I started programming with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, building small games before moving to Python. I became especially interested in automation through libraries such as requests, pyautogui, and os, and I still use Python whenever I need to automate a task. Later, I tried learning the MERN stack, but the work felt repetitive and not especially challenging.
Before university, I began learning C and became much more interested in low-level programming, reverse engineering, operating systems, and eventually embedded systems. At university, I'm required to learn Java. I don't dislike Java, and I've used it for projects such as chat bots and game-server plugins, but I don't feel nearly as engaged by it as I do by C and low-level topics. My Java classes have also been fairly easy so far, which makes me feel like there may not be much more for me to learn in the language.
I'm unsure whether I should spend more of my free time improving my Java skills or focus on C, Linux kernel concepts, reverse engineering, and embedded programming instead. I still struggle with pointers and have plenty to learn, but I enjoy the challenge. How would you balance university requirements with a programming area you're genuinely passionate about?
3 Answers
It may also be worth thinking about whether you enjoy hardware and circuits. People who like low-level programming sometimes find a strong fit in computer engineering or electrical engineering, especially when embedded systems are involved. If your interest is mainly software—operating systems, compilers, debugging, and reverse engineering—then staying in your current program and developing those skills independently can work well.
You probably don’t need to choose between them. Keep up with Java well enough to succeed in your university courses, but don’t feel obligated to make it your main interest. If the material is already comfortable for you, Java can be the subject you maintain while using your free time for C and low-level projects.
Try applying your coursework concepts in C when practical. You could also learn some C++, since it appears in parts of embedded development and is useful for understanding many reverse-engineered applications. For projects, consider writing a small shell, experimenting with Linux system calls, or examining a simple program with a disassembler. The important thing is to build things that keep you interested rather than forcing yourself through a technology you find unfulfilling.
The right balance depends somewhat on your university, but introductory Java courses usually cover core programming fundamentals: variables, control flow, methods, classes, inheritance, interfaces, file handling, and common collections. They may also introduce a framework for larger projects. If you already understand those concepts, you likely don’t need to go far beyond the course material unless Java becomes useful for a specific project.
Treat the university requirements seriously, but don’t assume every required language has to become your personal specialty. A language is a tool, and learning Java can still strengthen your general programming skills even if C is where your real curiosity lies.
That makes sense. My Java classes have been fairly easy, so I’ll keep up with them without letting them take over my free time. I’ve already been using C to explore some of my discrete math coursework, and I’ll try doing the same with other subjects. I’m interested in both Linux internals and embedded systems, even though pointers are still difficult for me.