Open Source Society University (OSSU)
What is the project about?
OSSU is a free, self-taught curriculum for a complete education in Computer Science using online materials. It's designed for those seeking a well-rounded understanding of fundamental computing concepts, similar to an undergraduate CS degree.
What problem does it solve?
It provides a structured, high-quality, and free path to a comprehensive Computer Science education for individuals who may not have access to traditional university programs or prefer a self-paced learning environment. It removes the financial and accessibility barriers to quality CS education.
What are the features of the project?
- Complete Curriculum: Covers core CS topics (programming, math, systems, theory, security, applications, ethics), advanced topics, and a final project.
- Curated Resources: Uses courses from top universities (Harvard, MIT, Princeton, etc.) and other high-quality online materials.
- Self-Paced: Learners can progress at their own speed.
- Community Support: A Discord server and GitHub issues provide a platform for interaction and support among learners.
- Structured Learning: Courses are organized into Intro CS, Core CS, Advanced CS, and a Final Project.
- Free Materials: Most course materials are available for free, with some optional paid components for graded assignments.
What are the technologies used in the project?
The project itself is a curriculum, so it doesn't use technologies in the same way a software project does. However, the curriculum covers a wide range of technologies, including:
- Programming Languages: Python, Standard ML, Racket, Ruby, C, C++, Java, Scala, Haskell, Prolog, and more.
- Tools: Vim, command-line tools, version control (Git), and more.
- Concepts: Operating systems, networking, databases, machine learning, computer graphics, software engineering, security, and more.
- Platforms: Coursera, edX, MIT OpenCourseWare, and other online learning platforms.
What are the benefits of the project?
- Accessibility: Free and open to anyone with an internet connection.
- Flexibility: Self-paced learning allows individuals to fit their studies around their lives.
- Quality: Uses materials from top universities and reputable sources.
- Comprehensiveness: Covers a broad range of CS topics, providing a solid foundation.
- Community: Provides a supportive community of fellow learners.
- Career Advancement: Equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed for software development roles.
What are the use cases of the project?
- Career Changers: Individuals looking to transition into a career in software development.
- Self-Taught Developers: Those who want to formalize their knowledge and fill in gaps in their understanding.
- Students: Supplementing university coursework or exploring CS before committing to a degree.
- Lifelong Learners: Anyone interested in gaining a deep understanding of Computer Science.
- Hobbyists: Individuals who want to learn programming and computer science for personal projects.
