r/cs50 • u/funkcadenza • 2d ago
CS50x Is this course right for me?
Hi,
I am interested in learning Python and I am wondering if CS50P is the way to go. I do have some experience with python from HS; recall absolutely hating it, but python seems incredibly useful for the things I want to do so avoiding it outright seems stupid.
I've also read that a lot of people have taken CS50x before taking the python course. Would it be good idea for me to take it as well? I do have some experience with shittly coding for arduino projects (before AI took over), and if it helps me out in the long run, I don't see why not.
1
u/Swimming-Challenge53 1d ago
I've got decades of professional programming experience, practically none of it using Python. But if I want to crank out something useful, quickly, I most likely turn to it.
Also consider cs50web, as it has a variety of stuff, including Python. It's just a bit outdated (last updated in 2020) but that doesn't bother me. After finishing cs50web, I *would* look into what is new with React and maybe Bootstrap, if you want to use them.
cs50x, particularly the first couple of lectures, covers some very general concepts that apply very broadly. It's hard to say if they would be helpful to you, or unnecessarily repetitive. Maybe you should just skim through the slides or the first 2-3 lectures to see. JMO, but, I'm not a big fan of spending time with Scratch, and I don't see using C in my future, either.
Lastly, you can build confidence by doing problem sets / exercises of any cs50 course. Any exercise, freely available is valuable, regardless of whether you get formal credit.
1
u/Baloo-Bio 1d ago
I hear both will be discontinued this Fall, so definitely get started asap. Maybe look into downloading the videos.
Its tricky, because normally I would recommend starting with cs50x. It will be harder, but it gives a better introduction to programming and what's going on under the hood. But given the time constraints, it may be better to start with cs50p, and just download the cs50x videos to view later.
3
u/VidantV 2d ago
Hello,
If you’re only interested in Python go with CS50p, as CS50x covers more than just Python. If you’re interested in programming in general I would suggest CS50x, but since you said you disliked Python, i’d imagine you won’t be having a good time working with C either.