Your Learning Journey Starts Here
A comprehensive roadmap to master computer science fundamentals from zero to hero
11
Core Topics
12-14
Months to Complete
∞
Career Opportunities
Start
Your Journey Today
Your Complete Learning Path
1
Foundation (0-3 months)
Programming, OOP, OOD
2
Core Skills (3-7 months)
DS&A, Design Patterns, SWE, DB
3
System Core (8-10 months)
OS, Networking, Architecture
4
Security & Specialization (11-14 months)
Security, Career Path
For Absolute Beginners
Starting from zero? Here's exactly what you need to know
Where to Start
- Choose C++ as your first language - Best for understanding fundamentals
- Focus on concepts, not syntax - Programming is problem solving
- Start with simple programs - Calculator, patterns, basic games
- Practice daily - Even 1 hour makes a difference
- Join a community - Learning with others is easier
Tips for Success
- Be patient - Everyone struggles at first
- Type code, don't copy - Muscle memory matters
- Read error messages - They're trying to help
- Build projects - Theory without practice is useless
- Take breaks - Your brain needs time to process
- Celebrate small wins - Every step counts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Jumping between languages - Master one first
- Tutorial hell - Balance learning with doing
- Comparing yourself - Everyone learns differently
- Skipping fundamentals - No shortcuts to mastery
- Not asking for help - Questions are good
- Giving up too early - Persistence is key
Complete Learning Timeline
A realistic timeline with clear milestones
Phase 1: Foundation (Months 0-3)
Month 1: Programming Fundamentals with C++
- Variables, data types, operators
- Control structures (if/else, loops)
- Functions and scope
- Daily practice: 2-3 hours
Month 2: Object-Oriented Programming
- Classes and objects
- Inheritance and polymorphism
- Encapsulation and abstraction
- Build 2-3 OOP projects
Month 3: Object-Oriented Design
- SOLID principles
- UML diagrams
- Design a complete system
- Code reviews and refactoring
Phase 2: Core Skills (Months 3-7)
Months 3-6: Data Structures & Algorithms
- Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues
- Trees, Graphs, Hash Tables
- Sorting, Searching, Dynamic Programming
- Solve 150+ problems
Month 5: Design Patterns
- Creational, Structural, Behavioral patterns
- Gang of Four patterns
- Apply patterns to real projects
- Refactor existing code
Month 6: Software Engineering
- Clean code principles
- Git workflows and collaboration
- Testing and documentation
- Agile methodologies
Month 7: Databases
- SQL fundamentals and advanced queries
- Database design and normalization
- NoSQL basics (MongoDB)
- Build database-driven project
Phase 3: System Fundamentals (Months 8-10)
Month 8: Computer Architecture
- CPU and memory hierarchy
- Performance optimization
- Cache-friendly programming
- Modern architectures
Month 9: Operating Systems
- Process and thread management
- Memory management
- File systems
- Linux basics
Month 10: Computer Networking
- OSI model and TCP/IP
- HTTP/HTTPS protocols
- Network security basics
- Build networked application
Phase 4: Advanced Topics (Months 11-14)
Month 11: Security Fundamentals
- Cryptography (Hashing, Encryption)
- OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
- Authentication & Authorization
- Secure coding practices
Months 12-14: Specialization & Projects
- Choose your career path
- Build portfolio projects
- Interview preparation
- Start applying for jobs
Note: Some topics can be studied in parallel after Phase 1. For example: Design Patterns alongside DS&A, Security alongside projects. Adjust based on your pace and career goals.
Career Paths & Specializations
Choose your path after mastering the fundamentals
For detailed specialization roadmaps, visit roadmap.sh
Curated Resources & Learning Materials
Hand-picked resources for each topic