Cracked Coding: Computer Science on Brilliant

At Brilliant, we believe that anyone can learn computer science by doing—and that programming doesn’t have to feel intimidating or frustrating. That’s why we’ve designed a curriculum that’s hands-on, engaging, and built from the ground up to help you think like a programmer from day one, without drowning in syntax. Whether you're new to coding or looking to strengthen your problem-solving skills, our course helps you build confidence step-by-step with a fresh, interactive approach.

Learn to think like a programmer—without the syntax headaches

Many programming courses jump straight into languages like Python or C++, forcing students to get bogged down in semicolons and confusing syntax errors. We take a different approach.

Our journey begins with drag-and-drop programming using simple pseudocode—plain English instructions that let you focus on problem-solving logic instead of syntax. In our custom-built programming environment, coding becomes intuitive and beginner-friendly, so you can build confidence early on. No cryptic error messages, no formatting struggles—just you and the core concepts of programming, like loops, if-statements, and functions.

Hands-on, addictive puzzle challenges

Our curriculum is 95% hands-on—no long lectures or dry textbooks. From the moment you start, you’re actively solving puzzles, experimenting, and discovering solutions. Every step forward feels like leveling up in a game, keeping you motivated as you learn core concepts through exploration rather than memorization.

Seamlessly transition to Python

Once you’ve mastered the core principles of programming—loops, conditionals, and functions—we introduce you to Python. At this point, learning a programming language feels natural, not overwhelming. You’ll already know how to think like a coder, so syntax becomes just another tool in your problem-solving toolkit. With Python, you’ll start working on more advanced, real-world challenges, like building databases, solving optimization problems, and analyzing data.

Build skills that stick

The result? A deep understanding of computer science concepts that prepares you for bigger challenges ahead. Whether you're aiming to dive into more advanced coding topics, develop a passion for data science, or build practical software projects, Brilliant gives you the foundation you need—along with the joy of discovery that makes learning fun.

Start coding differently

If you’ve ever struggled with traditional coding courses, Brilliant offers a new way forward. Our hands-on, puzzle-driven curriculum removes the barriers that make programming feel frustrating, allowing you to focus on what really matters: the joy of solving problems and building new things.

We're very proud of Thinking in Code, and think it's the best way to get started with learning Computer Science. We'd love for you to try it out and share your thoughts on it with us!