Foundations: Start Here (or Skip It)

Because the sections ahead are the original (1.0-era) version of the curriculum, some specific details — pricing, individual course availability, library versions, and tooling recommendations — may be out of date. However, the fundamentals do not change. Python, SQL, Git, and Docker work today the way they worked then. The mental models in this guide for understanding how data moves, how code is structured (MVC), how containers work, and how to think like a programmer are still an excellent starting point for anyone learning data engineering, data analytics, or junior-level Python/SQL development. Where you see an external link or a recommended course, the link is preserved exactly as it appeared in the original deck.

Before we begin, I want to acknowledge and thank one person, because she made this possible.

My wife Sarah spent a lot of time watching our kids and keeping them out of the office while I was hammering away on my keyboard.

Every effort is a team effort. Remember that when you're learning this new skill. (Especially if you're also a parent, and you have a partner who is watching the kids while you learn to code.)

… and if you ain't got kids? Shit you just got one less excuse. LOL. You better finish this.

[COPY: 1 sentence bridging into the original v1.1 welcome below, which is kept because the caveat above still applies to it — VOICE: Shane — LENGTH: 1 sentence]

Welcome to the update, Version 1.1 of Internet Menace.

What you learn today is going to change over time. People introduce new Python libraries all the time. There are different ways to make containers work. It's going to evolve.

Learning data engineering and data analytics is not a "life hack" that will instantly get you rich. I have done this for 17 years. Can you earn a comfortable living with these skills? Absolutely.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. Let's dive in.

[COPY: 1-2 sentences introducing the day-path list below as the order the material was originally taught in — VOICE: Shane — LENGTH: 1-2 sentences]

Day 1: Python (0.12) Day 20: Add SQL (0.13) Day 30: The wall and CS50 (0.14) Day 60: Docker, Kubernetes, Git (0.15) Day 100: Cloud, CLI, and tools (0.16) Projects and the final boss (0.17)