Hi everyone! I'm a beginner programmer learning C++ and Python, but I'm feeling a bit lost when it comes to starting my own projects. I've been relying heavily on tutorials that guide me through every little step, and I see others creating amazing projects on their own. How can I break free from this reliance on tutorials and begin building something from scratch? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
Begin by following a tutorial for a project, but then make it your own! After completing the tutorial, go back and add your own features or make changes to personalize it. This way, you get practice and still have a foundation to build on.
The key to moving past tutorial dependency is to start solving small problems. Start with something simple, like creating a basic calculator or a guessing game. This will help you develop a problem-solving mindset. Once you get comfortable with these smaller challenges, tackling larger projects will come more naturally.
Rebuilding projects you’ve followed in tutorials is a great approach. Since you're already familiar with the outcome, you can focus on the coding part without getting overwhelmed. It'll help reinforce what you've learned as you make it from scratch.
Many suggest the traditional academic route, which involves taking a structured course then gradually moving to projects after a good grasp of programming fundamentals. But if that's too slow for you, you could choose a project that interests you, research what you need to know, and learn as you go. This method can be motivating, but be aware that it might be challenging at times. Just remember, even simple games can be tricky, so give yourself time to learn and grow.
Yeah, I totally get that! Starting with smaller projects like Hangman might seem easy, but they have their complexities. It’s all about building layers of understanding until you feel ready for more advanced projects.