What Problems Did You Solve When You Started Coding?

I started out by modifying existing code rather than creating new stuff from scratch. My first project was tracking my DVD and Blu-ray collection using PHP and a MySQL database. It was practical and taught me a lot about coding! Don't be afraid to replicate existing projects, as it helps you learn and gain confidence!

Before diving into problem-solving, make sure to learn some fundamentals through a good beginner course. I recommend checking out the free course 'Python Programming 2025' from the University of Helsinki. It will guide you, and you'll naturally find problems to solve along the way!

I think a common mistake is looking for a unique problem that no one has tackled yet. Instead, focus on something that keeps you engaged without being overly complex. For example, I started with building a program that solves Sudoku puzzles using OpenCV. It’s not the most important project, but it was fun and kept me interested!

Really, problem-solving in programming doesn’t need to be about big issues. It can be as simple as creating a program that tells you the day of the week for any given date. When I started, I focused on simple games like tic-tac-toe or text-based games. Think of what interests you; it could even be small text programs or silly chat-bots! It's all about using your creativity!

Instead of seeking your own unique projects, I found it helpful to take existing ideas and try to code them without looking at the original source. This way, you learn by challenges and can refine your skills through trial and error!