Coding For Beginners

How long have you wanted to learn how to read and write code? Maybe you want to find a better job in a new field, or to advance in your current career into a more technical and high paying position - or maybe you're working on an electronics or data-driven project that requires a little coding know-how? Have you been frustrated by online classes, been taken in by the promise of easy learning on your own time, but came away from the lessons with no understanding and even more confusion?

Come to our hands-on, intensive, one day workshop and learn in a small group setting where you will get personal attention from an instructor who will answer every question you have about computers and programming, and help you every step of the way. You will leave this workshop with all the technical tools and knowledge you need to read and write your own software!

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This workshop is not about building websites.
• Register before 3:00p.m. the Friday before the workshop day. You must register before then, no exceptions or walk-ins.
• You should bring an ID for building security to check on the workshop day, as they will have a list of attendees.

Understand the basic concepts of computers, information processing, and modern programming languages from a professional engineer and empower yourself with a set of problem solving tools you can apply to any situation. Students at all skill levels are welcome, though beginners will benefit most from this study. No experience is required other than a strong desire to learn how to program! Students will walk out of this workshop having learned the following:

1. The history of computers, from ancient to modern times
2. How a modern computer works, from hardware to software
3. Working with your computer's operating system using commands
4. Installing a package manager to install programming tools (Homebrew)
5. Programming language basics and using an interpreter
6. Creating programs using step-by-step outlines
   
7. Researching and reading documentation
8. Installing third party software libraries
9. A brief introduction to advanced programming concepts
   

Please note that this workshop is not about "building web sites" or using HTML or other markup languages or any other form of "front end design"; Python is best described as a "back end" technology and the workshop is all about how computers work "under the hood" with programming.

You must bring a laptop. MacBooks with Mac OS X (10.7 or greater, the version called "Lion") preferred because they already come pre-installed with all the tools you need to get started programming immediately. Step by step instructions will be provided prior to start of the workshop to help you get your laptop ready for programming if you don't have a Mac. Attendees will not be able to follow along with learning Unix commands if they're working on a Windows laptop. Please arrive at 11:00a.m. sharp if you think you will need help with your laptop's setup!

[ Light and healthy refreshments will be served during the workshop, but please bring a bag lunch if you have any dietary restrictions, allergies, or other requirements - there will be a short break to eat lunch ]