I've been trying to learn coding since I was 16, starting with a high school class on C#. Since then, I've put in maybe 40-60 hours of practice across C# and Java, mostly trying out tutorials and writing my own code. But honestly, it's been really frustrating because I don't seem to remember anything about syntax or even how to set up projects. If someone asked me to write something simple like a calculator, I wouldn't even know where to begin! I'm now 22 and feel like I'm just spinning my wheels, struggling to grasp the basics. I understand some concepts, but the actual codejust doesn't stick. Am I wasting my time trying to teach myself, and should I consider enrolling in a formal program instead?
5 Answers
Having only 40-60 hours of coding under your belt means you're still very much in the beginner zone. Coding requires a lot of repetition—writing code, fixing bugs, and learning syntax along the way. If you want to progress, try working on projects that genuinely interest you. That motivation will help you focus and remember better!
It absolutely gets easier, but it won’t happen without more practice. Think about how many hours a week you'd need to put in to get to a decent skill level—like doing full-time coding for a couple of weeks! Consistency is key even if it's just small projects at first.
Don't be too hard on yourself! Coding is complex and you're not going to become a master overnight. Start small and focus on projects that are meaningful to you. The syntax will come with time and practice, so don't give up just yet!
You've only put in about 60 hours over six years, which averages out to less than 10 hours a year! To really get the hang of coding, you'd need to commit a lot more time, ideally several hours each week. It can definitely take hundreds or even thousands of hours to feel proficient, but with consistent practice, it'll start to click—you just need to put in the hours!
Exactly! Just like learning a language, you need to immerse yourself and practice regularly.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t expect someone to be a pro after learning a language for a few hours, right? You'll need to dive deeper and be more dedicated. Try to put in focused time over a couple of weeks. You'll remember way more if you practice often instead of spreading it out over years.
For sure! The more you code, the more you'll notice certain patterns and syntax that just start to stick.