Learning with YouTube: Accessible and Open Source Education

Before we start this is a part 2 blog post continuing on from last week where we looked at a broader view of learning golang including more resources I have curated into a list and wanted to share. You can find that post here

Since the pandemic began, the landscape of learning has changed dramatically. Many of us have turned to online platforms to continue learning and growing in our respective fields. While there are numerous paid educational sites such as Udemy, I have found YouTube to be an incredibly valuable and accessible resource for learning. As a YouTube Premium subscriber, I enjoy ad-free content, but it’s worth noting that all the content I’ve utilized is freely available across the platform.

Accessibility and Global Reach

YouTube’s accessibility is one of its most significant advantages. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a complete beginner, YouTube provides a vast array of tutorials, courses, and lectures that are freely accessible. This democratization of knowledge is invaluable, especially during times when traditional educational avenues might be out of reach.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that there may be some countries where access to certain YouTube content is restricted. This is an aspect I haven’t been able to test personally, but it’s a factor worth considering.

Supporting the Open Source Learning Ecosystem

Another compelling reason to use and promote YouTube as a learning platform is the dedication of the content creators to the open source learning ecosystem. Many creators choose to share their knowledge freely, supporting a community-driven approach to education. This aligns perfectly with my philosophy and efforts to help the community through projects like #90DaysOfDevOps and UpTheStack.io.

These projects are designed to provide resources and support to anyone willing to learn and grow in the field of DevOps and cloud-native technologies. Sharing knowledge and making it accessible to all is a principle I hold dear, and YouTube creators exemplify this by offering high-quality educational content at no cost.

A Comprehensive Learning Path on YouTube

In my previous blog post, I outlined a structured learning path to master Golang, starting from programming fundamentals to building and deploying a full demo application. Here’s a follow-up with YouTube resources that align with each step of that learning path:

Step 1: Learn Programming Fundamentals

1. Programming Basics:
   • Corey Schafer’s Python Tutorials - A comprehensive series of Python tutorials for beginners.
     • Corey Schafer - Python Tutorials
2. Introduction to Computer Science:
   • CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science 2022 by Harvard University - The full course lectures.
     • CS50 2024 - Harvard University

Step 2: Start Learning Golang

1. Online Courses and Tutorials:
   • Golang Tutorial for Beginners by Tech with Tim - A detailed introduction to Golang.
     • Tech with Tim - Golang Tutorial
   • Golang Full Course by TechWorld with Nana - Covers Golang from the basics to more advanced topics.

     • [Golang Tutorial for Beginners

       Full Go Course](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyUHQIec83I)

Step 3: Practice Coding in Golang

1. Interactive Coding Platforms:
   • Go Programming – Golang Course with Bonus Projects - Practice problems and solutions in Golang.
     • Go Programming – Golang Course with Bonus Projects
2. Build Small Projects:
   • Building CLI Tools with Golang by The Polyglot Developer - A series on creating command-line tools.
     • The Polyglot Developer - CLI Tools
   • Web Scraping with Golang - A tutorial on building a web scraper.
     • GO for Beginners - Web Scraping with Golang Tutorial
   • Building a REST API with Go by Traversy Media - A step-by-step guide to creating a REST API.
     • Traversy Media - REST API with Go

Step 4: Understanding DevOps with Golang

1. Docker and Kubernetes:
   • Docker Tutorial for Beginners by TechWorld with Nana - A complete guide to Docker.
     • TechWorld with Nana - Docker Tutorial
   • Kubernetes Tutorial for Beginners by KodeKloud - An in-depth Kubernetes tutorial.
     • KodeKloud - Kubernetes for Beginners
2. CI/CD:
   • Jenkins Tutorial for Beginners by Edureka - A comprehensive introduction to Jenkins for CI/CD.
     • Edureka - Jenkins Tutorial

Step 5: Building Web Applications with Golang and UI Frameworks

1. Build Web Application with Go by TutorialEdge - A tutorial series on building web applications.
   • TutorialEdge - Web Application with Go
2. UI Frameworks:
   • FULL Introduction To HTMX Using Golang - Tutorials using HTMX.
     • [HTMX Community - HTMX Tutorials
   • Vue.js for Beginners by The Net Ninja - A complete beginner’s guide to Vue.js.
     • The Net Ninja - Vue.js for Beginners
   • React for Beginners by FreeCodeCamp - A comprehensive tutorial on React.
     • FreeCodeCamp - React for Beginners

Step 6: Build and Deploy a Full Demo Application

1. Project Development:
   • Building a Fullstack App with Golang and React - Combining Go for backend and React for frontend.
     • Fullstack App with Golang and React
2. Deployment:
   • Kubernetes 101: Deploying Your First Application! - A tutorial on deploying applications using Docker and Kubernetes.
     • Kubernetes 101: Deploying Your First Application!

Conclusion

Using YouTube for learning has been a game-changer for me, providing high-quality educational content that is accessible and free. The creators behind these tutorials support the open source learning ecosystem, making education available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. As someone who values community-driven learning and has initiated projects like #90DaysOfDevOps and UpTheStack.io, I am proud to highlight and support these resources. They embody the spirit of sharing knowledge and lifting others up, which is crucial for the growth and development of the tech community.