I just finished my freshman year in college while pursuing a computer science degree, and honestly, I feel like I didn't learn much about coding at all. I struggled in my classes and can't even recall basic Python concepts. I was under the impression that I'd learn everything I needed in college, but now I see that wasn't the case for me. Listening to my classmates talk about their side projects and getting paid for them only makes me more anxious about my future in this field. I want to use the summer to really improve my coding skills, but I'm not sure what approach to take. I've heard of bootcamps and The Odin Project, but are there other resources or methods I should consider? What's the best way to cram in as much coding knowledge as possible before the next semester begins?
5 Answers
The best way to learn programming is to actually code. Don't just read about it; get your hands dirty by building something. Try developing a simple Tetris clone in Python. You'll be surprised at how much you'll learn from tackling that project!
You could check out resources like Scrimba's "Frontend Development Specialization" on Coursera. I found it really helpful when I was getting started! It's a structured approach that might help you build a solid foundation.
Building projects is key to getting better at programming. Just dive in and start coding, even if you feel you might not be great at it initially. It's all about practice and persistence. I remember making a simple terminal-based game where I implemented various features which helped solidify my understanding of programming concepts. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and keep improving!
You might want to consider trying out courses like CS50X or Codecademy. If you're interested in game development, Unity has an abundance of documentation and tutorials. Just remember, the best learning comes from working on projects that excite you!
It’s all about taking personal responsibility. Utilize every resource your school offers—talk to your professors, join study groups, and retake courses if you need to. Learning how to learn is just as important as the actual coding skills you’ll acquire!
Absolutely! After getting the hang of loops and basic inputs, try creating a simple game. I did that when I self-taught and learned a ton by building a text-based adventure. It keeps you engaged and motivated to learn more!