This was my first class I took in the program, and in general felt very unprepared. My background is basically having doing an honors math program in my undergrad, where I took 2 intro computer science classes (one in R, one in Python) my senior year. Then the last 3-5 years, I did a huge ton of python training on the DataCamp platform during covid when I was skill building for a job transition.

I have build and used some python skills in my current job heading into this course (working with modifying some pre-build automation tools), but came into this class feeling very unprepared.

This class for better or worse focuses on just doing practice, and less on the lectures. In fact, I think there aren't any mandatory recordings recommended at the first few weeks of the class except syllabus stuff. Although there are some short recordings, and a few saved full lectures from the in person course from a few years ago. To me, the videos felt not very useful, especially the ones that were based on in person lectures and were just tacked onto the course as supplemental materials.

You learn by doing the assignments. I will say in general the workbooks are detailed, and do go into a lot of depth. You basically get good at the homeworks by learning to google random comp sci terms, and get good at learning new syntax, and what to do if you're struggling with syntax. If you go to the additional boot camp seasons, they really try to help you with resources to become a self reliant coder.

In general, I feel very positive about the bootcamps. I never attended any of the ones live because of schedule except the first one, but they do put a lot of work in them. Unfortunately, it does feel like there is a huge skill difference in the kinda of basic things they help with review early in the course and jumping into the 2nd/3rd week plus of materials.

I quickly felt very behind. I managed to get through the homeworks all semester, but the exams were brutal. First exam I wasn't sure how to study, I was doing past practice exams and barely getting anything correct. There is extra credit on each exam, basically they are worth up to 14-16 points and 10 points on each exam is passing. 2nd exam our semester was complete hell. I got sick the week of and literally got a 0% after trying at it for 90 minutes. I think our class average was like 30-40% after the extra credit. They were nice and decided to curve it after, which they said they never do at the top of the semester lol. Final was a lot more reasonable, but still some impossible parts. I scrapped by getting all 1 pointers and most 2 pointers, never getting one 3 point question right on all 3 exams, and scrapped by with a C.

They give you some sample problems the 1st week and basically tell you if you can't solve enough of these problems, you might want to take some supplementary coding classes or self-study first. I would say if you're someone that thinks they have the time in their life to improve before taking the course, no shame in dropping first week to take an easier class first. I definitely plan on brushing up my skills a lot more before my next CSE course.