Curriculum: Learn Software Development from Scratch

🧠 Mentorship Curriculum: Learn Software Development from Scratch

Total Duration: 12 Weeks Base Curriculum: CS50x – Intro to Computer Science Mentor Guidance Layer: Weekly office hours, WhatsApp support, code reviews, real-world application insight.

📚 WEEKLY BREAKDOWN

Week 1: Kickoff & Setup

  • ✅ Introduction to Software Development
  • ✅ Tools: VSCode, Terminal, GitHub, Zoom, Notion
  • ✅ Computer Science Mindset (Why CS50?)
  • ✅ Walkthrough: Setting up CS50 IDE & GitHub
  • 🔨 Assignment: CS50 Scratch (build a simple game)

Week 2: C Programming Basics

  • ✅ Variables, Data Types, Operators, Input/Output
  • ✅ Conditionals and Loops
  • ✅ Introduction to debugging
  • 🔨 Assignment: Create a CLI calculator in C

Week 3: Algorithms & Problem Solving

  • ✅ Introduction to Algorithms and Flowcharts
  • ✅ Searching & Sorting (Linear, Binary, Bubble, Selection)
  • ✅ Pseudocode Writing
  • 🔨 Assignment: Implement sorting algorithms in C

Week 4: Memory & Data Structures

  • ✅ Pointers, Arrays, Memory Layout
  • ✅ Introduction to Linked Lists, Hash Tables
  • ✅ Concepts of Memory Management
  • 🔨 Assignment: Rebuild a simple hash table or list in C

Week 5: Python Basics

  • ✅ Transition from C to Python
  • ✅ Variables, Loops, Functions, Lists, Dictionaries
  • ✅ Error Handling & Debugging
  • 🔨 Assignment: CLI To-do App in Python

Week 6: Building Logic & Automation

  • ✅ File Handling in Python
  • ✅ Data parsing and string manipulation
  • ✅ Time-based automation & scripting
  • 🔨 Assignment: Daily Reminder Script using datetime & smtplib

Week 7: Introduction to Web Development

  • ✅ HTML, CSS, JavaScript Fundamentals
  • ✅ How the Web Works (HTTP, Browsers, Servers)
  • ✅ Dev Tools Practice
  • 🔨 Assignment: Build a Personal Portfolio Page (HTML/CSS)

Week 8: Interactive Web Pages with JavaScript

  • ✅ DOM Manipulation, Events
  • ✅ Forms & Input Validation
  • ✅ Local Storage
  • 🔨 Assignment: Create a simple interactive quiz app

Week 9: Git, GitHub & Collaboration

  • ✅ Git basics: init, add, commit, push, pull
  • ✅ Working with branches & resolving conflicts
  • ✅ Hosting code & collaboration
  • 🔨 Assignment: Host your quiz app on GitHub Pages

Week 10: Intro to Projects & Backend

  • ✅ Planning Projects (Using Notion or Trello)
  • ✅ Basic APIs, JSON & HTTP Requests
  • ✅ Building a weather app with external API
  • 🔨 Assignment: Weather App using HTML + JS + API

Week 11: Capstone Project Start

  • ✅ Capstone Brainstorming & Planning

  • ✅ Proposal Submission

  • ✅ Start building with checkpoints

  • 🔨 Capstone Begins: Ideas include:

    • Task Manager
    • Blog Engine (Markdown to HTML)
    • Mini Social Feed

Week 12: Project Completion & Graduation

  • ✅ Final Capstone Submission
  • ✅ Code Review with Mentor
  • ✅ Project Showcase (Live call or recording)
  • 🎓 Graduation Certificate + Next Steps in Dev Career

🧰 Tools & Platforms Used

  • Code: CS50 IDE, VSCode, GitHub, Replit
  • Project & Notes: Notion, Google Docs
  • Communication: WhatsApp Group, Zoom
  • Extra: GitHub Pages, Postman (for API testing), Canva (for design help)

💡 Bonus Resources

  • Weekly highlight links to CS50 videos
  • Productivity tips for beginners
  • Career Q&A Sessions (Resume, LinkedIn, Job Prep)
  • Access to alumni network after program ends