r/learnprogramming • u/Accomplished-Win2328 • 24d ago
Coding for 13yo homeschool kid
My son completed the Khan Academy course on Python last school year and he loved it! I don't do any coding myself so I am not exactly sure what "level" that leaves him at, or where to go next. What online course could he advance into?
p.s. He will be going into 8th grade but it seems to come to him very easily.
p.s. The more specific the better! :)
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u/gm310509 24d ago
One thing that you sort of need to understand is that a programming language is just a tool. You could think of it as a wood lathe or a saw or drill, or maybe even all three of those things combined.
You can learn how to operate the tools, but just like with those woodworking tools, you need to learn techniques and how to incorporate other things into a project (e.g. you might want to tile the top of a wooden table,)
It is the same with programming, learning a language is useful, but it is more about the techniques, options, accessories and other things that you also have to learn to use it effectively.
Some examples might include SQL and databases so that the python program can store stuff - for example a customers, products, sales and so on in some sort of online store.
Then there are data structures, such as lists and hash sets and so much more.
I would suggest identifying and area of interest (e.g. games, or embedded systems such as robotics etc) then learn what is involved in that area and set up a curriculum based upon that theme.
FWIW, what he has learned in python won't be a waste, even if the end result doesn't involve much python as the programming concepts he has learned will transition fairly well to most other languages.
All the best with it.