The Girly

Guide to
Computer
Science

MICHELLE
LAWSON
WELCOME!
Introduction
Hey there, Computer Science Girlies!
Welcome to the world of
code, algorithms, and the
exhilarating feeling of seeing
your creation come to life
on a computer screen. I
know, I know, the words
"computer science" might
make you think of complex
equations, endless lines of
gibberish code, and a
generally boring time. But
guess what? That's just one
of the many myths we're
about to bust!
Here's the real deal:
computer science is for
everyone. Yes, you read that
right - EVERYONE. Whether
you're into fashion, sports,
literature, or even if you're
the world's biggest potato
chip aficionado, there's a
place for you in this world.
And especially for us girls,
it's a space where we can
thrive, innovate, and quite
literally shape the future.
Now, let's debunk that
common misconception I
mentioned earlier. Picture
this: a computer scientist.
What do you see? A guy in a
hoodie, surrounded by
energy drink cans, furiously
typing away in a dark
basement? Well, it's time to
hit the refresh button on
that image!
While our hoodie-clad
friend might indeed know a
thing or two about
computers, the field is
actually teeming with
people of all backgrounds,
interests, and yes, fashion
senses! In fact, let's think of
computer science as a
grand ball. There's music
(that's your code), there's
rhythm (your algorithms),
and there are dancers (you,
the computer scientists).
Just like how you don't need
to wear a ball gown to bust
a move, you don't need to
fit a stereotype to ace
computer science.
Whether you're a tutu-and-
tiara kinda gal or more of a
jeans-and-sneakers fan,
whether you adore pastels
or love bold neons, there's
room for you on the dance
floor of computer science.
Your individuality can help
you shine and create
wonderful, unique things.
So are you ready to step
into this exciting world and
unleash your potential?
Let's get started, one line of
code at a time. It's going to
be a fun, empowering, and
yes, a fabulous journey. So
buckle up, girlies, because
we're just getting started!
👩‍💻💖
BESOS,
@MICHELLEXCOMPUTER
Starting Steps
What is Computer Science all about? Brushing up on the Fundamentals
Computer Science is the magic behind all It's important to understand the
your favorite apps, games, and websites. fundamentals of computer science like
It's all about problem-solving, creating data structures, algorithms, and object-
efficient solutions, and making things oriented programming. If those words
happen by writing code. It’s a world full of sound terrifying, don't worry – the more
possibilities where you can create you learn and put them to practice, the
anything, from the design of an interactive more you'll get it.
website to a cutting-edge artificial
intelligence model. You can learn from many YouTube
channels like Crash Course Computer
To start your journey, you need to pick a Science. If you want the girlier approach,
programming language. Python is a great you should get Data Structures for the
one to start with due to its readability and Girlies.
versatility. Check out the Python learning
path at Codecademy or Scrimba to get Remember, learn, practice, learn, repeat. All
started. you will ever do in your Computer Science
journey is think of ways to apply these
fundamentals effectively in your solution.
Diving Deeper
After you've mastered Python or your
preferred introductory language, it's time
to delve deeper and expand your
knowledge. For a comprehensive guide
that details the sequence of skills to
acquire, the roadmaps at roadmap.sh are
exceptional resources that provide a
structured and step-by-step path to
becoming well-versed in may fields in
Computer Science.

If you prefer a hands-on approach that

complements theory with practice, then
LeetCode (with the help of NeetCode) is
the place for you. It offers a plethora of
real-world coding problems to hone your
skills and deepen your understanding.
Think of it this way: The roadmaps are your
pre-designed outfits, meticulously planned
to present the best version of yourself. In
contrast, LeetCode is your freestyle mix-
and-match, enabling you to experiment,
make mistakes, and ultimately, find your
unique style in coding.

Of course, you could always just combine

the two!
 Building your first
Project
Alright, girlie, it's time to take the leap and put all that you've learned into practice.
Do you remember the thrill and the butterflies in your stomach when you tried out
your first makeup look? How you meticulously picked your colors and tools, then
carefully applied each element to create something uniquely yours? That's exactly
the spirit we're channeling here, but this time, we're painting with code.

Your first coding project is your playground. It could be anything you fancy, from a
personal website to share your thoughts, a blog about your coding journey, or even
a simple game that reflects your personality. Just like in makeup, there are no
wrong choices, only a world of creativity waiting for you to explore. Glitch is a
fantastic platform that offers an easy and fun way to start building and hosting
your app or website. It's user-friendly, beginner-friendly, and has a very supportive
community.

But remember, you don't always have to start from scratch. Imagine walking into a
thrift store, finding a piece of clothing that has potential, and then tailoring it to
your style. That's what GitHub is for coding. GitHub is an extensive repository
where developers share their code. You can simply 'fork' a project, which is a fancy
way of saying copy, and then add your improvements to it. It's a great way to learn,
get inspiration, and contribute to the community. So, get out there, and let's start
creating!
Next Steps
Expanding Your Horizons
Your coding journey is one of discovery,
exploration, and pushing boundaries. Start
by delving deeper into the vast expanse of
the YouTube computer science space.
Channels such as CrashCourse,
Computerphile, and Khan Academy's
Computing section offer a multitude of
videos that can enrich your understanding
and skills in coding. These resources can
help you unravel complex concepts,
understand coding principles, and learn
about new technologies - all at your own
pace and within your own space.
In this process, don't forget to expand your
network. The coding world is a vibrant
community waiting to be tapped into.
Consider joining communities like Women
Who Code, Girls Who Code, and Computr
Science girlies Discord Server 🙈. These are
not only spaces where you can connect
with like-minded individuals, but also
platforms for you to share, learn, and grow
alongside other women in the tech sphere.
Embrace this network and let it amplify
your coding journey.
DM me @michellexcomputer on Instagram if you have any questions.
Keeping the Momentum
To nurture your growth and cement your
coding skills, the key is consistency. Stay
active and connected within the coding
community. Engage with other developers
on forums like StackOverflow and GitHub,
where you can ask questions, share
solutions, and learn from the best.
Continue to build projects, small or big,
and showcase them proudly on platforms
like CodePen or GitHub. Remember, each
line of code you write, each project you
complete, brings you one step closer to
becoming a coding superstar!
But remember, as much as coding is about
skills and expertise, it's also about
enjoyment and personal growth. With
every line of code, you're not just building
software, but also cultivating confidence,
resilience, and problem-solving skills. So,
put on your coding hat, let your fingers
dance on the keyboard, and let's get this
code party started! 🎉💻🎀