¡A Programar! Una introducción a la programación

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/a-programar

Introduction

### Course Review: ¡A Programar! Una introducción a la programación If you’ve ever dreamt of creating your own computer games but felt overwhelmed by the complexities of programming, the Coursera course "¡A Programar! Una introducción a la programación" offers a fantastic starting point. This course is particularly tailored for beginners, leveraging Scratch, a visual programming language that is user-friendly and encourages creativity. Not only will you learn the technical aspects of programming, but you will also grasp essential computer science principles that equip you to think like a software engineer. #### Overview The course is designed for those who may have no prior experience in programming and want to break into the world of software development. Scratch serves as a gentle introduction, allowing you to focus on the logic and structure of programming without getting bogged down by syntax errors typical of text-based programming languages. By the end of the course, you will have created your own games, learned about basic programming concepts, and understood the fundamentals of software engineering. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Tu primer programa** In the first unit, you’ll dive into creating your very first program. This section covers the basics of programming and familiarizes you with the primary elements of Scratch, establishing a solid foundation to build upon. 2. **¡Repetir, repetir, repetir!** Here, the course delves deeper into control structures, introducing you to how events can be incorporated into your programs. You will also explore visual and sound effects, which enhance user experience while beginning to think about program requirements and design. 3. **Reinventar juegos** This unit is particularly exciting as it involves recreating existing games. Not only will you enhance your creativity, but you'll also learn crucial software engineering practices, such as testing and documenting your code, which are vital in any programming career. 4. **Reutilizando tu código** During this unit, you will be introduced to procedures and learn about cloning in Scratch. The emphasis here is on code reuse—an important concept in programming that promotes efficiency and organization within your projects. 5. **Pensando como ingeniero/a de software** The course culminates in applying everything you’ve learned to create a fun video game. This section teaches the complete software engineering cycle from design to execution while also covering important topics such as message broadcasting and concurrency. #### Why I Recommend This Course - **User-Friendly Approach**: This course does not assume prior knowledge of programming, making it accessible to all learners. Scratch’s intuitive interface allows for a smooth learning curve. - **Engaging Content**: The course's playful nature, focusing on game design, keeps students motivated and excited to learn. The hands-on projects encourage creativity and application of learned concepts. - **Foundational Skills**: It not only teaches you how to code but also emphasizes understanding the principles behind software engineering, which is crucial for anyone aspiring to pursue a career in tech. - **Versatile Skills**: The skills acquired in this course are transferable. Even if you decide to move on to more complex languages later, the foundational concepts will serve you well. In conclusion, "¡A Programar! Una introducción a la programación" is an excellent entry point for anyone interested in programming, especially game design. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills for a career or simply want to create fun projects, this course is a valuable resource. Highly recommended for beginners!

Syllabus

Tu primer programa

En esta unidad crearás tu primer programa. Veremos los conceptos básicos de Programación y conocerás los principales elementos de Scratch.

Aquí continuaremos trabajando con las estructuras de control, descubrirás cómo usar eventos en los programas y cómo incorporar efectos visuales y de sonido en Scratch. Además, comenzaremos a pensar sobre los requerimientos y el diseño de nuestros programas.

A partir de juegos ya existentes, crearemos nuevas versiones. Conoceremos prácticas de la ingeniería de software para probar y documentar nuestros programas.

En esta unidad presentaremos el concepto de procedimiento. También veremos clonación en Scratch. Aplicaremos estas ideas para reutilizar nuestros programas.

Aplicaremos todos los pasos de la ingeniería de software para crear un divertido video juego. También aprenderemos sobre envío de mensajes (“broadcasting”) y concurrencia.