I'm 18 and just getting started with coding. I began taking CS50 about three months ago and I'm only on Week 4. I've been careful to understand the concepts and practicing my skills by creating basic programs in C, like a dice roller and a reverse string function. However, I can't shake this feeling of being left behind.
When I see others my age who seem to know 10 different programming languages, it's discouraging. It takes me forever to comprehend even a single line of code, and I'm worried about being unprepared when I start college as a CS major. Should I revisit earlier lectures from CS50 or keep pushing forward at my current pace? I really want to learn and pursue a career in computer science, but I'm frustrated and feel outpaced. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
3 Answers
Don't stress about comparing yourself to others. Everyone learns at their own pace! I didn’t dive into coding until I was 25, and once I did, picking up additional languages became much easier. Focus more on solving problems and mastering the language you're currently learning instead of worrying about how many languages others know. Trust me, a lot of those claims about knowing 10 languages aren't as solid as they sound. Build your own projects and enjoy the process!
Comparison really is the thief of joy. Focus solely on your journey and growth, not on what anyone else is doing. Picking a single language and mastering it will definitely place you ahead of those who splash around in many languages without depth. It's all about your own path—make sure to practice and enjoy learning! You got this!
You're making great progress! Remember, you're already ahead of where you were just four weeks ago. Stick with it and keep learning. Everyone's journey is different, and the important part is that you're improving over time. Keep pushing forward!

Exactly! Learning is a personal journey, so just concentrate on what you find interesting and keep building your skills.