Learn Code The Hard Way:Live
The Learn Code The Hard Way:Live is a task based program of study that takes someone from total beginner to able to complete real projects in four popular programming languages. The program is simple by design, and the work is appropriately gradual in difficulty. This means that you have a logical sequence of study tasks to complete that gradually become more difficult as you continue, but are never impossible. As long as you do the work you can complete the program.
The LCTHW:Live Is No Longer Accepting Students
There will be an announcement regarding the LCTHW:Live next week.LCTHW:Live In Depth
The program consists of learning four programming languages, and creating about 40 projects in each language. The projects range in difficulty from 1-2 hours of work to a week or more of work to complete. If you can do everything in 3 months then you're done. If it takes you 1 year, then it takes you 1 year. There is no specific times to be in a class, no fixed time to study, and no need to rush your learning. You work at your own pace, with your peers, in a safe environment where you can receive feedback on your work and grow while making mistakes.
Low Cost
You pay $599 every 3 months to attend, which reduces your costs to study significantly. You only need to pay for 3 months at a time, rather than a giant block of non-refundable tuition up front. You can start studying immediately and won't need to sell your house, quit your job, or move across the country to attend school. You can also stop studying at any time and start back up when you need to continue. When you're done you'll understand the basics of fundamental computer science topics, systems programming, and be able to make many projects in Python, Ruby, C, and JavaScript.
What's Included
The first month you sign up you'll receive the following:
- Every book you need to complete the program.
- Access to a private project hosting system to keep your progress and receive reviews.
- A weekly live seminar with Zed or an industry expert.
- An active forum to get answers.
- Recordings of every live seminar to review later.
- Extra videos only available to LCTHW:Live students to help with common problems.
- Access to the juried competitions.
The Curriculum
The curriculum is simple. You go through the following courses I've developed:
- Learn Python The Hard Way -- Learn the language basics.
- Learn More Python The Hard Way -- Implement 40 projects in Python.
- Learn Ruby The Hard Way -- Learn Ruby basics.
- Learn More Ruby The Hard Way -- Implement 40 projects in Ruby.
- Learn C The Hard Way -- Learn C basics.
- Replicate the Learn More projects in C -- Implement 40 projects in C.
- Learn JavaScript The Hard Way -- Learn JavaScript basics and implement the 40 projects.
- Learn Unix The Hard Way -- Be able to configure, manage, and secure Linux, OpenBSD, and FreeBSD.
The 40 projects will be the same every time, so by the time you get to C and JavaScript you should know them by heart. You can see the projects currently in https://learncodethehardway.org/more-python-book/ if you want to know what they are. These are not amazing innovative projects. They are practice projects organized in a logical structure to teach you basic concepts like systems tools, algorithms, parsing, task management, debugging, security, personal development process, and professionalism.
As you work on these projects you'll be required to keep your work in the Gitlab server for the program so someone can review your work. The Gitlab server is not generally accessible to the public, but it is viewable by other members of the LCTHW:Live, Zed, and qualified experts hired to review your work. This lets you practice putting your work out for public view, but in a safe environment where you can make frequent mistakes without ridicule or embarrassment.
The Theory Behind The Projects
I've found that the programmers who are the most likely to be employed, stay employed, or create their own business are the ones who work in multiple languages and who have created a large number of small to medium sized projects on their own. The theory is that you have about 100 terrible pieces of software hiding inside you, so this course's goal is to get them all out. By working to create many projects, post them publicly, and receive help and criticism, you're preparing yourself to work on other projects or to produce your own software.
Disclaimer
LCTHW:Live is an avocational educational service. This program is not designed or intended to qualify its participants and graduates for employment. It is intended solely for avocation, personal enrichment, and enjoyment of its participants.