I'm in the final stretch of my intro to programming class at university, but I'm feeling completely overwhelmed. I'm majoring in computer application development with hopes of getting into game development, and while I enjoy programming, I often find myself staring blankly at the screen, unsure where to start. I currently have an A- in my class, mainly because we get the quiz questions ahead of time, but I worry about how I would perform on an exam without that preparation. This anxiety about my intro class is even making me think about switching majors, although I'm not sure what else I'd choose. Any advice would be really appreciated!
4 Answers
I totally get where you're coming from! A lot of CS programs focus too much on memorization rather than real-world problem solving. It’s important to realize that software development is always changing, and learning how to learn is key. Try working on a side project to practice what you're learning. Remember, the 80/20 rule can help: focus on the 20% of documentation that gives you 80% of the knowledge you need. Just dive in, and you'll pick things up as you go!
Uni courses can throw a lot of info at you without connecting the dots. It’s up to you to put the pieces together through personal projects and overcoming challenges. If you're only solving problems for grades and not due to interest, you'll miss out on grasping how everything ties together in programming.
Have you tried writing out pseudo code before diving into actual coding? It’s a great way to clarify your thoughts and break down tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. It can really help you get a grip on the logic of what you’re trying to accomplish, and studying ahead of time can definitely make things easier to grasp in class!
Honestly, it might feel overwhelming, but it only gets trickier as you move forward. One of the best things you can learn is to embrace uncertainty and don't be afraid to write bad code. Start with the basics—make sure your program compiles and print inputs to find patterns. The more you experiment, the better you'll get!
Great advice! Experimenting really helps in the long run.
I agree! It's hard when schools emphasize theory without practical application.