7+ YouTubers to Follow to Become a Software Engineer
Heroes don’t always wear capes
Software engineering is a field of computer science that combines the knowledge of engineering AND programming principles to develop software such as computer games, database systems, applications, and so on.
Although most software engineers typically come from a computer science background, several individuals have been able to transition into software engineering without a degree in computer science by learning key topics.
These key topics include;
- Basics of programming (in a programming language)
- Algorithms and Data structures
- Problem-solving skills
The first 2 concepts can be learned through determination and hard work but the last one can only come from practice and experience.
This post will focus on the areas within our control (the 1st 2), with practice you will acquire the last skill which is problem solving.
To learn the above concepts and make the switch, I’ve listed the top 7 YouTubers who teach software and programming concepts to anyone looking to transition into software engineering.
⛔ PS: I do not believe that YouTube is a substitute for a computer science degree BUT if you want to take the self-study route and you lack the funds for an extra degree, then you would have to make up for it in sweat equity through studying, practice and research.
Let’s begin!🔥
1. Caleb Curry
Caleb Curry is a software developer and YouTube content creator. He creates content for beginners and avoids technical jargon in his videos, this allows him to focus on explaining programming concepts in simple, easy-to-understand English.
Videos: 1300
Notable playlists: Python programming, Data structures & Algorithms, Beginner Python tutorials, C++ tutorials, C# Tutorials, Java tutorials
2. Kevin Naughton Jr.
Kevin Naughton Jr. is a software engineer who currently works for Amazon.
Through his YouTube channel, he documents his journey and learning process as a software engineer, while helping budding engineers break into the industry.
Kevin’s channel is focused on answering interview questions of FAANG companies and solving various Leetcode questions ranging from easy to hard.
He also has a very useful Github repo he created to help software developers prepare for interviews with top tech companies.
Videos: 165
Notable playlists: 30-Day Leetcoding Challenger, Leetcode Medium, Leetcode Easy, Leetcode Hard, Leetcoding Interview question
3. freeCodeCamp
Known for their unbelievably long tutorial videos (I have seen a 12-hour tutorial video), the freeCodeCamp channel is a must-have for anyone looking to get started in coding and software development on a budget, basically for free.
The length and detail in each of their content feel like a full CS curriculum.
Most videos are taught by software engineers and each video breaks down complex programming in a simple-to-understand manner.
Videos: 1200
Notable playlists: Popular programming courses, Javascript tutorials, Python tutorials, Computer science concepts
4. Codebasics
If you’re looking to build a career in Data Science and Machine learning then Codebasics should get you started on the right path.
By using Python as his primary programming language, Codebasics in each video teaches the fundamental data science, computing, and programming concepts in simple terms, with illustrations for better understanding.
Videos: 344
Notable playlists: Data science full course for Beginners, Python 3 programming tutorials for beginners, Python projects, Deep Learning with Tensorflow, Data Analysis projects
5. The Come Up
The Come Up is a tech channel run by Bukola Oyedele, a political scientist turned software engineer at COMPANY.
Bukola transitioned into tech after she decided that a career in political science and law just wasn’t right for her.
Although Bukola is a newcomer to the YouTube tech scene, she has been able to use her channel to encourage people from non-traditional tech backgrounds to leap into tech and gives advice and tips on how to do so.
She documents why and how she made the switch to tech and the steps she took during the process in this video.
Videos: 38
Notable playlists: Tech, Code with Me
6. Mike Dane
Mike Dane’s channel focuses on teaching the fundamentals of multiple programming languages. From Java to Python, his channel has a robust playlist for each programming language he teaches.
If you’re looking for simple way to understand those technical languages like C, C++, C#, Java, SQL, and others, Mike Dane explains them beautifully with content-rich videos.
Videos: 456
Notable playlists: Python Programming Language, Ruby Programming Language, C++ Programming Language, C Programming Language, C++ Programming Language
7. MIT Open Courseware
Have you always dreamed of studying at an Ivy League university?
Cue Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)👇
Offered by MIT, MIT Open Courseware is a free and open online repository of actual MIT lectures, ranging from introductory to advanced classes.
If you don’t mind learning via lectures, this channel allows you to learn exactly like a student without the tuition and at your pace.
Each course comes with a syllabus, notes, reading lists, and assignments with solutions on their website.
Videos: 6300
Notable playlists: MIT 6.00SC Introduction to Computer Science and Programming, 6.00001 Introduction to Computer Science in Programming and Python, MIT 6.006 Introduction to Algorithms
Honorable Mentions:
Although the above YouTubers produce great content, it is far from an exhaustive list.
⛔ Freebie Alert
Are you wondering what language to learn in 2021? 👉 Here’s a guide on the top 10 programming languages you should be learning right now
Done?
Let’s continue…👇
Here are a few honorable mentions to add to your CS fundamentals playlist👇
8. Nick White
Videos: 318
Notable playlists: HackerRank Solutions, Leetcode solutions
9. CS Dojo
Videos: 94
Notable playlists: Data structures and Algorithms, Python Tutorials for Absolute Beginners, by CS Dojo, Coding Interview Question & Answer, How to learn to code by CS Dojo
10. Tech with Tim
Videos: 512
Notable playlists: Python Machine learning, Python Programming tutorials, Flask tutorials, Python Django tutorials, Django & React – Full Stack Web App tutorials
11. Jenny’s Lectures
Notable Playlists: Programming in C, Data structures and Algorithms, Operating Systems, Design and Analysis of Algorithms
In Conclusion
Like I said, Not an exhaustive list but these YouTubers will give you a great head start on learning the basics of computer science and programming
Thank you for reading☕!
With ♥️ From DevSwitch
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