If you want to learn programming from scratch, Harvard University’s CS50’s Introduction to Programming with Python is one of the best free online courses available. Offered on edX, this beginner-friendly course is self-paced and taught by renowned Harvard professor David J. Malan. It’s perfect for students, working professionals, or anyone curious about coding—no prior experience required.
This course is open to anyone interested in programming, regardless of age, location, or background. No prior experience in coding or computer science is required. Whether you’re a high school student, a college graduate, or a working professional aiming for a career shift, you can enroll in this course.
After the end date, the course materials will be archived and not actively maintained, so it’s advised to complete it before that.
Note: Financial assistance is available on edX if you’re unable to pay for the certificate.
This course will teach you how to read, write, and debug code using Python—a versatile and widely-used programming language. Key topics include:
The hands-on assignments are inspired by real-world problems to help you develop practical skills.
Here’s how you can register and get started:
Go to https://pll.harvard.edu/course/cs50s-introduction-programming-python .
Sign up with your email address or log in using an existing Google, Apple, or Facebook account.
You’ll be prompted to choose between the free audit track (access without certificate) and the verified track (paid certificate option).
Once enrolled, you’ll gain immediate access to all video lectures, assignments, and quizzes.
If you wish to earn a certificate, upgrade before December 22, 2025.
The course is divided into multiple modules over 9 weeks. Each week includes:
You can complete the material at your own pace, making it perfect for learners with full-time commitments.
Upon successfully finishing the course and completing all assessments, you will receive a Verified Certificate from HarvardX, issued through edX. This can be a valuable addition to your professional portfolio.
Yes. You can access all content for free. Only the certificate requires payment (optional).
Yes. It’s self-paced. You can take more or less time depending on your schedule.
No direct placements, but the skills gained are foundational for careers in software development, data analysis, and more.
Absolutely. It’s designed to be accessible even for high school students.
Content Strategist & Career Researcher
Haris is a Content Strategist and Career Researcher at Talentd, specializing in job market trends, career development, and placement preparation. With years of experience guiding students and professionals from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, he crafts practical, research-backed content that helps users succeed in competitive hiring landscapes.
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