Coding rebooted: Computer Science on Brilliant

Today’s technology is designed to feel intuitive and approachable. Yet most coding courses seem designed to feel the opposite, a frustrating maze of unfamiliar lingo and syntax errors.

What if learning to write programs was as fun as a mobile game, and your first coding language was plain English? We set out to introduce coding to beginners in a way that feels exciting and fun.

Load new coding language: English

Starting new coders with unfamiliar languages like Python or C++ can make them log off before they get started. An easier way to get them started is with pseudocode—plain-English instructions that stand in for actual code. This keeps the focus on problem-solving logic instead of syntax, and lets learners master core programming concepts before moving to more advanced topics.

Execute new learning program: interactive puzzles

We know that the best way to learn anything is by doing it. So we packed our intro programming course with interactive problem solving, and kept the reading as light as possible.

Instead of memorizing abstract concepts, learners get hands-on with drag-and-drop code, solve fun puzzles, and learn through discovery. Each step is designed to motivate the next step.

Migrate new skills to: Python

Once learners have mastered the core programming principles like loops, conditionals, and functions, making the leap to a real programming language doesn’t feel so daunting. And with Python, their coding world opens up to more advanced, real-world challenges—like building databases, solving optimization problems, and analyzing data.

Source code for success

The output of this approach is a deeper understanding of computer science concepts that prepares new coders to think and design their programs more systematically. By removing the barriers that make programming feel daunting and frustrating, we’re better able to focus learners on the delight of solving problems.

Want to experience our approach yourself? Say “hello, world” to our newly updated course Thinking in Code today.

To keep up with our latest thoughts on the intersection of AI and STEM learning, follow us on LinkedIn and on X at @brilliant and @suekhim.