Hey everyone, I'm feeling really frustrated with my coding skills. Despite solving around a hundred problems involving strings, arrays, and numbers (like finding prime numbers or checking for palindromes), I can never seem to retain the knowledge. After a week or so without practice, I forget how to solve them, and it feels like I'm back at square one, even after repeating those exercises multiple times. I had an interview where I was asked to write code to find the largest number in a list and print prime numbers, and I froze. I know I can do this stuff, but I just can't hold onto the concepts. It's disheartening because I genuinely enjoy coding. Is there anything I can do to improve my retention and skills, or is coding not meant for me? Thanks for any advice!
6 Answers
A straightforward answer would be to keep studying and practicing, but if that feels daunting, you could look into using tools that generate code or solutions for you. Observing how these tools solve problems might give you a new perspective. Just remember that there's no quick fix—practice is still the cornerstone to mastery.
It sounds like you might be looking at coding like it's a list of facts to memorize rather than a skill to build over time. Have you tried spaced repetition? It’s a technique that helps with retaining information by revisiting concepts at strategic intervals. When I was in a similar situation, this approach really helped me solidify my knowledge. Don’t get discouraged! Keep practicing at your own pace.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll definitely look into spaced repetition.
You really need to get into a routine. Taking long breaks is hurting your progress. Think of coding like learning a language—consistency is key. If you only practice occasionally, it's no surprise that things slip your mind. Try to code every day, even if it's just a small project or exercise; it'll help make coding feel more familiar.
Honestly, if coding doesn’t click for you after trying different approaches, it might be worth exploring other fields. Not everyone finds coding easy or intuitive. If you still enjoy it but find the pressure overwhelming, consider giving yourself a break and trying something different for a little while.
Choosing a specific path can also help! Whether that's frontend, backend, or full-stack development, getting a focus can ease your confusion. Exercises are important, but try integrating them into small projects that relate to your chosen focus. That way, they become part of your workflow rather than isolated tasks.
That makes sense! I’ll look for exercises that relate directly to projects.
Instead of focusing solely on coding exercises, try to apply what you learn to actual projects. If you're struggling with how to start a project, write down steps on paper and explain them to someone else. This will help you clarify your thought process. When you code, translate your written logic to code. Applying knowledge in real scenarios can reinforce your understanding and retention.
I understand, but I sometimes feel lost when trying to begin a project. This is why I lean on exercises to build confidence, but I get your point.
I see your point about observing problem-solving. But it's puzzling why I forget things after just a week.