Learning path · Advanced

Systems Programmer

Memory, performance and the machine.

Build a durable foundation in C and C++, then learn Rust’s ownership model. Finish with the algorithms and data structures that make systems work.

14 weeks 4 courses 40 lessons 4 certificates

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The sequence

4 courses, in the right order.

Each step assumes only what came before it. Follow the sequence or jump to a course you need.

Step 1 · Beginner

C Programming

Open course

Build a precise mental model of compilation, pointers, arrays, structs and memory. C is small, unforgiving and the best way to understand what higher-level languages hide.

The fundamentals of memory

0/10 lessons0%

C Programming

Step 2 · Intermediate

C++ Foundations

Open course

Learn modern C++ with references, classes, RAII, smart pointers and the STL. Write code that is fast, readable and safe enough to maintain.

Modern C++ without the folklore

0/10 lessons0%

C++ Foundations

Step 3 · Intermediate

Rust Foundations

Open course

Learn Rust’s ownership model, pattern matching and error handling. Build a small CLI and a concurrent program with confidence rather than guesses.

Ownership as a design tool

0/10 lessons0%

Rust Foundations

Step 4 · Intermediate

Data Structures & Algorithms

Open course

Build the core computer-science toolkit: complexity, arrays, stacks, queues, hash maps, trees, graphs and sorting. Learn to explain trade-offs, not just memorise code.

Reason about cost and structure

0/10 lessons0%

Data Structures & Algorithms

Portfolio project

Memory-safe CLI tool

Implement the same tool twice and explain the trade-offs.

about 9 hours Portfolio piece

The brief

Build a word-frequency tool first in C or C++, then in Rust. Read a text file, print the top results and handle errors without leaking memory.

DeliverableBoth implementations, tests, benchmark notes and a short comparison.

Stretch goals

Run a benchmark and record the numbers.
Add a parallel version in Rust.

Acceptance criteria

0/6

Both versions parse the same input and produce the same output.
The C or C++ version passes a leak check.
The Rust version uses ownership instead of manual memory management.
Both handle a missing file without crashing.
Tests cover empty input, repeated words and punctuation.
The comparison explains one performance or safety trade-off.

Path complete

Finish with proof, not just a folder of files.

Complete every course in this path to collect 4 verifiable certificates. Each one has a unique public ID and a QR code that resolves to a live status record.

How certification works Verify a credential

Systems Programmer40 lessons · 9 hours

C ProgrammingC++ FoundationsRust FoundationsData Structures & Algorithms

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