Hey everyone, I started my programming journey with Roblox when I was around 13 and continued until I was about 18 or 19. Throughout those years, I explored other platforms like Unreal, Unity, and Love2D. About a year ago, I went deeper into C++ because I found graphics programming really intriguing. However, I can't shake the feeling that, despite my time spent learning, I'm still not an above-average programmer. I haven't completed a single noteworthy project, and to be honest, none of my attempts have been all that interesting. I also find myself getting stuck on basic decisions, like last week when I was unsure if I was using classes correctly. I keep learning but never implement it effectively, eventually falling back into my old, messy coding habits. It's frustrating, and I'm starting to wonder if I'm just following a false passion. What am I doing wrong?
5 Answers
When you say you should be an above-average programmer, who are you comparing yourself to? It’s all about your own journey. To figure out if it’s a true passion or not, why not take a break? If you miss coding, you know it's real. Also, immerse yourself in reading other people's code. Just like writers and poets learn from others, programmers can grow by analyzing code from more experienced developers.
As someone who also writes and works on open-source projects, I get the pressure to make everything perfect. Just remember, done is good! Keep your project scopes small and consider making lists of what you won't include. Starting with smaller projects helps you actually finish something.
It sounds like you might be missing two key elements: experience and discipline. You've explored a lot, but finishing projects is crucial. Each time you complete something, even if it's not perfect, you learn from it. Real coding often involves dealing with mistakes, but that's how you grow. You need to set realistic goals for your projects and actually see them through, even when motivation runs low.
Have you tried participating in game jams? They're a great way to push yourself to complete projects. It's all about short, timed challenges that help you focus on delivering something rather than getting stuck in the details. Plus, you'll learn a ton in the process!
Sounds like you might be dealing with imposter syndrome, which is pretty common among programmers. Remember, to get better, focus on building projects rather than just learning theory. Try doing small, manageable projects that challenge you but are within your reach. And don’t forget: finished is better than perfect!
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