I'm 32 and currently in my fourth year of a computer science degree, but I still have about 1.5 to 2 years left to graduate. I've struggled with some classes, which has set me back a bit. After all this time, I still feel inadequate, like I can't code or think like a programmer, and it's really eating at me. I'm anxious about starting projects because I worry whether I'm choosing the right one or whether it could end up being a waste of time. I keep thinking there might be specific libraries, tools, or frameworks that I need to learn instead. It feels overwhelming, and I feel like everyone else is moving forward while I'm stuck.
I have a couple of project ideas in mind:
1. A website to track grocery items from various stores.
2. A Fallout 4 hacking minigame (either a website or an app).
3. A script for my part-time job to help automate and organize some Excel data.
Are these decent projects, or do they seem too basic? I'm hesitant to dive in because I'm worried about making inefficient choices or missing out on more marketable skills.
5 Answers
You won't waste your time by trying things out, even if you later discover there's a better way. Each project teaches you something valuable, so don’t stress too much about the specifics. Build something useful or interesting to you—like that data script for your job. You'll learn tons along the way!
You really need to embrace failure as a key part of learning. Just start working on one project and get that first version done! You'll be surprised how much you learn by simply finishing something; you can always refine it later on. The important thing is to do the work!
I totally get where you're coming from. It's okay to feel lost—many people do at some point. Don't be afraid! Stick with it, and remember, giving up isn't an option. I suggest trying all three of your projects, or tackle one at a time to build some momentum.
Think of starting with a 'playground' project in a language you’re comfortable with. Make a simple project, document it, and use version control. From there, look for small coding challenges you can integrate. Start simple, build your confidence, and then tackle bigger ideas. If you're feeling overwhelmed by libraries and frameworks, go back to basics and really master one language first.
You know, the best advice I can give is that the market pays finishers, not just learners. If you're feeling stuck, it might be time to break free from that learning loop. Start building something—anything—and just get it done!
Related Questions
Set Wordpress Featured Image Using Javascript
How To Fix PHP Random Being The Same
Why no WebP Support with Wordpress
Replace Wordpress Cron With Linux Cron
Customize Yoast Canonical URL Programmatically
[Centos] Delete All Files And Folders That Contain a String