sys_arch: common_core

the curriculum

The 42 curriculum is a comprehensive, gamified, peer-driven learning journey built on C and C++, designed to make you a highly-skilled software engineer.

// methodology

learning model

Peer-to-Peer

Learn by teaching others. You develop leadership skills by explaining complex code to your peers.

Project-Based

No lectures. You solve real-world problems from Day 1. Your GitHub profile is your portfolio.

Mastery Learning

No grades. Advance only by proving your skills. "Try, Fail, Retry" is the core philosophy.

Gamified System

Earn XP and level up. Reach Level 11 to unlock the Advanced Curriculum (Master's equivalent).

Technical Mastery

DevOps & Networks

Virtualisation, Docker, System Administration, TCP/IP, Sockets.

Systems Engineering

Concurrency, Parsing, Forks, Pipes, Graphics Rendering

Object-Oriented C++

Classes, Templates, Containers, Operator Overloading.

Algorithmic Engineering

C, Manual Memory Management, Sorting, and Big O Complexity Analysis.

Professional DNA

Autonomous Learning

The ability to learn any new technology or framework without guidance.

Collaboration

Leading projects, Git workflow, and constructive code reviews.

Resilience

Adapting to failure and thriving in fast-paced tech environments.

NODE_01 // CATALYST

community_initiation

NODE_02 // CLUSTERS

peer_to_peer_logic

NODE_03 // ACCESS

system_entry

NODE_04 // SYNERGY

collective_synergy

// roadmap

your journey

01 // 12-18 MONTHS

Core Curriculum

The foundation. You master C and C++ through a gamified system of interconnected projects. You will build standard libraries, UNIX programs, 3D rendering engines and network servers from scratch.

Average completion is 18 months of full-time study. The maximum is 24 months.

Libft Minishell Cub3d

02 // 4-6 MONTHS

Work Experience

Time for integration. Secure a paid internship in the tech sector. Apply your newly acquired skills in a real-world production environment alongside seasoned developers.

Access to Partner Network Free Support from Careers Manager

03 // UP TO 5 YEARS

Specialization

Unlock the Advanced Curriculum. Choose your own path and dive deep into specific high-level fields. Become a master of your chosen architecture.

Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Web/Mobile Dev Operating Systems Graphics

04 // 6 MONTHS

Final Mastery

Complete a senior-level work experience at a tech company, contribute heavily to an open-source framework, or launch your own entrepreneurial project.

Specialized Tech Expertise Startup Launch

// system_architecture

detailed competencies

Eight thematic areas, structured as a branching tree. Complete a project, unlock the next branch.

mod_01 :: fundamentals

Imperative Programming in C

Master C from the ground up. Build your own tools while learning how memory actually works. String manipulation, dynamic allocation, file I/O, and the discipline of writing code that compiles clean under strict standards.

Memory ControlManual allocation and freeing

Core ConceptsPointers and linked lists

Build SystemsMakefiles and automated compilation

StandardsThe Norm, 42's coding standard

Capstone ProjectLibft (custom stdlib)

mod_02 :: algorithmic

Data Structures & Algorithms

Develop the mindset of a problem solver. Design algorithms that balance efficiency against hard resource constraints, then prove your solution is optimal under peer scrutiny.

StrategySorting under move-count limits

AnalysisBig O complexity

StructuresStacks, queues, trees

OptimisationRadix and hybrid approaches

Capstone Projectpush_swap (two-stack sorting)

mod_03 :: admin

Networks & Systems Administration

Step into the role of a system administrator. Build, secure and manage server infrastructure from scratch. Partition disks, harden a firewall, automate jobs, then containerise the lot.

InfrastructureVirtualisation and disk partitioning

SecurityFirewall and policy implementation

TechnologiesDocker and containerisation

ManagementJob scheduling and automation

Capstone ProjectsBorn2beroot, Inception

mod_04 :: concurrency

Concurrent Programming

Unlock the power of concurrent systems. Manage threads, processes and shared resources without deadlocking. Then build your own shell to see how UNIX really handles a command.

ThreadingThreads, mutexes, semaphores

ProcessesForking, pipes, redirection

SynchronisationRace conditions and deadlock

SignalsInter-process communication

Capstone ProjectsPhilosophers, Minishell

mod_05 :: graphics

Graphics Programming

Where logic meets the screen. Build 2D and pseudo-3D graphical programs using MiniLibX, applying linear algebra and rendering maths to produce something you can actually look at.

2D RenderingSprites, event loops, window management

RaycastingPseudo-3D projection

RaytracingLight, shadow and reflection

MathsIsometric projection and vector geometry

Capstone Projectscub3D, miniRT, FdF, fract-ol, so_long

mod_06 :: objects

Object-Oriented Programming in C++

Transition from procedural to object-oriented thinking. Nine escalating modules take you from your first class to templates, containers and the Orthodox Canonical Form.

FoundationsClasses, namespaces, member functions

InheritancePolymorphism, abstract classes, interfaces

AdvancedOperator overloading, exceptions, casting

GenericsTemplates and STL containers

Capstone ProjectCPP Modules 00 to 09

mod_07 :: network

Network Programming

Understand the web from the inside out. Implement the protocols you have been using all along, in C++, handling hundreds of simultaneous connections without a framework in sight.

ProtocolsHTTP and IRC from the RFC up

SocketsNon-blocking I/O

Multiplexingpoll and epoll

AddressingTCP/IP, subnets, routing

Capstone Projectswebserv, ft_irc, NetPractice

mod_08 :: web

Web Programming

The final boss. Build a complete single-page application with a real-time multiplayer game at its centre, then run the whole thing in containers. Everything you have learned, shipped as one product.

FrontendSPA architecture and real-time UI

BackendAPI design and authentication

DataRelational database design

DeploymentDocker orchestration

Capstone Projectft_transcendence (real-time Pong)

// media_stream

inside 42 berlin.