Computer Science and Engineering

Behind great technology are great developers and designers. Learn how to build your skills for a career in website, app, or software development.

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[Featured Image] A software engineer sits at a desk and uses the rubber duck debugging method to help her company's software

How to Solve Coding Problems with Rubber Duck Debugging

Make finding the errors in your code a little more fun with rubber duck debugging. Learn more about the rubber duck debugging approach, how it started, why programmers use it, and how to follow it.

October 11, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two programmers work with high-level programming languages as they work at a computer and discuss what is displayed on the monitor.

Low-Level vs. High-Level Programming Languages

High-level programming languages are easier to read, learn, and comprehend than low-level languages. Read on for a comparison of high-level versus low-level programming languages, plus how you can start learning a high-level language.

October 9, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A young traveler uses augmented reality on their smartphone to get directions in an unfamiliar location.

What Is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality technology adds virtual information to physical objects and places. Discover how augmented reality works, why it’s essential, and how to build a career in this exciting tech area.

October 7, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A software engineer sits at a desk and uses the rubber duck debugging method to help her company's software

How to Solve Coding Problems with Rubber Duck Debugging

Make finding the errors in your code a little more fun with rubber duck debugging. Learn more about the rubber duck debugging approach, how it started, why programmers use it, and how to follow it.

October 11, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two programmers work with high-level programming languages as they work at a computer and discuss what is displayed on the monitor.

Low-Level vs. High-Level Programming Languages

High-level programming languages are easier to read, learn, and comprehend than low-level languages. Read on for a comparison of high-level versus low-level programming languages, plus how you can start learning a high-level language.

October 9, 2024

Article

Top courses to explore computer science and engineering

Status: AI skills

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Istio, Node.JS, Software Development Life Cycle, Kubernetes, Unit Testing, Object-Relational Mapping, Cloud Computing Architecture, Server Side, Application Deployment, React Redux, Cloud Services, Cloud-Native Computing, OpenShift, Git (Version Control System), Full-Stack Web Development, HTML and CSS, Cloud Computing, Jupyter, Generative AI, Interviewing Skills

Build toward a degree

4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
54K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Meta

Skills you'll gain: Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Version Control, User Research, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Responsive Web Design, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Data Structures, Unix Commands, Git (Version Control System), Persona (User Experience), GitHub, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, React.js, Mobile Development, Front-End Web Development, Algorithms, Web Development Tools

Build toward a degree

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
22K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Microsoft

Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Test Case, Microsoft Visual Studio, Version Control, Code Review, Data Ethics, GitHub, Continuous Integration, Software Development Tools, Program Development, Software Documentation, Computer Programming Tools, Integrated Development Environments, Agile Project Management, Artificial Intelligence, Development Environment, Application Lifecycle Management, Technical Documentation, Software Development, Web Development Tools

4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
39 reviews

Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

[Featured Image] A person in a yellow plaid shirt works on their computer after determining the proper network topology for their needs.

Network Topology: Types and Uses

Explore network topology, or the physical and logical structure of networks, as well as standard network topology uses, how to determine what topology you need, and how to begin working in the field.

October 5, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A professional sits at her desk and uses software as a service to have a video conference with colleagues on one computer screen while consulting data on her second computer screen.

What Is Software as a Service? Definition and Examples

Software as a service refers to accessing cloud-based software through the internet, such as Netflix, Zoom, and Google Docs, instead of via a local download. Keep reading to discover the benefits of SaaS to both users and software vendors.

October 5, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A smiling automation engineer sits at her desktop computer and looks at a colleague off-camera.

Automation Engineer Career Guide

Automation engineers help streamline processes to make the workplace more efficient. Explore more about an automation engineer career and what you’ll need to start one.

October 4, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An artist draws on paper in a tattoo studio with the image on a graphics designing application—showcasing creativity and tools that influence their graphic designer salary.

Graphic Designer Salary: Your 2025 Guide

Learn more about a career in graphic design. Explore the factors influencing a graphic designer salary, including education, experience, and location, and explore average salary data from top job sites.

October 4, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A software developer works on building the application layer and relevant protocols for a new program.

Understanding the Application Layer of the OSI Model

The application layer enables you to access and interface with network resources, such as digital communications and browsing. Explore why the application layer is important and how it works.

October 4, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A programmer works on getting his full stack developer certification in his home office, watching something on his laptop and taking notes in a notebook on his knee.

Full-Stack Developer Certification Guide

A full-stack developer certification or certificate can help you build and verify the skills you need in this career path. Explore some of your certification options below.

October 3, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Young software programmers discuss the merits of GitLab vs. GitHub while looking at a computer screen in a workspace with plenty of windows.

GitLab vs. GitHub: Which to Choose?

While GitLab and GitHub offer similar capabilities for your development project, the two programs have unique features and use cases. Discover which version control program is right for your project below.

October 2, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two software programmers engage in test-driven development as they sit in front of computer screens.

What Is Test-Driven Development?

Learn what test-driven development is, what the development cycle looks like, and how you can start learning this exciting skill.

October 2, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Four members of a DevOps team discuss their CI/CD pipeline and how to refine the team’s overall strategy.

What Is CI/CD?

CI/CD stands for continuous integration and continuous delivery or deployment. Discover why CI/CD is important for DevOps teams and how to start a career in this growing field.

October 1, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A young traveler uses augmented reality on their smartphone to get directions in an unfamiliar location.

What Is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality technology adds virtual information to physical objects and places. Discover how augmented reality works, why it’s essential, and how to build a career in this exciting tech area.

October 7, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A person in a yellow plaid shirt works on their computer after determining the proper network topology for their needs.

Network Topology: Types and Uses

Explore network topology, or the physical and logical structure of networks, as well as standard network topology uses, how to determine what topology you need, and how to begin working in the field.

October 5, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A professional sits at her desk and uses software as a service to have a video conference with colleagues on one computer screen while consulting data on her second computer screen.

What Is Software as a Service? Definition and Examples

Software as a service refers to accessing cloud-based software through the internet, such as Netflix, Zoom, and Google Docs, instead of via a local download. Keep reading to discover the benefits of SaaS to both users and software vendors.

October 5, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A smiling automation engineer sits at her desktop computer and looks at a colleague off-camera.

Automation Engineer Career Guide

Automation engineers help streamline processes to make the workplace more efficient. Explore more about an automation engineer career and what you’ll need to start one.

October 4, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An artist draws on paper in a tattoo studio with the image on a graphics designing application—showcasing creativity and tools that influence their graphic designer salary.

Graphic Designer Salary: Your 2025 Guide

Learn more about a career in graphic design. Explore the factors influencing a graphic designer salary, including education, experience, and location, and explore average salary data from top job sites.

October 4, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A software developer works on building the application layer and relevant protocols for a new program.

Understanding the Application Layer of the OSI Model

The application layer enables you to access and interface with network resources, such as digital communications and browsing. Explore why the application layer is important and how it works.

October 4, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A programmer works on getting his full stack developer certification in his home office, watching something on his laptop and taking notes in a notebook on his knee.

Full-Stack Developer Certification Guide

A full-stack developer certification or certificate can help you build and verify the skills you need in this career path. Explore some of your certification options below.

October 3, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Young software programmers discuss the merits of GitLab vs. GitHub while looking at a computer screen in a workspace with plenty of windows.

GitLab vs. GitHub: Which to Choose?

While GitLab and GitHub offer similar capabilities for your development project, the two programs have unique features and use cases. Discover which version control program is right for your project below.

October 2, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two software programmers engage in test-driven development as they sit in front of computer screens.

What Is Test-Driven Development?

Learn what test-driven development is, what the development cycle looks like, and how you can start learning this exciting skill.

October 2, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Four members of a DevOps team discuss their CI/CD pipeline and how to refine the team’s overall strategy.

What Is CI/CD?

CI/CD stands for continuous integration and continuous delivery or deployment. Discover why CI/CD is important for DevOps teams and how to start a career in this growing field.

October 1, 2024

Article

Computer science and engineering encompass a wide variety of skills and career paths, from artificial intelligence and cryptography to software engineering and web development. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore computer science and engineering topics, including:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)