CS50, Harvard’s introductory computer science course, is the most influential class I’ve ever taken. CS50 spurred my interest in computer science – which I nearly pursued as my career – and the methodologies of computer science continue to inform my understanding of the world and guide my decisions to this day.

The Cult of CS50

I was reminded of this because the New Yorker recently published a profile on David Malan, CS50’s charismatic and innovative professor (and my boss at one point!). Even though much of the interview focuses on Malan’s pioneering work in digital-friendly education with high production value, the article also captures some of Malan’s quirks, like his antiquated speaking habits (he says “lest” a lot) and his Jobs-esque wardrobe, and it took me back to my time at Harvard. When I took it in 2009, CS50 was more cult than ordinary Harvard course, garnering a class size approaching 700, meaning nearly half of Harvard undergrads take it. It held enormous events like an overnight hackathon and a project exhibition fair, replete with corporate sponsors such as Google, Facebook, and Dropbox. CS50 even has its own branding and swag! I still wear my “I took CS50” t-shirt and CS50 hoodie; in fact, a Harvard alum wearing a crimson H hat commented on my CS50 shirt in Trader Joe’s the other day.