I've been trying to learn programming for quite a while now, but I don't feel like I've made real progress. I've used books, video tutorials, ChatGPT, and various articles on different topics like web development, game development, and security, but I still don't feel confident in any of them.
My typical learning process goes like this: I start by writing the basics, then get stuck and have to Google for answers, end up copying and pasting code, and often it doesn't work right away. After spending a whole day troubleshooting, I finally get it to work. But despite putting in all this effort over two years, I still feel like a fraud because I can't write code on my own, and I haven't landed a job in programming yet. The common jokes about coders just copying and pasting make me wonder if that's really all there is to it, or if there's more to the learning process than I'm seeing.
2 Answers
Imagine learning programming back in the '80s with minimal resources—people had to learn through trial and error. You can't just depend on copying code from tutorials or Stack Overflow. Focus on creating your own solutions, even if they're complicated. Once you have a working solution, it's fine to see how others solved similar problems. It’s crucial to develop your problem-solving skills without relying too much on instant online solutions. Maybe try working offline with just your documentation to deepen your understanding. Learning is about struggling and figuring things out, not just getting quick answers.
Consider taking a structured, project-based course like CS50 or The Odin Project. You seem to have the right mindset, but without guidance, you might be picking up bad habits. A good course can help you develop proper techniques and prepare you for working in a team environment, which is essential for future jobs.
Are there similar courses focusing on C or Bash that you would recommend?