Top Related Projects
🎓 Path to a free self-taught education in Computer Science!
A complete computer science study plan to become a software engineer.
Interactive roadmaps, guides and other educational content to help developers grow in their careers.
:books: Freely available programming books
😎 Awesome lists about all kinds of interesting topics
Learn how to design large-scale systems. Prep for the system design interview. Includes Anki flashcards.
Quick Overview
The ForrestKnight/open-source-cs repository is a curated curriculum for learning computer science through free online courses. It aims to provide a comprehensive, self-paced learning path equivalent to a traditional computer science degree, covering fundamental topics and advanced concepts in the field.
Pros
- Free and accessible to anyone with an internet connection
- Comprehensive curriculum covering a wide range of CS topics
- Flexibility to learn at your own pace
- Includes courses from reputable institutions and platforms
Cons
- Lack of formal accreditation or certification
- Limited direct interaction with instructors or peers
- May require strong self-motivation and discipline to complete
- Some linked courses may become outdated or unavailable over time
Getting Started
To get started with the open-source CS curriculum:
- Visit the ForrestKnight/open-source-cs repository on GitHub.
- Review the README file for an overview of the curriculum structure.
- Start with the "Introduction to Computer Science" section and work your way through the courses in order.
- Click on the course links to access the free online materials.
- Keep track of your progress and complete the suggested projects for each course.
- Join the community discussions on the repository's Issues page for support and collaboration.
Competitor Comparisons
🎓 Path to a free self-taught education in Computer Science!
Pros of computer-science
- More comprehensive curriculum covering a broader range of CS topics
- Larger community and more frequent updates
- Includes advanced topics like compilers and distributed systems
Cons of computer-science
- Can be overwhelming for beginners due to its extensive content
- Less focused on practical, industry-oriented skills
- Requires more time commitment to complete the full curriculum
Code Comparison
open-source-cs:
## Computer Science Basics
Course | Duration | Effort
:-- | :--: | :--:
[Intro to Computer Science](https://www.edx.org/course/cs50s-introduction-to-computer-science) | 12 weeks | 10-20 hours/week
computer-science:
### Introduction to Computer Science
**Topics covered**:
`hard/soft problem distinction`, `computational thinking`, `algorithm design`, `debugging`, `abstraction`, `data structures`, `encapsulation`
Courses | Duration | Effort | Prerequisites
:-- | :--: | :--: | :--:
[Introduction to Computer Science and Programming using Python](https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-computer-science-mitx-6-00-1x-10) | 9 weeks | 15 hours/week | none
The computer-science repository provides more detailed information about course content and prerequisites, while open-source-cs offers a simpler, more concise format.
A complete computer science study plan to become a software engineer.
Pros of coding-interview-university
- More comprehensive coverage of computer science fundamentals
- Includes detailed study plans and learning strategies
- Offers a wider range of topics, including system design and scalability
Cons of coding-interview-university
- Can be overwhelming due to its extensive content
- Less structured than open-source-cs, which follows a traditional CS curriculum
- May require more self-discipline to follow through
Code Comparison
While both repositories focus on theoretical concepts rather than code examples, coding-interview-university does include some pseudocode for algorithms. Here's a brief comparison:
coding-interview-university:
def binary_search(list, item):
low = 0
high = len(list) - 1
while low <= high:
mid = (low + high) // 2
guess = list[mid]
if guess == item:
return mid
if guess > item:
high = mid - 1
else:
low = mid + 1
return None
open-source-cs: This repository doesn't provide code examples directly, instead linking to external resources for practical implementation.
Both repositories serve as excellent learning resources for aspiring software engineers, with coding-interview-university being more focused on interview preparation and open-source-cs providing a structured curriculum similar to a traditional computer science degree.
Interactive roadmaps, guides and other educational content to help developers grow in their careers.
Pros of developer-roadmap
- Provides comprehensive visual roadmaps for various tech roles
- Regularly updated with new content and technologies
- Offers interactive versions of roadmaps on the website
Cons of developer-roadmap
- May be overwhelming for beginners due to the sheer amount of information
- Focuses more on breadth than depth of topics
- Lacks direct links to specific learning resources for each topic
Code comparison
While both repositories don't contain significant code samples, developer-roadmap includes some HTML for its interactive roadmaps:
<map name="image-map">
<area target="" alt="Internet" title="Internet" href="https://roadmap.sh/guides/what-is-internet"
coords="245,107,246,171,333,170,333,107" shape="poly">
<!-- More area tags... -->
</map>
open-source-cs, on the other hand, primarily consists of markdown files with course listings and links:
## Computer Science Basics
| Course | Duration | Effort | Prerequisites |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | :------: | :----------: | :-----------: |
| [Intro to Computer Science](https://www.edx.org/course/cs50s-introduction-to-computer-science) | 12 weeks | 10-20 hours/week | none |
Both repositories serve different purposes: developer-roadmap provides visual guides for career paths, while open-source-cs offers a curated list of free online courses for a computer science education.
:books: Freely available programming books
Pros of free-programming-books
- Extensive collection of free programming resources across various languages and topics
- Regularly updated with community contributions
- Includes resources in multiple languages (not just English)
Cons of free-programming-books
- Less structured approach to learning compared to a curated curriculum
- May overwhelm beginners with too many options
- Quality of resources can vary as it's a community-driven list
Code comparison
Not applicable for these repositories as they primarily contain curated lists of resources rather than code.
Summary
free-programming-books offers a vast collection of free programming resources, making it an excellent reference for developers at all levels. Its community-driven nature ensures regular updates and diverse content. However, the lack of a structured learning path may be challenging for beginners.
open-source-cs provides a more focused, curriculum-style approach to computer science education. While it offers fewer resources overall, its curated selection and structured format may be more beneficial for those seeking a guided learning experience.
Both repositories serve different purposes and can be complementary for learners. free-programming-books is ideal for finding specific resources or exploring various topics, while open-source-cs is better suited for those wanting a more traditional CS education path.
😎 Awesome lists about all kinds of interesting topics
Pros of awesome
- Much broader scope, covering a wide range of topics and technologies
- Larger community with more contributors and frequent updates
- Well-organized structure with clear categories and subcategories
Cons of awesome
- Can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of information
- Less focused on providing a structured learning path for beginners
- May include some outdated or less relevant resources due to its size
Code comparison
Not applicable, as both repositories primarily consist of curated lists and don't contain significant code samples.
Summary
awesome is a comprehensive collection of lists covering various topics in software development and technology. It offers a vast array of resources but can be overwhelming for beginners.
open-source-cs provides a more focused curriculum for computer science education, making it easier for newcomers to follow a structured learning path.
Both repositories serve different purposes:
- awesome is ideal for discovering resources across a wide range of topics
- open-source-cs is better suited for those seeking a guided approach to learning computer science fundamentals
The choice between the two depends on the user's goals and level of experience in the field.
Learn how to design large-scale systems. Prep for the system design interview. Includes Anki flashcards.
Pros of system-design-primer
- More comprehensive coverage of system design concepts
- Includes visual diagrams and illustrations for better understanding
- Provides real-world examples and case studies
Cons of system-design-primer
- Focuses solely on system design, lacking broader computer science topics
- May be overwhelming for beginners due to its depth and complexity
- Less structured learning path compared to open-source-cs
Code Comparison
While both repositories primarily focus on educational content rather than code, system-design-primer does include some code snippets for illustration. Here's a brief comparison:
system-design-primer:
def get_user(request, user_id):
user = _get_user_from_cache(user_id)
if user is None:
user = _get_user_from_database(user_id)
_save_user_to_cache(user)
return user
open-source-cs:
No direct code examples available in the main repository.
Instead, it provides links to external resources and courses.
The system-design-primer repository includes code snippets to illustrate concepts, while open-source-cs focuses on curating external resources without direct code examples in the main repository.
Convert designs to code with AI
Introducing Visual Copilot: A new AI model to turn Figma designs to high quality code using your components.
Try Visual CopilotREADME
The Open Source Computer Science Degree
This is a curated list of free courses from reputable universities like MIT, Stanford, and Princeton that satisfy the same requirements as an undergraduate Computer Science degree, minus general education.
Computer Science Basics
Courses | School | Duration | Effort | Frequency | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intro to Computer Science | Harvard | 10 weeks | 10-20 hours/week | self-paced | none |
Programming
Courses | School | Duration | Effort | Frequency | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software | Duke | 4 weeks | 4-8 hours/week | twice a month | none |
Java Programming: Arrays, Lists, and Structured Data | Duke | 4 weeks | 4-8 hours/week | twice a month | Java Programming: Solving Problems with Software |
Object Oriented Programming in Java | Duke | 6 weeks | 4-6 hours/week | every week | Java Programming: Arrays, Lists, and Structured Data |
Data Structures and Performance | Duke | 6 weeks | 6-10 hours/week | every week | Object Oriented Programming in Java |
Java Programming: Principles of Software Design | Duke | 4 weeks | 4-8 hours/week | twice a month | Java Programming: Arrays, Lists, and Structured Data |
Java Programming: Build a Recommendation System | Duke | 4 weeks | 3-6 hours/week | once a month | Java Programming: Principles of Software Design |
Programming Languages, Part A | UW | 5 weeks | 8-16 hours/week | once a month | Object Oriented Programming in Java |
Programming Languages, Part B | UW | 3 weeks | 8-16 hours/week | once a month | Programming Languages, Part A |
Programming Languages, Part C | UW | 3 weeks | 8-16 hours/week | once a month | Programming Languages, Part B |
Math
Courses | School | Duration | Effort | Frequency | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Calculus 1A: Differentiation | MIT | 12 weeks | 6-10 hours/week | self-paced | pre-calculus |
Calculus 1B: Integration | MIT | 15 weeks | 6-10 hours/week | self-paced | Calculus 1A: Differentiation |
Calculus 1C: Coordinate Systems & Infinite Series | MIT | 8 weeks | 6-10 hours/week | self-paced | Calculus 1B: Integration |
Linear Algebra - Foundations to Frontiers | UT Austin | 15 weeks | 6-10 hours/week | self-paced | pre-calculus |
Introduction to Probability and Data | Duke | 5 weeks | 5-7 hours/week | twice a month | none |
Intro to Statistics | Udacity | 8 weeks | 5-7 hours/week | self-paced | none |
Systems
Courses | School | Duration | Effort | Frequency | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris | Hebrew University of Jerusalem | 6 weeks | 5 hours/week | twice a month | basic programming knowledge |
Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris II | Hebrew University of Jerusalem | 6 weeks | 10-15 hours/week | once a month | Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris |
Introduction to Operating Systems | Georgia Tech | 8 weeks | 5-8 hours/week | self-paced | Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris II |
Theory
Courses | School | Duration | Effort | Frequency | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines | Princeton | 10 weeks | 2-5 hours/week | once a month | Calculus 1A (all), basic programming |
Algorithms, Part I | Princeton | 6 weeks | 6-12 hours/week | once a month | Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines |
Algorithms, Part II | Princeton | 6 weeks | 6-12 hours/week | once a month | Algorithms, Part I |
Applications
Courses | School | Duration | Effort | Frequency | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Software Engineering: Introduction | UBCx | 6 weeks | 8-10 hours/week | self-paced | Java Programming: Build a Recommendation System |
Machine Learning | Stanford | 11 weeks | 5-7 hours/week | twice a month | Linear Algebra - Foundations to Frontiers |
Database Management Essentials | CU | 7 weeks | 4-6 hours/week | twice a month | basic programming & CS knowledge |
Cryptography I | Stanford | 7 weeks | 5 hours/week | once a month | Linear Algebra - Foundations to Frontiers & Introduction to Probability and Data |
Unix
Courses | School | Duration | Effort | Frequency | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Linux Command Line Basics | Udacity | 1 week | 5 hours/week | self-paced | none |
The Unix Workbench | JHU | 4 weeks | 4 hours/week | once a month | none |
Top Related Projects
🎓 Path to a free self-taught education in Computer Science!
A complete computer science study plan to become a software engineer.
Interactive roadmaps, guides and other educational content to help developers grow in their careers.
:books: Freely available programming books
😎 Awesome lists about all kinds of interesting topics
Learn how to design large-scale systems. Prep for the system design interview. Includes Anki flashcards.
Convert designs to code with AI
Introducing Visual Copilot: A new AI model to turn Figma designs to high quality code using your components.
Try Visual Copilot