I'm a senior in college with a keen interest in computer graphics and low-level systems. Since I didn't land an internship, I've been focusing on self-study, particularly wanting to create a raytracer. Although I've worked through most of the LearnOpenGL book, I found it challenging to fully grasp the concepts, and there are still basics like advanced lighting techniques that I'm not confident about. Currently, I'm diving into the Raytracing in a Weekend series and planning to tackle the PBRT book next. I'm unsure about the best way to digest these texts. Should I be coding along as I read, or would it be better to read the material first and then implement it? I'm worried I'll forget the material if I read it before coding. Any tips on effectively learning from programming books would be really helpful!
3 Answers
Definitely try to code along as you read! It's super important because practicing solidifies the concepts in your brain much more effectively than just reading. Learning programming can take time and dedication, so don’t expect instant mastery, but hands-on experience is key to remembering and understanding the material better.
After each chapter, search for a project that covers what you’ve learned. Completing a project helps you see how the concepts fit together, and you might learn new things along the way. By the end of your reading, you’ll have a solid grasp of the material and practical experience from the projects you completed, allowing you to blend different concepts effectively.
Thank you!
There’s no one-size-fits-all method, but the best approach is the one that keeps you engaged and learning at your own pace. If reading a book alongside coding gets overwhelming, feel free to switch to video tutorials for a bit. Don't stress about knowing everything perfectly; focus on building projects that challenge you, which is what really reinforces learning and problem-solving skills. Just dive in and start creating things!
Thank you, very informative advice!
Thank you!