This guide supports students enrolled in the Associate of Science (ASc) in Software Programming at Vector Technology Institute (VTI). It focuses on practical programming skills, software development concepts, problem-solving, and applied research.
The programme emphasizes hands-on coding, software design fundamentals, debugging, documentation, and collaborative development practices.
Using This Guide Successfully
- Start with open textbooks for programming fundamentals.
- Use interactive coding platforms for practice.
- Consult official documentation when learning languages and frameworks.
- Apply secure coding standards in projects and assignments.
Related guides: Research Skills • Research Paper Guide • APA Style Guide
1. Start Here: Programming Foundations
Use these resources to build strong foundations in programming logic, syntax, and problem-solving.
- OpenStax – Peer-reviewed open textbooks supporting computing and mathematics fundamentals.
- Open Textbook Library – Reviewed open textbooks in programming, databases, and software development.
- Free Computer Books – Programming books, lecture notes, and tutorials.
- Open Library – Digital access to programming and computer science books.
2. Coding Practice & Interactive Learning
These platforms help you practise writing code, debugging, and solving real-world programming problems.
- freeCodeCamp – Interactive tutorials in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, databases, and frameworks.
- The Odin Project – Full-stack web development curriculum with project-based learning.
- Kaggle Learn – Short, hands-on coding lessons for Python, data analysis, and machine learning basics.
- GitHub Learning Lab – Guided exercises for version control and collaborative development.
3. Programming Languages & Development Tools
Use official documentation and learning paths to understand how programming languages and tools work in practice.
- Android Developers Training – Official Android app development courses.
- Docker Documentation – Containers and deployment fundamentals.
- Ansible Documentation – Automation and configuration management.
- MongoDB University – Free NoSQL database courses.
4. Software Engineering Concepts & Best Practices
These resources introduce core software engineering ideas used in professional development environments.
- Scrum Guide – Official agile framework documentation.
- Project Management Institute (PMI) – Project management concepts and professional standards.
- MITRE ATT&CK – Understanding security threats and software vulnerabilities.
5. Secure Coding & Cybersecurity Awareness
Security awareness is essential for modern software development.
- OWASP Top 10 – Most common web application security risks.
- NIST Computer Security Resource Center – Secure systems and software guidance.
- Hacker101 – Introductory web security learning.
6. Research & Academic Support
Use these tools for assignments, technical reports, and programme projects.
- Google Scholar – Academic articles on software engineering and computing.
- BASE – Discovery of full-text research papers.
- Open Access Theses and Dissertations (OATD) – Advanced technical research examples.
Recommended Companion Guides
- Research Skills Library Guide
- How to Write the Research Paper
- APA Style & Citation Guide
- Find Research
This guide supports skill-based learning in the ASc Software Programming programme and prepares students for advanced study in ICT or Software Engineering.