Getting Started
This page is the public starting contract for the curriculum.
The short version:
- start with the implemented learner path
- follow the guide before opening source books
- produce artifacts every week
- do not treat blueprint pages as finished coursework
Start Here
- Complete Pre-Semester Launchpad.
- Move into Semester 0: Orientation.
- Use Readiness before touching later semesters.
- Treat Semester 1 and Semester 7 as public exemplars, not fully finished semester blocks.
What Is Fully Usable Today
| Area | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Semester Launchpad | Implemented | Complete starting block for habits, tooling, and Git |
| Semester 0 | Implemented | Complete orientation path with project, checkpoint, review, and exam |
| Semester 1 | In Progress | Public exemplar: Module 1 only |
| Semester 7 | In Progress | Public exemplar: Module 1 and project brief |
Weekly Working Rhythm
Use a simple repeatable cadence:
- Review old cards or old notes briefly.
- Study the current concept pages.
- Do the drills, katas, or implementation work.
- Write one retrieval or Feynman artifact from memory.
- Commit the work and log what still feels weak.
If a week ends with no artifact, the learning was probably too passive.
Resource Rule
Use the guide as the default path.
Open source books only when:
- a page explicitly says
Read only if stuck - you finished the guide page and still cannot explain the concept
- you want extra depth after already doing the core work
Do not equate "I read more" with "I learned more."
Minimum Workspace
Set up one working structure and keep using it:
curriculum/
notes/
repos/
diagrams/
journal/
cards/
One place for notes and one place for code is enough to start.
Completion Standard
A module is only complete when you can show:
- your own notes or explanation
- at least one drill, kata, or implementation artifact
- retrieval practice done without notes
- quiz or self-check completed honestly
- committed work in a repo or working folder
Reading alone does not count as completion.
If You Get Stuck
- Re-read the module objective and identify the exact concept that is failing.
- Try the exercise, diagram, or code path before opening more sources.
- Use selective references only after the guide path stops being enough.
- Do not advance past a checkpoint by hand-waving.
Public Promise
This site currently promises a credible starting path and a few strong exemplars. It does not yet promise that every later semester is fully authored.