# cracked.guide vs The Odin Project

> The Odin Project and cracked.guide compared: a free full stack web development curriculum versus a deep path through interpreters and Knuth.

**The Odin Project** is a free, open source curriculum for full stack web development: Foundations first, then a Ruby on Rails or a JavaScript path, built around projects. **cracked.guide** is about core computer science, not web development. If you want to build web apps for a living, The Odin Project is the right choice. If you already can and want depth, cracked.guide is.

## At a glance

| | The Odin Project | cracked.guide |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Goal | Full stack web developer | Deep programming and algorithms skill |
| Content | Foundations, then Full Stack Ruby on Rails or Full Stack JavaScript | A dated 145-week path: Crafting Interpreters, then TAOCP Vols 1 to 4B, with NeetCode 150 and a Play track of programming games |
| Time | Self-paced; learners report months for Foundations alone | About 8 to 12 hours a week for 145 weeks (or half pace, 290) |
| Cost | Free | Free site; books and games extra (Crafting Interpreters is free online) |
| Checks | Project-based; community reviews | Book test suite on GitHub Actions, LeetCode profile, MIX programs graded in the browser |

## After The Odin Project

A common feeling after a web curriculum is "I can build apps but I do not know how any of it works underneath". That is the gap cracked.guide is for. Building an interpreter shows you what your JavaScript engine is doing, and Knuth shows you what your database is doing. Start with [how to build an interpreter](https://cracked.guide/learn/how-to-build-an-interpreter).

## Questions

### Is The Odin Project free?

Yes. It is open source and free; it accepts donations.

### Can I do cracked.guide without a CS background?

Yes, if you can program comfortably. Week 0 covers the Java, C, Git and command-line basics the first weeks need.

## Sources

- [The Odin Project](https://www.theodinproject.com/)
- [The Odin Project FAQ](https://www.theodinproject.com/faq)

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Source: https://cracked.guide/vs/the-odin-project
cracked.guide: A free, dated 145-week path to getting genuinely cracked at programming.