The Self-Taught Degree

I'm Tim MacKay, a self-taught software developer committed to expanding my knowledge. I've opted for a self-directed learning path over a traditional degree, aiming for a mix of practical software skills, computer science fundamentals, and vital life skills like leadership and personal finance. I'll share my journey online, providing a resource for both myself and others.

My curriculum, featuring both structured and unstructured learning, will evolve with my discoveries, especially regarding online resources and third-party books. The only potential hiccup could be the Open University modules, for which I plan to purchase second-hand textbooks. This approach ensures a tailored education aligned with my professional goals.

Disclosure

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Legend/Key

Symbols used in the rest of this page.

• : Published Book
• : Open University Module
• : YouTube Playlist or Video
• : Other Online Resources
• • : Unfinished Module/Resource
• • : Finished Module/Resource

Stage 1

Introduction to Computing

• Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)

• Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)

• CS50's Introduction to Computer Science

• Think Like a Programmer: An Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

• Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software

Programming

• Composing Programs

• Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs: JavaScript Edition

Software Design

• A Philosophy of Software Design

• The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey to Mastery

• The Software Craftsman: Professionalism, Pragmatism, Pride

• Modern Software Engineering: Doing What Works to Build Better Software Faster

• Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship

• Code Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software Construction

Software Testing

• Python Testing with pytest: Simple, Rapid, Effective, and Scalable

• Unit Testing Principles, Practices, and Patterns

• Test-Driven Development: By Example

• Agile Testing: A Practical Guide for Testers and Agile Teams

Mathematics

• Discovering Mathematics (MU123)

• Essential Mathematics 1 (MST124)

• Introductory Discrete Mathematics

Computer Architecture

• The Elements of Computing Systems: Building a Modern Computer from First Principles

• Companion Coursera Course: Building a Modern Computer from First Principles

Stage 2

Algorithms & Data Structures

• Grokking Algorithms: An Illustrated Guide for Programmers and Other Curious People

• A Common-Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms in Python, Volume 1

• Algorithms, Data Structures and Computability (M269)

• Cracking the Coding Interview

• How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method

• LeetCode: Top Interview 150

Security

• CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity

• Web Application Security: Exploitation and Countermeasures for Modern Web Applications

Object-Oriented Programming

• Python Object-Oriented Programming

• The Object-Oriented Thought Process

• Head First Design Patterns

• Patterns of Enterprise Application Architecture

Wrangling Existing Code

• Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code

• Working Effectively with Legacy Code

Managing IT

• Software Requirements Essentials: Core Practices for Successful Business Analysis

• User Stories Applied: For Agile Software Development

• The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering

Stage 3

Other OU Modules

• Communication and information technologies (TM255)

• Software engineering (TM354)

• Communications technology (TM355)

Operating Systems

• How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know

• Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces

Computer Networking

• Lectures (Stanford CS144): Introduction to Computer Networking

• Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach

Databases

• Lectures (CMU) Intro to Database Systems

• Architecture of a Database System

• Readings in Database Systems

• Data and Reality: A Timeless Perspective on Perceiving and Managing Information in Our Imprecise World

Languages and Compilers

• Crafting Interpreters

Distributed Systems

• Lectures (MIT 6.824): Distributed Systems

• Understanding Distributed Systems

• Designing Data-Intensive Applications

Stage 4 — A Stage Unstructured

Every resource in this stage is independent and can be completed at any time.

Study Skills

• A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science

• How to Improve your Critical Thinking & Reflective Skills

• How to Write Essays & Assignments

Personal Development

• Atomic Habits

• As a Man Thinketh

• Maximum Achievement: Strategies and Skills That Will Unlock Your Hidden Powers to Succeed

• How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big

• The Pathless Path: Imagining a New Story For Work and Life

• How to Win Friends and Influence People

Motivation

• The Obstacle is the Way: The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage

• The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure

• The War of Art

• Bounce: The of Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice

• The Chimp Paradox

Agile

• Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time

• Clean Agile: Back to Basics

• Extreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change

• Wild West to Agile: Adventures in Software Development Evolution and Revolution

• Accelerate: The Science of Lean Software and Devops

Leadership

• High Output Management

• Turn The Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers Into Leaders

• Start With Why

• Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't

Finance

• Money: Know More, Make More, Give More

• Money: A User’s Guide

Business

• GCSE Business

• The E-Myth Contractor

• The E-Myth Revisited

• Million Dollar Consulting

• Sell or Be Sold: How to Get Your Way in Business and in Life

• Rich Dad Poor Dad

Misc

• Docker Deep Dive

• Lectures (MIT) The Missing Semester

• Soft Skills: The Software Developer's Life Manual

• Pro Git

• Microsoft Azure AZ-900

• Microsoft Azure AI-900