How to Learn
Our philosophy for learning programming effectively.
The Approach
Quick Context
Watch a short tutorial (no more than 2 hours) to understand the basic syntax and structure of the language or tool. Don't try to learn everything, just get enough context to understand what you're looking at.
Example:
You want to learn Python. Watch a 1-hour "Python for beginners" video to understand variables, loops, functions, and basic data structures. That's it. Don't finish the entire course.
Build Something Real
Find a project to work on or a repository to contribute to. Just start doing it, even if you don't know anything. Learn by using documentation, forums, and search engines. No tutorials. Figure it out yourself.
Example:
You want to contribute to fingcomms. Clone the repo, try to understand the code, make a small change, and push it. When you encounter an error, search on Stack Overflow, read the FastAPI docs, ask in the community
Ask for Help
If you get truly stuck, reach out to more experienced developers through the community groups. This is the "assisted" part of assisted autonomy.
Example:
You've been stuck on the same error for 2+ hours. You've searched everywhere and nothing works. That's when you ask for help in the LibrecourseUY Discord or group chats.
What Can You Learn?
This approach works for anything in programming:
Learn in community!
Join our Discord, where you will find a community to learn open source together
Programming Languages
Python, JavaScript, Rust, Go, C, Java, and more
Frameworks
React, Vue, FastAPI, Django, Express, Spring, and more
Tools & Technologies
Git, Docker, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, AWS, Linux, and more
The key is: context first → build real stuff → ask for help when stuck
What is DeepWiki?
DeepWiki is an AI-powered documentation tool that automatically generates comprehensive documentation for your codebase. It creates API references, architecture diagrams, and code explanations.
We use DeepWiki across all our projects to help you understand the codebase faster. Check the Projects page for DeepWiki links to each repository.
Why it's useful: When you're trying to contribute to a new project, DeepWiki helps you understand the codebase structure, API endpoints, and how different components connect, exactly when you need it.
Assisted Autonomy
We believe in assisted autonomy, a learning approach that balances independence with guidance. This method builds real, lasting skills rather than temporary copy-paste knowledge.
DeepWiki (deepwiki.dev) is an AI-powered documentation service that automatically generates comprehensive documentation for GitHub repositories. It analyzes code and creates API references, architecture diagrams, and code explanations.
Recommended for Beginners
Start with these languages and frameworks based on your goals:
Web Development
JavaScript + React
PopularMost popular, huge community, infinite resources
Python + FastAPI
EasyGreat for APIs, easy syntax, very readable
Systems & Low-Level
Rust
ModernModern, safe, great for learning systems programming
C
FoundationFoundation of everything, understand how computers work
Mobile Development
React Native
Cross-platformUse JavaScript for iOS and Android
Flutter (Dart)
BeautifulGoogle's framework, beautiful UIs
Data & AI
Python
TopThe language for AI/ML, easiest for data science
Julia
GrowingGrowing fast in scientific computing
Automation & Scripting
Python
VersatileScripts, automation, dev tools, APIs, everything
JavaScript
BrowserBrowser automation, Node.js scripts, web scrapers
Bash
SystemShell scripting, Linux automation, CLI tools
Go
FastHigh-performance scripts, CLI tools, automation
Other Languages
Ruby
TrendingElegant syntax, great for web development with Rails
TypeScript
WebJavaScript with types, great for large web apps
Java
EnterpriseIndustry standard, Android, enterprise backends
C#
GameGame development (Unity), Windows apps, .NET
Resources
Use these to learn (in this order):
- 1 Official Documentation
MDN, Python Docs, Rust Docs, always start here
- 2 Community Forums
Stack Overflow, Reddit (r/learnprogramming), community Discord
- 3 Tutorials
Only when you need quick context (limit to 2 hours max)
Ready to Start?
Pick a language and start building: