Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

CS50

CS50 is Harvard University's flagship introductory course in computer science and the art of programming, designed for students with or without prior experience, and taught by David J. Malan since 2007. The course emphasizes computational thinking, abstraction, algorithms, and data structures, progressing from high-level concepts in Scratch to low-level programming in C, followed by Python, SQL, and web development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. On campus, CS50 is Harvard's largest undergraduate class, attracting around 1,000 students annually and featuring extensive support with more than 100 staff members and regular hackathons. The online version, known as CS50x, launched in 2012 as one of the first courses on edX—a platform co-founded by Harvard and MIT—and has registered over 6 million learners worldwide as of 2025, making it one of the most popular massive open online courses (MOOCs). Originally offered as an on-campus course since at least the mid-1990s, CS50 has evolved into a global educational resource, offering free access to lectures, problem sets inspired by diverse fields like the arts and sciences, and a free verified certificate upon completion. Its engaging pedagogy, including live demonstrations and a focus on problem-solving, has contributed to its widespread acclaim and adaptations at other institutions, such as at Yale, which ended in 2025.

Introduction

Overview

CS50 is Harvard University's flagship introductory course, serving as an entry-level program that teaches algorithmic thinking, problem-solving, and programming fundamentals to students regardless of prior experience. Primarily taught by , Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of , since 2007, the on-campus version enrolls approximately 1,000 students annually, establishing it as one of Harvard's largest courses. The course's core aim is to demystify for beginners, guiding participants through essential concepts ranging from and algorithms to data structures, , , , and . Over time, CS50 has expanded into a global educational phenomenon via accessible online offerings like CS50x, reaching millions of learners worldwide.

Significance

CS50 is recognized as one of Harvard University's largest and most popular courses, attracting over 1,000 undergraduates annually to its on-campus iteration and featuring guest lectures from prominent figures in technology, such as in 2005 and in 2014. These high-profile contributions underscore the course's prestige and its ability to bridge academic instruction with real-world industry insights, drawing crowds that reflect its broad appeal beyond majors. The course's inclusive pedagogy, led by instructor , emphasizes accessibility for beginners and non-majors through engaging lectures, hands-on problem sets, and a supportive community, fostering an environment that attracts diverse learners from various backgrounds. This approach has inspired numerous participants to pursue careers in technology, serving as a foundational stepping stone that builds confidence and practical skills for professional transitions. CS50 has extended its influence to K-12 education via CS50 AP, an adaptation aligned with the College Board's framework, piloted in over 40 high schools and reaching approximately 1,500 students in its initial year to promote early exposure to concepts. This initiative addresses barriers in high school curricula by providing rigorous yet approachable content, encouraging broader participation among younger students. By 2025, CS50's various formats have achieved a global reach exceeding 6.3 million enrollments, democratizing education and amplifying its cultural impact as a premier introductory resource worldwide, including adaptations at institutions like Yale until 2025.

History

Origins and Development

CS50 was launched in 1989 as Harvard University's introductory course for both majors and non-majors, initially led by faculty such as , who taught it in 1996 when enrollment peaked at 386 students. During the 1990s, attendance typically hovered around 200 students per semester, reflecting steady but modest interest amid fluctuating dot-com trends that later caused enrollment to dip below 100 by 2002 before stabilizing at 132 in 2006. In 2007, was appointed as the course instructor, marking a pivotal reinvention that more than doubled enrollment to 282 students in his first year and continued to grow, reaching 338 by 2009 with a 48% increase in female participation. introduced interactive lectures featuring live demonstrations, geek culture references like clips, and engaging visuals to captivate students and emphasize . Under Malan's leadership, the curriculum shifted toward hands-on projects to foster practical skills and confidence, beginning with in an introductory "Week 0" module that used drag-and-drop programming to demystify coding for beginners. Problem sets evolved to focus on real-world applications, including challenges, simulations, and tasks such as building E*Trade-inspired finance sites or mashups, integrating multimedia elements like demos to bridge theory and practice. Malan also established the annual CS50 Hackathon, an all-night event for final projects that evolved into the CS50 Fair, drawing over 2,200 participants including students and guests by 2012 to showcase innovations in and apps.

Expansion and Innovations

The expansion of CS50 beyond its Harvard origins began in 2012 with the launch of CS50x, an open online version offered through , which provided free access to the course materials worldwide and marked one of the earliest large-scale MOOCs from Harvard. Subsequent adoptions at other institutions further broadened CS50's reach. In 2015, Yale University integrated CS50 into its computer science department, utilizing David J. Malan's recorded lectures and problem sets as the core of its introductory course, CPSC 100, to enhance accessibility and enthusiasm for the subject among undergraduates; Yale discontinued the course in 2025. More recently, in 2024, the University of Oxford launched its own iteration of CS50 through the Oxford Lifelong Learning program, again relying on Malan's lectures to deliver the course online starting in October, thereby extending its influence to another prestigious institution. Technological innovations have played a pivotal role in CS50's evolution, particularly through the integration of to support student learning. In 2023, CS50 introduced an AI-powered , designed to deliver personalized, 24/7 feedback on assignments, approximating a instructor ratio and reducing reliance on human teaching assistants for routine queries. Building on this, the 2025 updates to CS50 included refreshed lectures for clearer explanations, an enhanced version of the AI-driven CS50 —a tool that interactively guides students through code errors—and the help50 terminal utility, which offers contextual assistance for command-line issues to streamline . These advancements reflect CS50's ongoing commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for more effective .

Core Curriculum

On-Campus Structure

The on-campus version of CS50 at follows a semester-long format, primarily offered in the fall term, with a spring offering available for students unable to enroll earlier. The course structure emphasizes weekly engagement through lectures held from 1:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. (with some variations), where attendance is expected and topics are introduced by instructor ; sections, which are mandatory 2-hour small-group sessions led by teaching fellows and tailored to students' experience levels; and optional office hours providing personalized support from teaching fellows and course staff. Assessment in the course is continuous and hands-on, comprising ten problem sets that account for 60% of the grade and involve implementing weekly concepts through programming assignments inspired by real-world applications; short quizzes contributing 5% and conducted interactively before sections; a 15% online test via ; a final project worth 10%, where students develop original software over two weeks; attendance and participation worth 10%; with no traditional exams required. Teaching fellows, typically upper-level undergraduates, play a central role by leading sections, holding office hours, grading assignments, and offering guidance to ensure accessibility for all participants. The course culminates in the CS50 Fair, an annual in-person event where students showcase their final projects to peers, staff, and the community, fostering collaboration and celebration of achievements. CS50 has no prerequisites and is explicitly designed for absolute beginners, including those without prior programming experience, while serving as a foundational stepping stone to advanced courses such as (Abstraction and Design in Computation).

Topics and Assignments

The CS50 core curriculum progresses sequentially over ten weeks, building from foundational concepts in computational thinking to advanced topics in web development and software engineering, with an emphasis on practical problem-solving rather than deep mathematical prerequisites. This structure fosters debugging skills and algorithmic reasoning through lectures, shorts, and problem sets that encourage students to iterate on code iteratively. Key concepts such as abstraction—simplifying complex systems into manageable layers—and algorithms, including an introduction to Big O notation for analyzing efficiency, are woven throughout to promote conceptual understanding over rote memorization. In Week 0, students explore visual programming with , focusing on , problem decomposition, inputs/outputs, and basic representations like and ASCII, without dealing with code syntax. This sets the stage for algorithmic design using and introduces running times conceptually. Week 1 shifts to in C, covering functions, variables, conditionals, loops, compilation, and memory basics, while reinforcing abstraction and algorithms. The signature assignment requires implementing a pyramid-printing in C to practice loops and user input validation. Weeks 2 and 3 delve into arrays and strings , exploring allocation and manipulation, followed by algorithms for and , with an explicit introduction to for . Students implement efficient solutions to reinforce these ideas through problem sets on data organization. Week 4 addresses dynamic allocation using pointers and malloc , building on prior concepts to handle variable-sized data. Weeks 5 and 6 transition to for data structures like linked lists and hash tables, covering functions, modules, and object-oriented elements, while reviewing encapsulation and . The Speller assignment implements a spell-checker using hash tables , emphasizing and optimization for performance. Week 7 introduces SQL for database querying and design, integrating it with Python to handle structured data and security considerations like SQL injection prevention. Weeks 8 and 9 cover web technologies, starting with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end development, then Flask in Python for back-end web applications, including sessions and scalability. The Finance assignment builds a stock trading web app using Python and Flask, applying full-stack concepts to create user-authenticated interfaces. Week 10 culminates in the final , where students and implement an original software application using any languages or tools from the , demonstrating integrated skills in algorithms, data structures, and . Throughout, the curriculum prioritizes hands-on exercises that develop —breaking down problems logically—while tools like CS50's aid in without assuming prior expertise.

Online Offerings

CS50x Format

CS50x is a self-paced (MOOC) offered through and Harvard , structured around 11 weeks of material that learners can complete at their own pace. The course includes video lectures delivered by Harvard instructor , detailed notes for each lecture, and short films that contextualize concepts through real-world examples. It covers core topics in , such as algorithms, data structures, and , mirroring the on-campus CS50 curriculum while adapting delivery for online learners. Unlike the in-person version, CS50x utilizes automated tools for assessment and support, including check50 for programmatic testing of code submissions and staff50, an AI-driven system providing personalized feedback on problem sets. To qualify for a , participants must submit and pass nine problem sets and a culminating final project, each scoring at least 70%; the course offers a free audit option for self-study or a paid verified for formal recognition. In 2025, CS50x introduced enhancements such as refreshed video lectures, an upgraded AI-powered CS50 Duck assistant for interactive help, and a new help50 tool to diagnose terminal command errors. The edition also integrates CS50x Puzzle Day, a collaborative online event held in April where learners solve themed puzzles in teams, fostering community and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the platform's mobile-friendly interface allows access to lectures, submissions, and resources on smartphones and tablets.

Enrollment and Accessibility

CS50x has achieved remarkable participation worldwide, with cumulative enrollments surpassing 6.3 million learners by 2025. This growth reflects an annual influx of approximately 1 million new participants, drawn from diverse backgrounds and regions, underscoring the course's role as one of the most popular MOOCs in computer science. The free access model is central to CS50x's accessibility, enabling anyone with an internet connection to audit the full course content at no cost via the edX platform. Lectures feature English subtitles, with community-driven translations extending support to multiple languages, while partnerships with edX and Harvard's OpenCourseWare ensure seamless global distribution without financial barriers. Verified certificates, available for a fee on edX, have been issued to tens of thousands of completers each year, though free completion certificates are also provided directly by CS50 staff upon meeting requirements. Completion rates for CS50x are typical for self-paced MOOCs, highlighting the course's rigorous yet approachable design. To enhance inclusivity, the course incorporates accommodations for disabilities, such as and flexible submission options, alongside vibrant community forums on platforms like and for peer support. Additionally, CS50 organizes global hackathons and regional events, like those hosted by international CS50x communities, to encourage collaboration and skill-building among underrepresented learners.

Specialized Courses

Introductory Programming Variants

CS50 offers several courses designed to introduce core programming concepts to beginners, emphasizing foundational skills without prerequisites in . These variants provide accessible entry points into programming, using languages and tools suited for novices, and serve as alternatives or supplements to the broader CS50x curriculum. CS50P, or CS50's Introduction to Programming with , teaches essential programming elements through a structured 10-week format. The course begins with functions, arguments, and return values, progressing to variables, data types, conditionals, and expressions in early weeks. Subsequent topics include loops for repetition, , techniques, and file input/output operations for reading and writing data. Lectures, problem sets inspired by real-world scenarios, and a final project reinforce these skills, with no prior software installation required beyond a . CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch introduces visual programming to absolute beginners using , a drag-and-drop language developed by . Spanning 9 weeks, the standalone course covers fundamentals such as sprites and backdrops for interactive elements, functions and custom blocks for modularity, conditions for decision-making, loops for iteration, and variables for data storage. Projects build progressively, culminating in a final creation incorporating broadcasts, clones, and abstraction principles; it can also integrate into the early stages of CS50x for a gentler transition to text-based coding. CS50's Introduction to Programming with R introduces programming using R, a language for statistical computing and data visualization in data science. The course covers data representation, filtering and tidying data, functions, loops, and visualization techniques over several weeks, with hands-on problem sets and a final project focused on real-world data analysis scenarios. No prior programming experience is required, and it emphasizes R-specific tools like vectors, data frames, and for beginners. CS50's Introduction to Databases with SQL focuses on relational database fundamentals using SQLite, targeting learners new to data management. Over multiple weeks, it explores CRUD operations: creating tables and inserting data with SQL statements, reading via SELECT queries with filters like WHERE, LIMIT, and pattern matching; updating records with UPDATE and deleting with DELETE, including foreign key constraints and triggers. The curriculum addresses relating data through one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many relationships, entity-relationship diagrams, primary and foreign keys, and joins for combining tables. Later weeks cover schema design, normalization, and optimization techniques such as indexing with B-trees, partial indexes, and transactions to ensure ACID properties and prevent race conditions. CS50's Introduction to Game Development introduces programming through interactive game creation, utilizing engine and scripting language. The course examines and graphics principles, including rendering sprites and models; techniques for movement and transitions; integration for audio feedback; and for interactive physics. Hands-on projects start with classics like in , advance to side-scrollers like , and explore environments, emphasizing frameworks for efficient development despite its retirement on June 30, 2024.

Domain-Specific Applications

CS50 for Lawyers adapts the core CS50 curriculum to the needs of legal professionals, emphasizing high-level computer science concepts such as algorithms, cloud computing, databases, networking, privacy, programming, scalability, and security, while highlighting their implications for legal practice. The course targets lawyers and law students, providing hands-on experience with Python and SQL for tasks like data mining in e-discovery and basic scripting for legal tech applications, through case studies that connect technical decisions to legal outcomes. Over ten weeks, participants complete assignments that reinforce these skills without requiring prior programming knowledge, enabling them to evaluate technology's role in areas like intellectual property and regulatory compliance. CS50's Computer Science for Business Professionals similarly modifies CS50x for non-technical audiences, delivering a top-down overview of , , networking, , , and to inform strategic decisions in web and technologies. Aimed at managers, product managers, founders, and other leaders, it avoids hands-on in favor of conceptual understanding through lectures and assignments that explore how these elements drive operations and innovation. Spanning six weeks, the course equips participants to collaborate effectively with technical teams and assess the feasibility of tech-driven initiatives in corporate settings. CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python builds on foundational programming skills to introduce AI concepts and algorithms, including graph search for optimization, machine learning techniques for classification, and neural networks within broader topics like large language models. Designed for learners with at least one year of Python experience or completion of CS50x, it uses Python libraries to implement practical applications such as game engines, handwriting recognition, and machine translation through seven weeks of hands-on projects. This structure fosters algorithmic problem-solving tailored to AI's domain, preparing students for advanced studies in intelligent systems. CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity introduces cybersecurity fundamentals for both technical and non-technical audiences, covering threats to accounts, data, systems, and software. Over five weeks, it explores password security, two-factor authentication, , , and practices, with practical exercises like setting up secure systems and identifying vulnerabilities. No prior experience is required, and it culminates in a final project applying cybersecurity principles to real-world scenarios. CS50's Web Programming with Python and JavaScript extends CS50x by focusing on full-stack , covering , , , , and using frameworks like for backend Python development, for interactive frontends, and tools such as Bootstrap, , and for deployment. Intended for those with prior programming background, the nine-week course involves projects that build scalable applications, emphasizing best practices for handling interfaces and services in professional environments. Participants develop skills in creating secure, responsive sites, culminating in a final project that demonstrates real-world principles. CS50's Mobile App Development with React Native shifts focus to cross-platform development, teaching modern (ES6/ES7), JSX, paradigms, app architecture, and user interfaces to create native-like and applications without separate codebases in or ; the course was retired on June 30, 2020, with materials available for archival purposes only. Targeted at students comfortable with , CSS, , and CS50x-level programming, the 13-week curriculum guides learners through building progressively complex apps, from basic components to data integration and performance optimization. The course concludes with a self-designed final project, enabling participants to prototype solutions for diverse industries. CS50's aligns Harvard's introductory with the College Board's standards, combining elements of CS50x and technology literacy to teach abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, , , , and web programming using languages like , , SQL, , CSS, and . Exclusively for high school students with no prior experience beyond Algebra I, it spans problem sets across , , social sciences, and sciences, preparing them for the exam's Create Performance Task and multiple-choice assessment. This adaptation promotes broad and culminates in a final project that satisfies curriculum requirements for eligibility.

Impact and Legacy

Educational Influence

CS50 has significantly influenced computer science education by serving as a model for introductory courses at other institutions. The University of Oxford, for instance, has implemented CS50's curriculum, leveraging its cloud-based development environment to deliver engaging, hands-on instruction that emphasizes algorithmic thinking and problem-solving. This adaptation highlights CS50's role in promoting scalable, interactive pedagogy beyond Harvard. Similarly, CS50x, the massive open online course (MOOC) version, has pioneered accessible online formats, inspiring platforms like edX to expand offerings in introductory programming. In high schools, CS50's adaptation as CS50 AP has facilitated widespread integration into curricula, earning endorsement from the for alignment with . Piloted in over 40 schools in 2016 with support from , it now equips educators with preapproved syllabi, lesson plans, and professional development to teach to beginners. This expansion has broadened access to CS education at the secondary level, influencing curricula at institutions like UC Berkeley and . adapted CS50 as its largest introductory computer science course until its discontinuation in 2025. CS50 has contributed to greater in by attracting and retaining more women and underrepresented minorities. At Harvard, the course has correlated with a rise in female CS concentrators to 41% in 2013, up from lower figures in prior years, through inclusive problem-based assignments that build confidence among novices. Nationally, the adoption of CS50 AP has supported a surge in AP CS exam participation, with women comprising 27% and underrepresented minorities 22% of test-takers by 2017—doubles from 2011 levels—by providing engaging, non-intimidating entry points to the field. Long-term outcomes for CS50 participants include higher rates of pursuing CS majors, launching startups, and entering tech careers. At Harvard, enrollment in CS50 has driven a tripling of CS concentrators since 2007, with many crediting the course for foundational skills leading to roles. The annual CS50 Fair showcases final projects that often evolve into real-world ventures, such as web apps for or banking systems, demonstrating practical pathways to entrepreneurship. Research on CS50's pedagogy underscores the effectiveness of its and approaches. By shifting lectures online and dedicating in-class time to collaborative problem-solving, CS50 fosters deeper engagement, though instructors note the need for synchronous elements to maintain motivation. Studies of its model reveal improved student and confidence, with events like hackathons and the CS50 Fair promoting active application of concepts, resulting in high satisfaction ratings (4.2/5) and sustained interest in CS.

Recognition and Developments

CS50 has received significant recognition for its innovative approach to online education, particularly through its status as one of the most enrolled and highly rated massive open online courses (MOOCs). According to Class Central's analysis of learner data, CS50's Introduction to ranks as the most popular online course of all time, with millions of enrollments since its launch on in 2012. This acclaim is echoed in publications like , which has highlighted CS50 in lists of free courses leading to high-paying tech careers, emphasizing its role in democratizing access to education. Similarly, The New York Times has featured CS50 in articles on transformative university courses, noting its large-scale appeal and engaging pedagogy under instructor . Media coverage has further amplified CS50's visibility, including TED Talks by Malan that explain core concepts like algorithms, drawing millions of views and underscoring the course's broader cultural impact. Features in outlets such as have profiled Malan's efforts to scale the course globally via high-production-value videos and interactive tools, positioning CS50 as a model for distance learning. While specific celebrity endorsements are limited, the course's reach has inspired endorsements from tech leaders, including integrations praised by industry figures in educational forums. Ongoing developments reflect CS50's commitment to evolution, with recent updates incorporating expanded AI tools such as the AI-powered and a help50 feature for , introduced in the 2025 iteration. Institutional partnerships continue to drive growth, including long-standing collaboration with for global distribution and a multi-year with Cloud to embed AI models into the curriculum for enhanced learning experiences. CS50 has also partnered with international universities and high schools worldwide, adapting its materials for localized curricula in countries like those in and , fostering broader adoption. Plans for further innovations, such as deeper AI integrations, aim to sustain its relevance beyond 2025.

References

  1. [1]
    CS50x 2025 - Learn computer science with Harvard's CS50 programs
    This course teaches you how to solve problems, both with and without code, with an emphasis on correctness, design, and style.Week 0 Scratch · CS50 Certificate · Weeks · Week 1 C
  2. [2]
    CS50: Introduction to Computer Science | Harvard University
    An entry-level course taught by David J. Malan, CS50x teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently.Computer Science Courses · Harvard School of Engineering... · Python Courses
  3. [3]
    CS50 Logs Record-Breaking Enrollment Numbers | News
    Sep 11, 2014 · The course, Computer Science 50: “Introduction to Computer Science I,” attracted a record-breaking 818 undergraduates this semester.
  4. [4]
    How Harvard's Star Computer-Science Professor Built a Distance ...
    Jul 21, 2020 · Malan, who took over CS50 in 2007, was a pioneer in distributing Harvard course materials online for free. In 2012, Harvard and M.I.T. launched ...
  5. [5]
    Nearly 5 million people have taken this online course—here's how it ...
    Jun 14, 2023 · Interest in the online version of the course, known as CS50x, has surged in the decade-plus that it's been offered for free via online learning platform edX.
  6. [6]
    Brian Kernighan Trims His Beard in First CS50 Lecture in 1996
    Nov 13, 2024 · This was the very first lecture of CS50 in 1996, when Professor David J. Malan himself took the course! Taught in Harvard University's ...
  7. [7]
    “This was CS50”: Yale ends largest computer science course
    Feb 4, 2025 · After a decade of partnership with Harvard, Yale's CS50 course will no longer be offered starting in fall 2025 due to limited funding and an expanding computer ...
  8. [8]
    Syllabus - CS50x 2025
    This course teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. Topics include abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation ...
  9. [9]
    Harvard CS50 Guide: How to Pick the Right Course (with Free ...
    Apr 14, 2025 · The CS50 adventure began in 2012 with the launch of CS50, Harvard's Introduction to Computer Science. Over the years, CS50 grew into a brand ...
  10. [10]
    Zuckerberg, in Sandals, Chats Up CS50 | News | The Harvard Crimson
    Dec 8, 2005 · Zuckerberg advised introductory programming students to “surround themselves with smart people” in a guest lecture on web development he ...
  11. [11]
    CS50 Lecture by Steve Ballmer - YouTube
    Nov 13, 2014 · Microsoft's own Steve Ballmer '77 joins CS50 for a guest lecture on his time at Harvard and Microsoft and takes questions from students.
  12. [12]
    Case Study 19: CS50 at Harvard: "The Most Rewarding Class I ...
    May 2, 2012 · In 2011, after four years of reinvention and refinement, the enrollment is now at 614 students. It is the second-largest course at Harvard ...
  13. [13]
    David Malan's Computer Science 50 expands to high-school ...
    Apr 15, 2016 · The pilot has reached 1,500 students this year, Malan said. CS50 staff declined to provide a full list of schools participating, but a limited ...Missing: total enrollments<|separator|>
  14. [14]
    CS50 Forays Into High School Computer Science with AP Pilot | News
    Feb 18, 2016 · The new arm of the course, dubbed “CS50 AP” and supported heavily by Microsoft, is currently being piloted in more than 40 high schools across the nation.Missing: influence K- 12
  15. [15]
    CS50 AP - Learn computer science with Harvard's CS50 programs
    Malan, CS50 AP teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. Topics include abstraction, algorithms, data structures, ...
  16. [16]
    Harvard CS50 in 2025: How to Get a Free Certificate - Class Central
    With its over 6.3 million enrollments, CS50, Harvard's Introduction to Computer Science, is one of the most popular online courses ever.
  17. [17]
    This Is CS50. | Magazine | The Harvard Crimson
    Sep 18, 2014 · Since the introduction of the course in 1989, attendance has varied, with enrollment in most semesters in the '90s hovering around 200. A ...Missing: origins | Show results with:origins
  18. [18]
    [PDF] Reinventing CS50 - Computer Science
    Computer Science 50 is Harvard College's introductory course for majors and non-majors alike, enrollment in which both rose and fell along with the dotcoms.
  19. [19]
    For a day, geek is chic - Harvard Gazette
    Dec 11, 2012 · Roughly 2,200 student hackers and their guests turned out Monday for the CS50 Fair, drawn into the basement of the Northwest Science Building by ...Missing: 2000 | Show results with:2000
  20. [20]
    For a day, geek is chic
    Dec 11, 2012 · Roughly 1,000 student hackers and their guests turned out December 10 for the CS50 Fair, drawn into the basement of the Northwest Science ...Missing: participants | Show results with:participants
  21. [21]
    Harvard launches first edX courses
    Oct 15, 2012 · By mid September, well before the October 15 launch of CS50x, the all-online version (cs50.net/x), some 53,000 students had enrolled worldwide.
  22. [22]
    EdX expansion set for spring - Harvard Gazette
    Dec 19, 2012 · Although edX was launched just six months ago, nearly 200,000 people registered for the first two Harvard courses (CS50x: “Introduction to ...
  23. [23]
    Puppets and a DJ? It must be 'Intro to Computer Science' | Yale News
    In addition to sharing lectures and other resources, Yale's CPSC 100 uses the same course structure as Harvard's CS50. Hugely popular since 2007 ...
  24. [24]
    Harvard's CS50 Course to be Offered at Oxford this Fall
    a lecturer in Mathematics at Oxford and creator of ...
  25. [25]
    [PDF] Teaching CS50 with AI - Computer Science - Harvard University
    Dec 12, 2023 · CS50 integrated AI tools to approximate a 1:1 teacher-student ratio, using a virtual rubber duck chatbot, and limited commercial AI software.
  26. [26]
    What's new for 2025? - CS50x 2025
    New-and-improved lectures (hopefully!), An even-better AI-powered CS50 Duck, A help50 button that provides help when commands err in your terminal window.Missing: debugger | Show results with:debugger
  27. [27]
    Harvard College Spring 2026 - CS50
    Oct 21, 2025 · This course teaches you how to solve problems, both with and without code, with an emphasis on correctness, design, and style. Topics include ...
  28. [28]
    FAQs - Learn computer science with Harvard's CS50 programs
    CS50 is offered primarily in fall term. All students, including concentrators and non-concentrators, should take CS50 in fall term. However, SEAS concentrators ...
  29. [29]
    CS50
    ### Summary of On-Campus Structure for CS50 (Fall 2025)
  30. [30]
    Feedback from Past Students - CS50
    This is Fall 2025 of CS50 at Harvard College. Looking for Spring 2026? This ... There are also no exams, and the final is a project you get two weeks ...
  31. [31]
    All's fair in code and course work - Harvard SEAS
    Dec 20, 2022 · This was the 13th CS50 Fair, but the first to take place in person since 2019. Students packed the lower level of the Northwest Science Building ...
  32. [32]
    First-Year Exploration - Harvard CS Concentration
    The most common way to meet the Programming 1 & 2 requirements for CS students is to take CS 50 or CS 32 and CS 51 or CS 61. However, there are other ...Cs Courses For First-Year... · Mathematical Preparation · Recommended Math Courses For...
  33. [33]
    Week 0 Scratch - CS50x 2025
    This is CS50x 2025. Curious how your 2024 work counts toward the 2025 course? See our FAQs if you started in 2024 or earlier. Interested in a verified ...
  34. [34]
    HarvardX: CS50's Introduction to Computer Science - edX
    An entry-level course taught by David J. Malan, CS50x teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently.
  35. [35]
    FAQs - CS50x 2025
    A CS50 Certificate is a free certificate from CS50 itself. If I sign up for a verified certificate, can I also get a free certificate? Yes. Is edX registration ...
  36. [36]
    https://cs50.harvard.edu/x/2025/faqs/
  37. [37]
    CS50x Puzzle Day 2025 - CS50x 2025
    Starts anytime after 00:00 on Friday, April 4, 2025, in your own time zone. Ends anytime before 23:59 on Monday, April 7, 2025, in your own time zone.Cs50x Puzzle Day 2025 · What Is Cs50x Puzzle Day? · How To Host Your Own?
  38. [38]
    https://cs50.harvard.edu/x/2025/puzzles/
  39. [39]
    This was CS50x. David J. Malan | by CS50 - Medium
    Feb 15, 2016 · Again to be fair, out of the 150,349 students who registered, only 3,381 (2%) took CS50x because of the prospect of a certificate (else they'd ...
  40. [40]
    Communities - CS50x 2025
    This is CS50x 2025. Curious how your 2024 work counts toward the 2025 course? See our FAQs if you started in 2024 or earlier. Interested in a verified ...
  41. [41]
    CS50: Harvard's computer science courses and certificates - edX
    Harvard University's Computer Science 50 program, or CS50, is a collection of introductory computer science courses designed for students at all levels.CS50's Introduction to... · Computer Science for Lawyers · CS50's AP® Computer...
  42. [42]
    CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python
    ### Summary of CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python
  43. [43]
    CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch
    ### Summary of CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch
  44. [44]
    https://cs50.harvard.edu/r
  45. [45]
    Week 0 Querying - CS50's Introduction to Databases with SQL
    Week 0 Querying: Tables, Databases, Database Management Systems, SQL, SQLite, SELECT, LIMIT, OFFSET, WHERE, Comparisons, NOT, NULL, Pattern Matching, LIKE, ...
  46. [46]
    Week 1 Relating - CS50's Introduction to Databases with SQL
    Week 1 Relating. Relational Databases. Relationships: One-to-one, One-to-many, Many-to-many. Entity Relationship Diagrams. Keys: Primary Keys, Foreign Keys.
  47. [47]
    Week 3 Writing - CS50's Introduction to Databases with SQL
    Week 3 Writing: Create, Read, Update, Delete. INSERT INTO . CSVs. .import . DELETE FROM . Foreign Key Constraints. UPDATE . Triggers. Soft Deletions.Missing: topics | Show results with:topics<|control11|><|separator|>
  48. [48]
    Week 5 Optimizing - CS50's Introduction to Databases with SQL
    Week 5 covers indexes, covering indexes, B-trees, partial indexes, VACUUM, concurrency, transactions, ACID, race conditions, and locks.Missing: topics | Show results with:topics
  49. [49]
    https://cs50.harvard.edu/sql/weeks/5/
  50. [50]
    CS50's Computer Science for Lawyers
    CS50 for Lawyers · CS50 Python · CS50 R · CS50 Scratch · CS50 SQL · CS50 Web · Harvard Shop. License. Welcome. This course is a variant of CS50x designed ...
  51. [51]
    Assignments - CS50's Computer Science for Lawyers
    CS50 for Lawyers · CS50 Python · CS50 R · CS50 Scratch · CS50 SQL · CS50 Web · Harvard Shop · License. Assignments. Computational Thinking · Programming ...
  52. [52]
    CS50's Computer Science for Business Professionals
    This course is for business professionals, taking a top-down approach, covering topics like cloud computing, networking, and security, and is free to take.
  53. [53]
    CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python
    This course explores AI concepts and algorithms, including graph search, machine learning, and large language models, using Python. It is free to take via ...Courses · CS50 Certificate · Week 0 Search · Weeks
  54. [54]
    CS50's Web Programming with Python and JavaScript
    Topics include database design, scalability, security, and user experience. Through hands-on projects, students learn to write and use APIs, create interactive ...CS50 Certificate · HTML, CSS · Weeks · Week 3 Django
  55. [55]
    CS50's Mobile App Development with React Native
    The material remains here for archive purposes only. CS50's Mobile App Development with React Native. OpenCourseWare. Donate · Jordan Hayashi · jordan@cs50.
  56. [56]
    https://cs50.harvard.edu/web
  57. [57]
    Teaching CS50 at Oxford: Lessons for Computer Science Educators
    Sep 22, 2025 · This paper evaluates CS50's approach to delivering computer science education, which utilises a cloud version of Visual Studio Code ...
  58. [58]
    And the award for the best MOOC goes to…? - freeCodeCamp
    Aug 30, 2018 · CS50 from Harvard University stood out from the other MOOCs. CS50x is the MOOC version of the full-time on-campus CS50 course.Missing: schools | Show results with:schools
  59. [59]
    Endorsed Providers of AP Computer Science Principles Curricula
    Professional Learning: CS50 offers three-day, in-person workshops, with customizable tracks based on participants' interests, to teachers who make a one-year ...
  60. [60]
    Tens Of Thousands More Women And Minorities Are Taking ... - NPR
    Jul 31, 2017 · Only 1 in 5 of those taking AP CS last year were underrepresented minorities and about 1 in 4 were women. ... CS50, a Harvard course that is among ...
  61. [61]
    cs50 alumni who built $1B companies - YouTube
    Mar 5, 2025 · cs50 roadmap: https://youtu.be/3xaVX0cluDo 0:00 Intro 0:30 What is Harvard's cs50? 0:49 AirBnB 1:36 Instagram 2:11 Dropbox 2:47 Kayak 3:10 ...Missing: long- term outcomes CS majors startups tech careers projects
  62. [62]
    Gallery of Final Projects - CS50x 2025
    StudySpotter helps Harvard students find places to study that fit their unique, personal study preferences. CSS HTML JavaScript Python SQL. Python-Based Website.
  63. [63]
    As Harvard professor reverses course on online lectures, debate ...
    Sep 12, 2017 · In flipped classes, the passive elements of instruction – the lower levels of learning – are moved to outside of class, which creates ...
  64. [64]
    [2025] The 250 Most Popular Online Courses of All Time
    Mar 26, 2025 · Here are the 250 most popular online courses of all time, in order of popularity: CS50's Introduction to Computer Science from Harvard ...
  65. [65]
    7 Free Online Courses To Learn Skills That Pay $100,000+ - Forbes
    Oct 13, 2025 · CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity; Remote Work Evolution for Everyone (perfect for leaders and managers); Data Science: Building Machine ...
  66. [66]
    10 Courses With a Twist - The New York Times
    Apr 8, 2014 · INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE, Harvard · Professor: David J. Malan · Class size: With 700 students, CS50 is nipping at the heels of Harvard's ...Missing: MOOC | Show results with:MOOC
  67. [67]
    David J. Malan: What's an algorithm? | TED Talk
    Feb 12, 2019 · An algorithm is a method of solving problems both big and small. Though computers run algorithms constantly, humans can also solve problems ...
  68. [68]
    CS50 class partners with tech giants like Meta and Amazon - LinkedIn
    Feb 21, 2025 · ... Cs50x —just like Malan, the best teacher ever. Thanks for all, David ... 1 million next-gen developers globally. What this means ...