Any experience using EDX.org for free courses? I'm enrolled in Introduction to Python

I've taken dozens of courses through edX and Coursera. I prefer the structured learning environment over trying to teach myself. The deadlines and assignments keep me focused and motivated.

The certifications are how they keep the lights on. I might pay for one if the course is related to my career. But I usually just audit the courses.

The only thing I don't like are the peer graded assignments. Sometimes you'll get someone who doesn't understand the assignment or the material grading your work.

What is your coding experience? I am a complete novice and have been looking for a way to learn python and other languages

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You can go directly to MIT and other participating schools and skip the Edx piece. I took python from Ga tech through edx then through MIT directly, the MIT experience was better.

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I've done courses on both edX and MIT's ocw - they're both good. I like the structure of edX, and I like the full lectures on ocw.

I like EdX a lot more than Coursera, FWIW.

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am a complete novice and have been looking for a way to learn python and other languages

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learn sql next.

Look.at job sites.
See what skill sets are called for in city or industry where you want to work.

Expect to keep learning until you retire.
If you get work in a stable backwater, once you are comfortable there, figure out the next new thing. Get in on ground floor. Be a beta tester if possible.

Never stop learning.

Some guy on YouTube has put together an " Open Source Computer Science Degree", using a bunch of free Coursera, edX and Udacity courses. Here's his course list.

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see lots of job listings for SQL and .NET developers. I may have to go down one of those roads.

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SQL is almost universally used.
Big or small versions.

Load it. Learn it. Use it in your own doings so its fresh.

One thing at a time.
You will need a front end.
Doesn't have to be c++.
Any language :
Input
Decision as: if or whenever
Then do;
Math
Defining data characteristics.
Placing data into an accessible structure.
Retrieving.
Writing.

Nothing else going on.

Look at dice and monster. other job sites. Figure out what they use where you want to work.

As for c++, master one thing at a time. Otherwise its just a blizzard of untranslated gobbledygook.

Be patient.

I started learning C in 1968.

There are two versions of C++ for dummies out there. Be humble and dogged as a bulldog.

Thanks for the wisdom celticdog.