Programming

What programming is and why it matters

Programming means giving a computer precise instructions to solve a task. The apps on your phone, a ticket booking website, a traffic light controller, the system that prints a school timetable — all of them run on code that someone wrote, tested and keeps improving. Learning to program is learning to break a problem into small, clear steps and to express those steps in a language the computer understands.

This skill matters today well beyond IT companies. Programs automate routine work in offices, help process records in clinics and schools, and power the online services people use every day. Even if you do not become a professional developer, the habit of algorithmic thinking helps you solve problems logically in any job.

What you will learn and do in class

The program is hands-on from day one: code is written after every topic. Lecture time is kept to a minimum — most of the course is spent at the keyboard. It lasts 6 months and includes 56 lessons in four modules, using Python, VS Code, Git and SQLite.

Programming fundamentals. You set up your tools and write your first program in the very first lessons. You learn variables, conditions and loops through small tasks such as a number-guessing game or a simple calculator. Then you meet lists, dictionaries and sets — for example, storing a class list, counting how often each word appears in a text or removing duplicates. You finish the module by writing your own functions so that your code is organised and reusable.

Algorithmic thinking. Here you learn to break a problem into steps before writing a single line. You implement search and sorting algorithms yourself — finding a name in a list, arranging results from highest to lowest — and compare different approaches. The idea of complexity helps you understand why one solution stays fast on a large amount of data while another slows down.

Practical tooling. Real programmers spend much of their time reading and fixing code. You learn Git and version control to save each stage of your work and go back if something breaks. You practise finding and fixing bugs by reading error messages and testing step by step, and you learn about code style and readability so that others can understand your code.

Final project. In the last module you plan and build your own application that works with a database (SQLite) — for example, a small library catalogue, a to-do list or a record book for a club. You plan the project, divide it into tasks, write the code and keep it in Git. At the end each participant presents their project to the group and defends it. The strongest projects are shown to specialists from partner organizations.

A typical working day of a developer

A developer’s day is rarely just typing code. It often includes:

• a short team meeting to discuss progress and plan tasks;
• reading a task description and clarifying what exactly should work;
• writing new code and testing it;
• finding and fixing bugs reported by users or colleagues;
• reviewing colleagues’ code and receiving comments on your own;
• saving work in a version control system with short notes on what changed.

Patience, attention to detail and the habit of asking clear questions are as important as knowing the language itself.

Where these skills are used

Programming skills are used in software development, web and mobile services, data processing, automation of office work, education technology, public digital services and research. After the course, common next steps include studying a specialisation further (web development, data, automation), building more projects for a portfolio, contributing to open-source projects or applying for internships and junior positions. The course gives a solid start and a finished project you can show; further growth depends on continued practice.

How to prepare before the course starts

You can start from zero, but a few habits will help:

• get comfortable with files and folders on your computer and with typing on a keyboard;
• try a free introductory Python tutorial or interactive coding exercises and type every example yourself;
• solve simple logic puzzles to train step-by-step thinking;
• learn a few basic English words used in programming — many commands and error messages are in English;
• decide now when you will practise each week: short daily sessions work better than rare long ones.

Frequently asked questions

I have never programmed. Can I join? Yes. The program starts from zero. You need to be able to turn on a computer and work with files and folders, and be willing to practise regularly.

Is it free, and how do I apply? Yes, all programs of the association are free. Anyone aged 16 or older can apply; only your name and phone number are needed. A passport copy may be requested after admission for the certificate. Our specialists call you back within 1–2 working days.

Are classes held in person or online? Classes take place offline in the association’s training centres or online, depending on the group schedule. Online programs are open to participants across the country.

How much time should I plan for? At least about 6 hours of classes per week plus independent practice. Programming is learned through regular coding, so time for homework really matters.

Will I receive a certificate? Yes, a certificate is given on successful completion. Missing more than 30% of classes may mean no certificate, so plan your attendance in advance.

If you are ready to write your first program, apply using the enrolment button on this page.