanca, one of the largest public universities in Morocco.
Students and faculty are also benefiting from a range of product innovations on the platform. For instance, faculty are leveraging skills development analytics on Coursera to track student progress and close employability gaps. They are also ensuring the online learning experience meets the academic rigor of campus learning with academic integrity features like plagiarism detection and deterrence. Students have more flexibility with mobile and offline learning. As many as 72 percent of Coursera for Campus students globally have accessed Coursera through mobile in the past year to download courses, synchronize progress and quizzes, take notes with highlights, and calendar sync – all optimized for low data consumption.
With the higher education landscape changing at an unprecedented pace all over the world, access to high-quality online learning will be critical in helping universities keep up with student needs. It’s an honour to partner with leading universities in EMEA to help them navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by a new world.
Meet Bernard. He’s a data strategist at PwC and a committed lifelong learner. After earning his double master degree, he subscribed to Coursera Plus, and has continued to study topics such as artificial intelligence, design, and professional development. Today, he’s taking a pause from his five years of consistent online learning to share some advice and tips—his focus in this article is on the importance of note-taking.
I began studying on Coursera after realizing that the “professional world” couldn’t satisfy my thirst for knowledge. For the past five years, I’ve continued to study for at least five hours per week. During this time, I have tested and improved my note-taking system as a means to better identify and remember information. I would have liked to have had this system from the beginning, as I’ve lost a lot of information because my note-taking system was incomplete!
In this post, I’ll talk about why I believe you need to take notes and how digital note-taking can take your studying to the next level. I’ll also provide my top takeaways for note-taking.
Why you need to take notes
My first course on Coursera was the great “Learning how to Learn” by Dr. Barbara Oakley and Dr. Terrence Sejnowski. I ended up having to take this course twice in three years because I hardly took any notes the first time and I had forgotten most of the concepts.
This led me to the conclusion that I was not remembering as much information as I wanted to. I realized four things in particular:
I was quickly forgetting most of the things I learned. I was even thinking I might have a memory problem because I was retaining so little information. But after some research, I felt reassured that I was normal.
I was struggling to explain what I’d learned in a clear and structured way. This happened even when I remembered what I’d learned. This meant I was not fully understanding the concepts in the first place.
I could only remember approximate details. Even when I remembered something and was able to explain it clearly, I often had to approximate dates, names, the exact function of certain concepts, and more. I didn’t like having to explain things with only approximate details.
I wasn’t applying my learnings right away. Even when I was starting to be really comfortable with a topic, I wasn’t finding the opportunities to apply my learnings immediately in real life. Sometimes, I wasn’t using new concepts until several months later. By that time, my knowledge was approximate again because I hadn’t been practicing or reviewing.
To try and address these problems, I started to take notes on paper. This helped me synthesize ideas and concepts, and I worked to improve my note-taking system month after month. For example, I started adding the names of Specializations in the top corner of my sheets and color coding different chapters. By the end of a 10-hour course, I’d usually have multiple pages of notes.
I recommend taking notes to help you remember information later. Otherwise, it’s my experience that you’ll forget the majority of what you’ve learned if you are not reviewing the course information. I also believe you should take notes to avoid having “shaded knowledge” (grey areas of knowledge with approximate details) about a subject that you think you know. Finally, I think you should take notes because the subject might become more and more useful as you progress in your life.
How digital note-taking can take your studying to the next level
After more than three years of exclusively taking notes on paper, I switched to computer note-taking. Today, I usually end up with around twenty pages of notes per course. What I realized is that, rather than just taking notes on the main points of a course, it was better to put more information down, and to use a clean structure.
I believe comprehensive note-taking is more valuable. For example, if you have to explain what you’ve learned to someone else, you’re going to need more than just keywords to rely on. Plus, if you have to go back to your notes to look for a certain detail, a clean system will help you retrieve what you’re looking for, and the more information you have in your notes, the more likely it is you’ll have the information you’re looking for. Finally, more information with a clean structure and hierarchy system will make your note-taking more qualitative and more precise, which in turn will make it easier for you to recall the material you’ve learned.
Using a computer for note-taking has many benefits. Here are four reasons of them:
It’s more practical. Having my notes on a computer cloud means I don’t have to carry a voluminous file folder around. I can have my “knowledge toolbox” (an online folder with thousands of pages of notes sorted by themes) at the ready whenever I need it.
Navigation is easier. The navigation pane of a word processor such as Google Docs or Word is a great tool for online note-taking. Using the title system, you can create a very structured document that follows the chapters of your online course.
It’s easier to find what you’re looking for. You can use the search function of a word processor to quickly find specific information. That’s not possible on paper and it can be frustrating when you can’t find the content you’re looking for.
You can include screenshots. The screenshot app of your computer or device can make your life easier when you have to reproduce matrices or schemes in your courses. A screenshot will always be better and faster than drawing something on paper.
I know it’s been said that it’s better to write notes on paper because you remember more information for longer when you have to write it out manually. I actually agree with that point. However, when you have hundreds of pages of notes from hundreds of different courses, computer notes are way more practical. It’s far easier for me to search through hundreds of files when I need information quickly than it is to comb through sheets and sheets of paper notes. So I make sure to pay close attention when I write on the computer—I’m careful about what I write, and I focus twice as hard, to make sure the information “prints” in my head.
My top takeaways for note-taking
I’d like to share some specific advice for making the most of note-taking on your computer.
Bold your keywords. This will make it easier to find what you’re looking for when you’re reviewing your notes later.
Highlight important text. You can even use color coding. For example, I highlight names in purple, book names in red, and interesting concepts in blue. This makes it easier to search later, and it also helps me stay attentive while I’m writing.
Write notes in your own words. This will help you actually understand the concept as opposed to just repeating something you’ve just heard.
Create a useful structure. Having your titles align with the structure of the course is an efficient way to organize your notes.
Prioritize. You don’t just want to write everything down, but how do you know what’s important? I ask myself three questions: is it important to me right now, will I need to know it in the future, and would I use this if I needed to teach this to someone else? If I answer yes to any of these questions, then I add the information to my notes.
Happy learning!
I believe note-taking is a great investment when you’re learning online, and I hope this article will help you in your quest for knowledge and in the construction of your “knowledge toolbox.”
By Madelyn Suennen, Industry Partnership Manager, Coursera
Coursera Conference 2021 is now complete, and we have the opportunity to reflect on what was a truly fantastic experience. I know I speak for us all when I say we are feeling excited, hopeful, and motivated to continue our shared mission of bringing world-class learning to every corner of the world.
With visionary industry leaders coming together around a common cause, sharing their insights and experiences, it is fascinating to see how certain themes emerge. These are the leaders that will continue defining the employment landscape in the coming years, and we can consider these themes as bellwethers of what the future holds. Here are just some of the themes we’d like to highlight for you.
Industry partners can use their expertise to train and upskill people from non-traditional backgrounds, which leads to innovative job opportunities and outcomes.
We are seeing incredible demand for entry-level skills from top brands such as Google, Facebook, Salesforce, and more on Coursera. Over 950,000 learners—many from job seekers—have enrolled in our Entry-Level Professional Certificates in the last 12 months (as of May 2021).
Expanding access to world-class education is an essential part of improving career prospects for learners across the globe, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds and underserved communities. We know from the work so many of our industry partners are doing that companies can leverage the power of online learning to expand opportunity and reach. One conference session, entitled “Helping Job-Seekers Succeed with Gateway Professional Certificates,” focused on how job-aligned certificate programs can create diversified talent pipelines and drive tangible career outcomes. Saurabh Sanghvi, partner at McKinsey, shared that these innovations are reducing friction and increasing accessibility in the job market.
We are specifically seeing that Professional Certificates can provide gateways into entry-level roles. Certificate programs are emerging as a viable means for job-seekers to overcome obstacles and barriers associated with qualifying factors that have historically included university degrees. In a conversation focused on how Coursera partners create Professional Certificate programs, Jesse Haines, Director of Grow with Google, highlighted Google’s focus on “high-paying, high-growth fields that do not require a 4-year college degree and where Google has real expertise.”
Innovative organizations are partnering with Coursera to break down education barriers and increase representation in the workforce.
“We all have a unique position and the agency to drive and influence meaningful impact specifically in underrepresented communities, within our current brands, schools, businesses, and bodies of work.”
—Ralph Jean-Noel, Program Lead for Facebook Elevate and 2021
Speaking in a session entitled “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Online Education,” Ralph Jean-Noel spoke powerfully about our collective opportunity to create new pathways into jobs for people from underrepresented communities—opportunities that lead to meaningful career progress. These non-traditional pathways play a central role in driving diversity and inclusion initiatives for companies, and they represent an innovative solution for both employers seeking diverse talent and entry-level learners seeking jobs.
Ralph also shared one of Facebook’s most ambitious and diversity-oriented goals: Facebook has committed that by 2023, they will reach 1 million members of the Black community and 1 million members of the Latinx and Hispanic communities in the US with free training in digital skills through the Elevate program. Coursera is proud to partner with Facebook to work towards this goal through programs such as the Facebook Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate. Widely accessible and industry-recognized certificate programs, developed by organizations like Facebook, are increasingly important onramps into growing careers and diversified talent pipelines.
Stackable learning is the pathway to both jobs and degrees.
“Creating the right journey for learning is perfectly aligned with business objectives,” Ryan Keenan, Director of Product at DeepLearning.AI, said in conversation with Kheil McIntyre, Head of Industry Partnerships at Coursera. “What we’ve been working on [as an industry partner] is how to take courses, link them naturally to real-world outcomes, and help learners take the next step to apply to jobs or build their portfolio as a job candidate.”
Collaboration of this kind between industry and academia can help learners map out their education and career roadmap in a more connected way than previously possible. Stackability is essential to this kind of approach. On Coursera, offerings such as Specializations offer a way to “bundle” related courses together to create a focused path towards skills mastery and job readiness. In this way, learners can “stack” capabilities as they grow their skill set from foundational to advanced knowledge.
The concept of stackability also applies when we think about creating pathways into degree programs. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate, for example, is ACE® approved—learners who complete the program can earn up to twelve college credits. After learning the foundations of IT support in the program, learners can transfer those credits into the University of London Bachelors of Computer Science degree program, also on Coursera. The extensibility is ongoing. After entering the workforce, learners can continue to utilize Coursera to learn job-aligned skills that increase career mobility.
These are just some of the highlights from the conference, and we hope you’re feeling the same excitement we are about all the exciting and impactful initiatives that are underway. The innovation and vision that are being put to work to ensure the creation of a more equitable and rewarding future for all is both motivating and inspiring. To all our industry partners and conference participants, we thank you. And, if you’re not yet a partner, we encourage you to consider the possibilities of what we can achieve together.
My name is Sergio and I work as a research development engineer for BorgWarner Turbo Systems. I have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a master’s in materials engineering. I worked at BorgWarner for two years as an apprentice before deciding to take the IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate program on Coursera. Completing the IBM AI Engineering certificate has helped a great deal in advancing my career with BorgWarner and I think it was a major factor in obtaining my promotion. It absolutely gave me a competitive edge in the interview process.
One of the main reasons I decided to take the IBM program was because, during my time as a trainee, I had to do a lot of data analysis. I first approached the work by using Excel. I soon realized that, however, that many of the tests in the data were quite complicated and difficult to analyze without a sophisticated program. That pushed me to move past Excel and to try something new. The artificial intelligence and data analysis from this program were huge assets.
Now, as a Research Development Engineer, I am still using the skills and programming I learned during the program. Through the IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate program, I learned how to take what I would individually analyze in Excel and instead do it all automatically, saving a great deal of time and resources. It has helped us on more than one occasion to analyze a multitude of variables more efficiently. Learning how to find patterns across multiple projects has helped us identify logical solutions.
In my new role, it is one of my duties to clean up and structure the data from our projects. One of the challenges that I have been able to overcome is to be able to input this data automatically rather than analyze manually. This allows me more time and freedom to think about what patterns we’ve seen. We are able to pinpoint these models, and then I interpret and use my knowledge from the course and make logical conclusions and solutions.
One of the things I liked most about the program was how flexible it was. Anyone with a busy schedule or a full-time position can still take this course and learn at their own pace. I also greatly enjoyed the IBM Watson Studio hands-on labs that allowed me to truly immerse myself in the material and be able to apply it to real-life cases and projects.
I have already recommended this program to several colleagues. It’s designed in a way that people at any skill level can learn and benefit. The program starts at a basic level by teaching Python. From there, you’ll build up to working with different models and doing different hands-on projects that allow you to apply your newly acquired skills.
I am a firm believer in continuous learning and in finding ways to develop personally and professionally. The IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate program challenged me to explore new proficiencies and learn an applied skill that will grow more and more important as we progress as a society.
For the past eight consecutive years, JavaScript has been the most commonly used programming language by developers who responded to Stack Overflow’s annual survey. The language’s popularity stems largely from its versatility.
While originally designed for front-end development, JavaScript’s extensive list of associated libraries and frameworks have extended its utility. Now, you can use it for just about anything — including back-end, mobile, and game development. Below, we’ll delve into the reasons behind the language’s popularity and its many applications.
If you’d prefer to get right into and start learning how to code with JavaScript, check out our Learn JavaScript course.
Why is JavaScript so popular?
When it was first developed in 1995, JavaScript was intended to be a lightweight language used to make web pages more dynamic. It added simple effects, like showing and hiding elements with the click of a button — but it wasn’t long before developers realized that it could do much more.
In time, JavaScript became one of the few languages that could be used in just about every web browser. Today, most of those other languages have fallen by the wayside, leaving JavaScript as the only programming language that can be used in every popular browser.
The next big break for JavaScript came when developers started experimenting with it outside of web browsers. They applied it to the back end of web servers, where it processed the data used by the front end. After the rise of smartphones, it found use in multiple mobile development tools that create apps that run on both the Android and iOS platforms.
JavaScript is used in every industry to create all types of applications. Let’s take a closer look at its uses in web development, mobile development, game development, and more.
Front-end web development
Front-end developers use JavaScript (along with HTML and CSS) to create the parts of a web page that users see and interact with in their browsers.
Before JavaScript, web pages only served static content. JavaScript gave developers the ability to provide their users with a dynamic web experience, adding animations and other interactive elements. When you click a button on a website, and a side panel opens or a modal slowly comes into view, that’s JavaScript at work.
But JavaScript does more than that on the web. You can also use it to create single-page applications (or SPAs) that run on one HTML page to give users a smooth navigational experience.
Back-end web development
JavaScript is also popular with back-end developers. Back-end web development (also known as server-side development) involves creating the code that runs on a web server. When a browser loads a web page, it makes a call to a remote server. Server-side code then parses the page’s URL to determine what the user is requesting before retrieving and transforming the required data to serve back to the browser.
Node.js is a JavaScript framework commonly used for back-end development — so much so that many back-end JavaScript developers refer to themselves as Node.js developers.
You can also use JavaScript to create 2D and 3D video games that run in web browsers. As browsers get more powerful, web-based video games are evolving beyond simple platformers. Now, JavaScript frameworks like Phaser.js allow you to create more advanced games quickly and easily right from your browser.
Mobile development
For years, mobile developers had to commit themselves to either Android or iOS, as each platform uses different programming languages. Android developers would learn Java or Kotlin, while iOS devs preferred Swift or Objective-C.
Now, with the rise of mobile development frameworks like React Native and Ionic, you can use JavaScript to create apps that run on both platforms.
Virtual reality (VR)
Virtual reality is a thing again, as devices like the Oculus Rift and Valve Index have made it more generally accessible. Now, you can use JavaScript to create applications for both of them.
A-Frame is a popular JavaScript framework used to build virtual reality experiences in web browsers. If you’re interested in building your own VR applications, start by Learning A-Frame.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
JavaScript is also used to develop artificial intelligence, as libraries like TensorFlow bring the power of machine learning to JavaScript developers. Developers can use these libraries to create machine learning models that predict future events based on past data and categorize data and images.
Learn more about JavaScript
JavaScript is no longer just a programming language used to create neat effects in web browsers. It’s a well-respected, powerful language that’s climbed to the top of popularity charts over the past three decades.
JavaScript’s versatility and wide range of applications make it a valuable addition to any developer’s tech stack.Ready to start using it yourself? Learn its basics in our introduction to JavaScript. Or, if you’re looking for something more advanced, check out our full list of JavaScript courses and tutorials.
Creating a portfolio can be intimidating. You want it to be perfect, of course, knowing that it’ll serve as your first impression to prospective employers. But how do you know what to include?
Think of your web developer portfolio as a lasting resource that a potential employer can refer to when they need someone right away. They can also share it with other decision-makers or keep it on hand for when they need someone in the future.
Getting your web developer portfolio just right can ensure you make a good — and lasting — first impression. So, it’s important to know what to include, what not to include, and how your portfolio may differ based on the kind of web developer you are.
Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know and show you how to build a web developer portfolio that’ll help you stand out from the competition.
What should you include in your web developer portfolio?
While your portfolio should exemplify your capabilities, it’s also important that you don’t forget the details. Here are some things every web developer’s portfolio should have. Keep in mind that the following holds true whether web development is your primary skill or just one element of your full stack skillset.
Bio
Your bio is your chance to flesh yourself out as a person with information that, while valuable, might not fit in your resume. Highlight the elements of your professional story that make you unique. Include your hobbies, both related and unrelated to web development, to convey something about who you are.
Contact information
Add your contact information at the top of your portfolio so potential employers don’t have any trouble finding it when they want to schedule an interview. Along with your name, you’ll want to include:
Your phone number
Email address
Professional social media accounts
As this information is likely already in your resume or on LinkedIn, providing it in your portfolio won’t increase your risk of identity fraud or sacrifice your privacy. Some people also choose to share their mailing addresses, though that’s not required.
Projects and experience
When sharing your experience, include projects relevant not only to web development but to the job itself. For example, if the position involves creating e-commerce sites, you may not want to include a blog you made for your friend.
If you need help finding projects to include in your portfolio, check out our Career Paths. Each Career Path offers Portfolio Projects designed to illustrate your skills and knowledge related to:
While describing your projects, make sure you provide details. Every project has a story behind it, and you want to help the employer understand some of the nuances that made it — and the work you did — special. For example, you could discuss the company you did it for, the specifics of the project, and any challenges or problems you were charged with solving.
Adding images of your work, like screenshots of a website before and after your contribution, can also help illustrate your capabilities.
Your skills
While adding your skills to your portfolio, prioritize those that pertain directly to the job you’re applying for. You can also include skills that are generally useful, like proficiency with Excel or PowerPoint.
Keep in mind that the skills section can end up looking like a mundane list, so it’s best to lead with the skills you’ll need most to succeed in the role.
As a web developer, you’ll want to display your familiarity with programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, along with any libraries or frameworks you’ve added to your tech stack.
Added context for source code
While the code you’ve written may be flawless, it may look confusing even to a trained eye unless you explain what it’s for. This doesn’t have to be too complicated. If you choose to include links to your work in GitHub, for example, you can use the readme.md to input details about the code, the problem it solves, and the project as a whole.
Awards and recognition
Mentioning the acknowledgments you received for your work isn’t bragging — you’re simply stating facts. But, unless they’re included in the name of the award itself, leave out any superlatives. Saying things like, “I was awarded the prestigious title of Fastest Coder at Code Camp” may sound like you’re trying to inflate the accolade. “‘ Fastest Coder’ at Code Camp” in a bullet point would be sufficient.
What should you not include in your web developer portfolio?
Your portfolio should speak to your professional capacity, so it’s crucial that you avoid adding anything that could cause employers to question your professionalism. Some things that may detract from your web developer portfolio include:
Images that aren’t work-appropriate or of sufficient quality. If you do choose to include a picture, make sure you look professional and reliable. Your photos also shouldn’t be grainy or hard to make out.
Links to personal social media accounts with embarrassing content that would detract from the professional persona you’re trying to portray.
Recent work that doesn’t reflect your skills. If you’re fresh out of a coding class, an old high school example may show your professional growth. But something you threw together in a pinch may make you look like someone who prioritizes speed over quality.
How should your portfolio be different if you’re a front-end or back-end developer?
It goes without saying that you want your portfolio to illustrate your capacity in your desired field. While similar, there are several differences between a front-end developer and a back-end developer’s portfolio.
Front-end developer portfolio
As a front-end developer, you’ll need to showcase attractive pages that show you know how to make web pages that aren’t just functional but also aesthetically appealing. But, this doesn’t mean you should fill your portfolio with great-looking landing pages. You still have to show the work that went into each page or site.
Back-end developer portfolio
As a back-end developer, you’ll need to showcase the logic behind your creations. This is a crucial element of what a back-end developer does.
Annotating your code is a great way to help someone without a coding background understand how everything works. Your interviewer will probably understand the various dependencies of web applications. But, when they share your portfolio with the head of IT or CIO, you’ll want to make sure everything is explained clearly.
By following these tips, you can put your best foot forward, presenting a professional, polished product to interviewers. In this way, you can give yourself many chances to make a great first impression. To learn more about what it takes to be a web developer, check out our web development curriculum.
Data structures and algorithms are two essential components of computer science. Learn everything you need to know about these two concepts in our new course: CS102: Data Structures and Algorithms.
In March, we updated our Computer Science Career Path with content and modules designed to teach learners the foundations of programming. Now, we’ve taken it a step further by adding a new course: CS102: Data Structures and Algorithms.
Every application uses algorithms to transform and utilize data, so it’s vital that you understand how to structure your data properly. As Curriculum Developer Alisha Grama explains:
“Data structures are what your code is built with, and algorithms are how you tell your code what to do.”
Why?
Our Computer Science Career Path is designed to prepare you with all the knowledge and skills you’ll need for an entry-level position. As such, we’re constantly adding new courses and content to ensure it encompasses the same information you’d find in a degree program.
Along with CS102, we’ll also be releasing CS103, CS104, and CS105 later this year — so stay tuned!
How will this affect learners who have already completed the Computer Science Career Path?
You’ll retain the progress you’ve already made in the Path, but you may see a decrease in your completion percentage due to the new content in the course.
Who is the new course right for?
CS102 is the next step for learners who have already completed our CS101: Introduction to Programming. It could also serve as supplemental material for students enrolled in a university course on data structures and algorithms.
What will you learn from the course?
The first half of the new course contains conceptual articles and lessons that’ll deepen your understanding of data structures and algorithms. After building your foundation, you’ll apply your new knowledge by coding with Python.
Content from the new coursework covers topics including:
Nodes
Linked Lists
Doubly Linked Lists
Queues
Stacks
Hash Maps
Recursion
Asymptotic Notation
Pattern Searching
Sorting Algorithms
Brute Force Algorithms
Trees
Tree Traversal
Divide and Conquer Algorithms
Heaps and Heapsort
Graphs and Graph Search
Path Finding Graph Algorithms
Dynamic Programming
Recommendation System Portfolio Project
We’ve also added new quizzes and projects throughout the course to help cement your new knowledge, including a Portfolio Project that’ll illustrate your skills to prospective employers.
What skills will you take away from the course?
After completing the course, you’ll have a greater understanding of the advanced algorithms used for traversing, sorting, and pattern matching data. You’ll also be able to create and manipulate your own data structures, such as lists, queues, hash maps, and more. Lastly, you’ll learn how to analyze the space and time complexity of your data structures and algorithms.
Recap
We’ve added a new course, CS102: Data Structures and Algorithms, to our Computer Science Career Path. Data structures and algorithms are the next logical step to developing a foundation in Computer Science. Learners who are already enrolled in the Path will retain their progress, but their completion percentage will decrease because of the new content.
Web developers play a crucial role in our society. Responsible for developing and maintaining web pages, they’re behind all of our favorite websites, from Wikipedia to YouTube.
Today, practically every organization needs web developers to keep up with competitors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developers have a rapidly expanding job market, expected to continue rising by up to 8% by 2029. But why are web developers so essential? What exactly do they do? Below, we’ll walk you through a web developer’s responsibilities and skills, with tips on where you can get started.
Web developer job description
Web developers build websites that meet their company’s or client’s needs. To do so, they need two things:
The ability to create websites
The ability to discern how to satisfy a client’s needs using a web page
Think of a web developer as a “solutions architect.” First, they determine the best way to address the challenges faced by their client. Then, they design a website that meets their objectives.
This is one of the key differences between web development and web design. While web designers focus on a page’s layout and aesthetic, web developers are more concerned with structure, functionality, and efficiency and ensuring everything stays within budget.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics explains how web developers “develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.” To achieve this, web developers need to:
Meet with clients and IT teams.
Understand the company’s web hosting and security architecture.
Work with decision-makers to attain more resources if needed.
What skills do you need to be a web developer?
To be a web developer, you’ll need a mix of technical and soft skills. Technical skills, like proficiency with different programming languages, are those you’ll use to actually build websites. Soft skills, like good communication, are those you’ll use to work effectively with others and drive yourself forward as a professional. Below, we’ll look at the different skills web developers need and explain how they play a role in their daily responsibilities.
Technical skills
Three programming languages lie at the heart of every web developer’s tech stack: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. HTML creates a web page’s structure, CSS adds stylistic elements like colors and typography, and JavaScript enables interactivity. Together, these three languages form the foundation of web development.
Along with the languages listed above, web developers also use libraries and frameworks like jQuery and AngularJS to expedite development and add greater functionality to their web pages.
Strong communication skills
Web developers need to be good listeners. To truly understand a client’s core objectives and come up with an effective solution, you’ll need a patient, empathetic ear. You’ll also need to be able to communicate your own ideas in a way that compels your clients to take action. This may require proficiency with presentation tools like Excel and PowerPoint.
Web developers also need to know how to express complex ideas in simple terms without being condescending. Just like how you may not know the best way to route an exhaust pipe for a septic system, your clients may not understand the basics of web development. But with good communication skills, you can explain anything, including how it helps boost their bottom line.
A passion for learning
Like all technologies, the programming languages, libraries, and frameworks web developers use are constantly evolving. Having a passion for learning makes it easier to stay on top of the latest developments in the industry. Plus, it helps improve your capacity as a professional and ensures your skills are always in demand. When a new language pops up and gains popularity among potential clients and other developers, you won’t have to waste time playing catch up.
What kind of jobs do web developers have?
Web development encapsulates several different roles, and all of them involve coding, using predesigned development tools, or a combination of both. Let’s take a look at some of the most common jobs in web development.
User experience (UX) developers
UX designers are primarily concerned with a website or application’s end-users, whether they’re members of the general public or employees using a product designed specifically for their company. UX designers fine-tune the design, functionality, and even the marketing of a product to ensure the target users get what they need.
Front-end developers
Web pages consist of a front end that people interact with and a back end with resources the front end depends on to function. Front-end developers create an attractive, functional, efficient interface for the user. While discussing his responsibilities as a front-end engineer, John Pham explains that the role is great for “someone who enjoys being at the intersection of art and logic.”
Back-end developers
Back-end developers structure the back end of a website to adequately support the front-end experiences of users. This involves structuring the core logic of an application, implementing APIs (application programming interfaces), and building and integrating databases that support the front end. For more information, check out our article on the role and responsibilities of a back-end developer.
User interface (UI) designers
UI designers set out to create websites that look good from the user’s perspective. They need to understand how colors interact with each other and trigger emotions and how fonts communicate brand-central messages. UI designers make their clients’ wishes come true by providing an effective and attractive site that meets their users’ needs.
How do I become a web developer?
The first step in becoming a web developer is learning how to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. But knowing is only half the battle — you’ll also need practical experience. Once you get these tools under your belt, use them to build a website. Having a portfolio of websites you’ve created will help impress potential clients and employers when you’re looking for a job.
If you want to build all the skills you’ll need as a web developer, check out our Career Paths. Our Career Paths are designed to teach you everything you’ll need to know to land an entry-level position in your desired field. They also include projects that you can use to create a portfolio and certificates upon completion for you to add to your resume. Ready to get started? Click any of the links below.
After a long day of coding, sometimes you just want to kick back and relax — and what better way than with a movie? We reached out to our community in a forum post and asked our learners about their favorite coding-related films. Here’s what they shared.
WarGames
WarGames was the most highly recommended film among our community of learners. Starring Matthew Broderick, the movie follows a young high school student who inadvertently incites international conflict by triggering a military supercomputer while searching for a local game company.
WarGames is a great choice if you’re a fan of thought-provoking movies, as it raises questions about the use of AI in warfare. It also exemplifies the severity of nuclear war and the role of probability in machine learning.
The Social Network
Released in 2010, The Social Network was the second most highly-rated movie among our learners. The biographical film depicts the problematic origins behind Facebook, the world’s most popular social networking site.
After receiving a wave of buzz for its subject matter and A-list cast, including stars like Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake, the film went on to win Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing, along with several Golden Globes.
The Social Network sheds light on the development of Facebook, chronicling everything from Mark Zuckerberg’s first foray into web development to the lawsuits he faced from his co-founders and former business associates.
The Imitation Game
Tying for second place in our learners’ list of favorite movies, The Imitation Game portrays the life of Alan Turing, famous cryptanalyst and founder of the Turing Test. The film depicts Turing’s groundbreaking innovation during World War II as he struggles against foreign cryptography and the influence of homophobia, gender roles, and misogyny.
The Imitation Game stars celebrities like Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. After its release, it won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and the People’s Choice Award.
This movie is a must-see for anyone interested in machine learning, as the Turing Test has played a vital role in the conceptualization and development of artificial intelligence. Plus, Turing’s work contributed to the development of computer science and data manipulation, so it’s also an excellent movie for technology and history buffs.
The Matrix
No list of coding-related movies would be complete without The Matrix — a classic film set predominantly in a world entirely built of code. The Matrix follows Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, who finds himself pulled into (or made aware of) a post-apocalyptic dystopia in which AI rules the world.
The Matrix has long been considered one of the greatest sci-fi films of all time. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re definitely missing out — but you can get up to speed by streaming the movie on HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube.
To protect the world from hyper-advanced robots, we’ll need quality developers overseeing the creation of AI. Contribute to the Matrix-prevention efforts by learning the basics of machine learning.
Ex Machina
Fourth on the list of our learners’ favorite coding movies is Ex Machina. The film is set in modern times and follows a young software developer who wins the opportunity to perform the Turing Test on an android named Ava. All goes well as he travels to her holding facility, and he quickly finds himself fascinated with her — but things take a turn once he starts to question her creator’s motives.
Ex Machina is a personal favorite, as it raises some pertinent questions as we edge closer and closer to fully autonomous AI. Should such technology be considered sentient? If it is, how should this influence its utility?
Sneakers
Our last film is sure to appeal to coding enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists alike. Sneakers is a heist movie in which Martin, a young hacker and fugitive-in-hiding, is contacted by the NSA and tasked with recovering a device capable of decrypting any computer network or system.
Written by the screenwriters behind WarGames, the film is filled with suspense and betrayal as Martin and his team try to outmaneuver federal and foreign agents. It also illustrates the steadily rising importance of cybersecurity in our national defense. Wanna help keep your country safe from cyber threats? Start with our introduction to cybersecurity.
Each of the movies listed above is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat. Think we’re missing something from the list? Leave it in a comment below — or join the discussion on our forums.
