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.

Coursera logo C cutout
[Featured Image] A woman wears a headset and looks at a computer monitor, thinking while she deals with her team's technical debt.

What Is Technical Debt: A Guide

If you’ve ever borrowed money, you know about debt. But what about the term “technical debt,” which is familiar to the software community? Learn more about the concept and its costs in development.

October 14, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A programmer using go programming language works at his desk, with multiple computers filled with code in front of him.

What Is Go Programming Language and What Is It Used For?

The Google programming language, commonly known as Go, is popular among developers. Explore the Go programming language’s unique strengths and its pros and cons before discovering a few tips on how to become proficient in coding with it.

October 14, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Several start-up software company employees sitting at their desks after a group session applying design thinking to a challenge with the latest iteration of their application.

How to Use Design Thinking

Design thinking takes an innovative approach to finding creative solutions by addressing problems with the user in mind. Read on to explore what design thinking is and how you might use it in your career.

October 14, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman wears a headset and looks at a computer monitor, thinking while she deals with her team's technical debt.

What Is Technical Debt: A Guide

If you’ve ever borrowed money, you know about debt. But what about the term “technical debt,” which is familiar to the software community? Learn more about the concept and its costs in development.

October 14, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A programmer using go programming language works at his desk, with multiple computers filled with code in front of him.

What Is Go Programming Language and What Is It Used For?

The Google programming language, commonly known as Go, is popular among developers. Explore the Go programming language’s unique strengths and its pros and cons before discovering a few tips on how to become proficient in coding with it.

October 14, 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, Cloud Computing Architecture, Server Side, Application Deployment, React Redux, Cloud Services, Django (Web Framework), Cloud-Native Computing, Object-Relational Mapping, Git (Version Control System), Full-Stack Web Development, HTML and CSS, Cloud Computing, Jupyter, Large Language Modeling, Interviewing Skills

Build toward a degree

4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
55K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Status: AI skills

Amazon

Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), Software Development Methodologies, JUnit, Requirements Analysis, Version Control, Application Development, Software Development Life Cycle, SQL, Full-Stack Web Development, Test Driven Development (TDD), Systems Development, Software Development, Restful API, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Database Management, MySQL, Digital Transformation, Relational Databases, Generative AI

4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
248 reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Meta

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

Build toward a degree

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
22K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

[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 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 4, 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 4, 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] Several start-up software company employees sitting at their desks after a group session applying design thinking to a challenge with the latest iteration of their application.

How to Use Design Thinking

Design thinking takes an innovative approach to finding creative solutions by addressing problems with the user in mind. Read on to explore what design thinking is and how you might use it in your career.

October 14, 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

[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 4, 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 4, 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

Many exciting career paths are available for anyone interested in computer science and engineering, from artificial intelligence and cryptography to software engineering and web development. A wide variety of opportunities are available, so finding the right place to start can be challenging. Coursera offers expert resources to support your goal, whether you're just starting or are ready to take the next step.

Ready to start learning? Explore the popular programming languages and discover what you can do with a computer science degree.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)