CS Resources

A curated list of resources I’ve found valuable as a Computer Science student. This collection covers a range of topics, including programming fundamentals, system design, databases, and opportunities to engage with local tech communities.

Getting Started with Programming

1. Understanding System Variables

   • $PATH or %PATH% variable: Wikipedia Article

2. Installing Packages

   • MacOS: Homebrew - brew command
   • Ubuntu: Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) - apt command

3. Introductory CS Courses

   • Harvard CS50 - A well-known, beginner-friendly course covering computer science fundamentals.
   • The Missing Semester of Your CS Education (MIT) - A course on essential developer tools not typically covered in traditional CS curriculums.

4. Version Control

   • Git Documentation - Official documentation to learn Git, a crucial tool for version control in software development.
   • Introduction to Git and GitHub - A Coursera course that provides a comprehensive guide to Git and GitHub, part of the Google IT Automation with Python series.

Recommended Books

• Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces by Remzi H. Arpaci-Dusseau and Andrea C. Arpaci-Dusseau
• Designing Data-Intensive Applications by Martin Kleppmann
• Pragmatic Thinking and Learning by Andy Hunt
• The Software Engineer's Guidebook by Gergely Orosz

Systems Design and Distributed Systems

• Distributed Systems Lecture Series - Lectures by Martin Kleppmann covering key distributed systems concepts.

Database and SQL Learning

• SQL Bolt - Interactive SQL tutorials and exercises.
• High Performance SQLite - A comprehensive video course on SQL and SQLite.

Interactive Coding Platforms

• Exercism - An open-source platform with coding exercises across multiple languages.
• freeCodeCamp - A free platform offering a self-paced curriculum in programming.

Online Learning Platforms

• Udemy - A large online platform with courses on programming, web development, data science, and more. It offers both free and paid courses with lifetime access to materials, allowing for self-paced learning.
  • Pro Tip: If you're a Denver resident, access Udemy for free via the Denver Public Library with a library card.
• Khan Academy - Great for introductory computing and math courses.

Local Tech Communities (Denver/Boulder, CO)

1. General Meetups

   • Meet n' Code - A bi-weekly meetup for coding and socializing.
   • Develop Happy Hour - Monthly networking for tech professionals.

2. Language-Specific Groups

   • Mile High Gophers - Focused on the Go programming language.
   • Boulder Rust Meetup - Rust enthusiasts in Boulder.
   • DenverScript - A community around JavaScript and TypeScript in Denver.

3. Linux and Open Source

   • Boulder Linux User Group - For those interested in using, administering, or developing Free Software for Linux.

4. Broader Tech Community

   • Colorado Tech Community - A platform for the larger tech community in the Rocky Mountains.