Computer Science and Engineering

Explore articles about computer science, engineering, and artificial intelligence. Learn about careers in software engineering, web development, and cryptography, and how to build skills for your next career step.

Coursera logo C cutout
[Featured Image] Colleagues discuss the differences between a router and a modem while searching for answers on their tablets.

Router vs. Modem: What’s the Difference?

Routers and modems both serve a role in a computer network with very different functions. Explore the differences between routers and modems to ensure you make informed network decisions at home or in your workplace.

September 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A computer science learner works on their laptop while studying routing tables and their role in computer networking.

What Is a Routing Table and How Does It Work?

Routing tables are an essential component of computer networks that network devices like routers and switches use. Discover how routing tables work by transmitting packets through a series of protocols.

September 26, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A team of developers sitting around a large table in a modern office setting use lean UX to collaborate during the UX design process.

The Lean UX Process and How It Can Help Cut Waste

The Lean UX process focuses the design team on the user experience in an effort to cut waste while saving money and resources during the design process. Explore how Lean UX can help your team create better products, save money, and keep employees engaged.

September 26, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Colleagues discuss the differences between a router and a modem while searching for answers on their tablets.

Router vs. Modem: What’s the Difference?

Routers and modems both serve a role in a computer network with very different functions. Explore the differences between routers and modems to ensure you make informed network decisions at home or in your workplace.

September 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A computer science learner works on their laptop while studying routing tables and their role in computer networking.

What Is a Routing Table and How Does It Work?

Routing tables are an essential component of computer networks that network devices like routers and switches use. Discover how routing tables work by transmitting packets through a series of protocols.

September 26, 2024

Article

Top courses to explore computer science and engineering

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Cloud Deployment, Unit Testing, Software Development Life Cycle, CI/CD, Object-Relational Mapping, OpenShift, Istio, Kubernetes, Cloud-Native Computing, Node.JS, Cloud Infrastructure, Git (Version Control System), HTML and CSS, Server Side, Javascript, Front-End Web Development, Cloud Computing, Data Ethics, Python Programming, Software Development

4.6 stars, 61K reviews, Beginner, Professional Certificate, 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free trial
Category: Build toward a degree

Meta

Skills you'll gain: Django (Web Framework), Restful API, Version Control, GitHub, Git (Version Control System), Responsive Web Design, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), JSON, HTML and CSS, Unix Commands, Back-End Web Development, React.js, API Testing, Relational Databases, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Database Management Systems, Object Oriented Design, Mobile Development, Python Programming

4.7 stars, 26K reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months
Status: Trending right now
Status: Free trial

Microsoft

Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Copilot, CI/CD, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), GitHub, C# (Programming Language), HTML and CSS, ASP.NET, SQL, Database Management, Object Oriented Design, Continuous Integration, Version Control, Git (Version Control System), Frontend Integration, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Responsive Web Design, Web Development, Secure Coding, .NET Framework, Graph Theory

4.6 stars, 550 reviews, Beginner, Professional Certificate, 3 - 6 Months
Status: Trending right now
Status: Free trial
[Featured Image] A smiling businessperson in casual clothes and holding a cup of coffee works from their living room, confident that their organization's cloud solutions will enable them to work remotely with ease.

What Are Cloud Solutions? Comprehensive Guide for 2026

Cloud solutions provide internet-based access to computing resources like storage, software, and processing power. This guide covers types of cloud services, such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, along with their benefits and uses across different industries.

September 26, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A creative project manager shows a creative brief to a coworker using a laptop.

How to Write an Impactful Creative Brief

A creative brief is a planning document that helps your whole creative team understand what you’re looking for in a creative project. Discover what goes into a creative brief and the advantages of implementing it for your next project.

September 26, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A coworker sits at a table working with a device driver on their computer.

What Is a Device Driver and How Does It Work?

Explore the inner workings of a device driver, including its vital role in facilitating seamless communication between hardware and software.

September 26, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A person sits, listening, with a laptop open in front of them, in a professional development course required for CCNP certification.

What Is a CCNP Enterprise Certification, and Should I Invest in One?

With a CCNP Enterprise Certification, you can showcase your networking knowledge, including how to configure, troubleshoot, and secure networks. Discover how this credential can empower you to meet changing demands in the computer networking industry.

September 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman at home sits at her desk and uses a laptop and a notebook to research how to become a software engineer without a degree.

How to Become a Software Engineer without a Degree

Learn more about how to become a software engineer without a degree, including what a software engineer does, the skills you will need, and how to develop them.

August 29, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A person stands outside wearing augmented reality (AR) glasses.

What Is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Discover the difference between AR and VR and how augmented reality (AR) can enhance the world with digital information, including real use cases for AR and careers that work with AR technology.

August 28, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Learners in a computer science class attend a lecture about Linux vs. Windows as they explore various operating systems’ benefits and uses.

Linux vs. Windows: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right operating system is an integral part of setting up a computer system. Explore the differences between Windows and Linux and get the details you need to decide on the operating system that best meets your needs.

August 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Three programmers discuss cloud infrastructure in an office setting while one points to a computer monitor.

What Is Cloud Infrastructure and How Does It Work?

Working in cloud computing can enhance an organization's agility and provide a secure, accessible data environment. Explore the basics of cloud infrastructure and the jobs you might consider that work closely with it to prepare for your career goals.

August 23, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Three IT professionals discuss IPv4 vs. IPv6 while looking at a computer screen.

Understanding IPv4 vs. IPv6

Deepen your understanding of internet protocols with a side-by-side comparison of IPv4 and IPv6. Plus, explore the advantages and disadvantages of each and why IPv6 is growing in popularity.

August 16, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A team of developers sitting around a large table in a modern office setting use lean UX to collaborate during the UX design process.

The Lean UX Process and How It Can Help Cut Waste

The Lean UX process focuses the design team on the user experience in an effort to cut waste while saving money and resources during the design process. Explore how Lean UX can help your team create better products, save money, and keep employees engaged.

September 26, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A smiling businessperson in casual clothes and holding a cup of coffee works from their living room, confident that their organization's cloud solutions will enable them to work remotely with ease.

What Are Cloud Solutions? Comprehensive Guide for 2026

Cloud solutions provide internet-based access to computing resources like storage, software, and processing power. This guide covers types of cloud services, such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, along with their benefits and uses across different industries.

September 26, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A creative project manager shows a creative brief to a coworker using a laptop.

How to Write an Impactful Creative Brief

A creative brief is a planning document that helps your whole creative team understand what you’re looking for in a creative project. Discover what goes into a creative brief and the advantages of implementing it for your next project.

September 26, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A coworker sits at a table working with a device driver on their computer.

What Is a Device Driver and How Does It Work?

Explore the inner workings of a device driver, including its vital role in facilitating seamless communication between hardware and software.

September 26, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A person sits, listening, with a laptop open in front of them, in a professional development course required for CCNP certification.

What Is a CCNP Enterprise Certification, and Should I Invest in One?

With a CCNP Enterprise Certification, you can showcase your networking knowledge, including how to configure, troubleshoot, and secure networks. Discover how this credential can empower you to meet changing demands in the computer networking industry.

September 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman at home sits at her desk and uses a laptop and a notebook to research how to become a software engineer without a degree.

How to Become a Software Engineer without a Degree

Learn more about how to become a software engineer without a degree, including what a software engineer does, the skills you will need, and how to develop them.

August 29, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A person stands outside wearing augmented reality (AR) glasses.

What Is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Discover the difference between AR and VR and how augmented reality (AR) can enhance the world with digital information, including real use cases for AR and careers that work with AR technology.

August 28, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Learners in a computer science class attend a lecture about Linux vs. Windows as they explore various operating systems’ benefits and uses.

Linux vs. Windows: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right operating system is an integral part of setting up a computer system. Explore the differences between Windows and Linux and get the details you need to decide on the operating system that best meets your needs.

August 27, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Three programmers discuss cloud infrastructure in an office setting while one points to a computer monitor.

What Is Cloud Infrastructure and How Does It Work?

Working in cloud computing can enhance an organization's agility and provide a secure, accessible data environment. Explore the basics of cloud infrastructure and the jobs you might consider that work closely with it to prepare for your career goals.

August 23, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Three IT professionals discuss IPv4 vs. IPv6 while looking at a computer screen.

Understanding IPv4 vs. IPv6

Deepen your understanding of internet protocols with a side-by-side comparison of IPv4 and IPv6. Plus, explore the advantages and disadvantages of each and why IPv6 is growing in popularity.

August 16, 2024

Article

Many exciting career paths are available for anyone interested in computer science and engineering, from artificial intelligence and cryptography to software engineering and web development. With so many opportunities, finding the right place to start can be challenging. Coursera offers expert resources to support your goal, whether you're just starting or are ready to take the next step.

Ready to start learning? Explore Coursera's catalog of computer fundamentals, computer programming, or computer science courses for beginners to experts.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)