Thinking Like a Software Engineer (Not a Code Copier)

Mentor: Ritesh Elango Day: Saturday Time Zone: 11:00 AM EST (Eastern Standard Time) Fee: Free Mode: Google Meet (link will be shared closer to each session) Total Sessions: 10 Sessions Thinking Like a Software Engineer (Not a Code Copier) Learning code the right way starts with understanding how software is built, not just copying and running code. This beginner-friendly course is designed for students with little to no prior programming experience who want to develop strong foundations in computer science and software engineering. Instead of relying on AI to generate code without understanding it, students will learn how to think like software engineers by solving problems, writing code, debugging errors, and building confidence in their own abilities. Students will also learn how to use AI as a productivity tool while maintaining a deep understanding of the code they create. Throughout the course, students will begin with Python programming fundamentals, learning core concepts such as syntax, variables, data types, operators, conditional statements, loops, functions, and problem-solving techniques. Emphasis will be placed on computational thinking and breaking complex problems into smaller, manageable steps before writing code. Students will then learn how professional developers work by exploring terminal basics, developer workflows, project organization, and tools used in real software development environments. The course also introduces debugging techniques, common programming errors, writing clean and maintainable code, and version control with Git to help students understand how software is developed efficiently and reliably. Finally, students will learn how to responsibly integrate artificial intelligence into their development workflow. Topics include evaluating AI-generated code, verifying solutions, debugging AI suggestions, understanding AI limitations, and using AI to accelerate development without becoming dependent on it. By the end of the course, students will have a strong understanding of software engineering fundamentals, confidence writing Python programs, knowledge of professional development workflows, and the ability to build, debug, and improve their own software while using AI as a tool—not a crutch. Course Structure: 10 Sessions Lesson 1: Python Foundations & Computational Thinking (Sessions 1–2) Learn programming fundamentals, Python syntax, variables, data types, operators, and basic problem-solving techniques while developing a strong foundation in computational thinking. Lesson 2: Building Strong Problem-Solving Skills with Code (Sessions 3–4) Learn how software engineers approach problems by breaking them down, designing algorithms, using pseudocode, and writing structured programs with concepts like conditionals, loops, and functions. Lesson 3: Terminal Usage & Developer Workflow Basics (Sessions 5–6) Learn how developers work with command-line tools, organize projects, run programs locally, and understand professional software development workflows. Lesson 4: Debugging, Git & Writing Reliable Code (Sessions 7–8) Learn how to identify and fix programming errors, debug effectively, write clean and maintainable code, and use Git for version control. Lesson 5: Using AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch (Sessions 9–10) Learn how to responsibly use AI in software development by reviewing AI-generated code, validating solutions, improving programs, and building independent problem-solving skills. Total Duration: 10 Sessions