free resources for learning computer science (CS) from scratch and free certification

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1. CS50: Harvard's Introduction to Computer Science

• Platform: edX - CS50
  
• Description: This is a beginner-friendly yet comprehensive course that introduces you to programming, data structures, algorithms, and more. It includes hands-on projects and problem sets.
  
• Certification: Free to audit, but if you want a verified certificate, it's available for a fee. However, all the learning material is free.
  
• Link: CS50 on edX
  

2. The Odin Project

• Website: The Odin Project
  
• Description: A full curriculum designed for self-learners, covering web development and computer science fundamentals. It’s heavily project-based, teaching you by building real-world applications. It includes sections on Git, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more advanced topics like Node.js.
  
• Certification: It’s entirely free, including the certificate of completion at the end of the curriculum.
  
• Link: The Odin Project
  

3. MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW)

• Platform: MIT OCW
  
• Description: MIT offers its entire catalog of CS courses for free. You can take foundational courses like "Introduction to Computer Science and Programming" (6.0001) and more advanced ones.
  
• Certification: MIT OCW does not offer certification, but you can access all materials and study as if you're attending an MIT course for free.
  
• Link: MIT Introduction to Computer Science (6.0001) : https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/6-0001-intro...fall-2016/
  

4. Google IT Automation with Python

• Platform: Coursera
  
• Description: A beginner-friendly course by Google that teaches Python programming, version control, and automation techniques. Python is a critical language for CS, and this course dives into its applications.
  
• Certification: Free to audit, and Coursera offers financial aid for the certificate. You can apply for a full scholarship if you qualify.
  
• Link: Google IT Automation with Python
  

5. Khan Academy – Computer Science

• Platform: Khan Academy
  
• Description: A great resource for beginners, Khan Academy’s CS courses cover computer programming, algorithms, data structures, and more in a very accessible way.
  
• Certification: No certification, but the material is entirely free.
  
• Link: Khan Academy Computer Science
  

6. FreeCodeCamp

• Platform: FreeCodeCamp
  
• Description: FreeCodeCamp offers interactive courses with project-based learning. It covers full-stack web development as well as data structures, algorithms, and more.
  
• Certification: FreeCodeCamp provides completely free verified certifications when you complete certain course tracks.
  
• Link: FreeCodeCamp Curriculum : https://www.freecodecamp.org/learn/
  

7. Stanford University's CS106A: Programming Methodology

• Platform: Stanford Online
  
• Description: A free beginner-level programming course from Stanford focusing on the fundamentals of programming methodology, mostly taught in Java.
  
• Certification: Free, but no certification provided. However, the course is of a high standard.
  
• Link: Stanford CS106A
  

8. Codeacademy

• Platform: Codecademy
  
• Description: Codeacademy’s free version covers fundamental topics like Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, data structures, and algorithms. They also offer hands-on exercises.
  
• Certification: Certification available with paid plans, but the free content is still comprehensive for learning.
  
• Link: Codeacademy Computer Science Path : https://www.codecademy.com/catalog/subje...er-science
  

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Summary of Best Free Certifications:

• Harvard CS50 (edX): Offers a verified certificate for a fee, but you can access the content for free.
  
• The Odin Project: Offers a free certificate of completion after finishing the course.
  
• FreeCodeCamp: Completely free, including certificates for each major track.
  
• Google IT Automation with Python (Coursera): Free to audit with financial aid available for certificates.
  

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