Hey everyone! I'm a 19-year-old female who just wrapped up my first year studying computer science. I've gone through courses on C++, HTML, CSS, and even dabbled in a bit of JavaScript and object-oriented programming, all while managing to pass with good grades. I often help my friends out when they're stuck, but when it comes to starting my own projects or coding from scratch, I hit a wall. I feel pretty confident about the material—like I understand the syntax and theoretical aspects—but I'm struggling to actually build something on my own. Is this a common feeling after the first year? Does it really get easier with practice? How can I overcome this block and start working on projects? Any tips or resources would be super helpful!
5 Answers
Starting with smaller projects is key! Try to gradually increase the complexity of what you build. Before jumping into code, spend some time planning on paper. And don’t forget to check out project ideas and practice sites as suggested in various resources. You’ve got this!
It’s totally normal! Just take a breath and start with a simple project. Follow a tutorial if needed to build your confidence, then tackle something on your own after that. It will get easier, I promise!
Sister* lol and thank you!
If all your learning has come from school, feeling lost is completely normal! School often doesn’t teach you the practical aspects of making actual projects. Just like theory in other subjects, you really need hands-on experience to grasp how to create something from nothing. Keep pushing through!
True, I realize how little I know sometimes when I watch tutorials. Thank you!
As someone new to programming too, I know how daunting starting a new project can feel. The trick is to break everything down into smaller, manageable tasks. Keep planning your projects out so you have a clear starting point—that way it’s less overwhelming!
I had a massive planning document for my C++ projects and it really helped! I just feel pressured with time constraints in other projects. Thanks for the advice!
Remember, practice is crucial! Spend time reading code on GitHub to see what others have created and how they approached their builds. Learning from examples can really boost your confidence in starting your own projects.
Tysm! I'll check them out.