Hey everyone! I just made this account, hoping to get some clarity. I earned my associate's degree in Computer Science a few years back but stopped programming for a while due to personal issues. Now, I'm looking to jump back into school and programming, but honestly, it's all feeling really overwhelming right now.
So, I learned some basics in C++ and data structures, and while I understood those classes back then, I need to refresh my memory. The problem is, I'm confused about how programming really works. How do people transform their code into graphical user interfaces (GUIs) on screens? How do they manipulate pixels? What resources can I explore to dig deeper into understanding how programming functions beyond just the basics I learned? I'm aware I could just use a GUI library, but I want to grasp the technical details behind it. It all seems like there's so much I didn't learn, and I'm scared about getting lost again. Any advice would be appreciated!
6 Answers
Don’t feel bad about not learning everything in school. Most courses focus on theory. If you’re genuinely interested, it's alright to want to understand the underlying mechanics. Just don’t overlook the practical side while exploring the deep stuff.
Check out nand2tetris.org! It's a great resource that helps you understand computer science concepts from the ground up. Just keep learning, it’ll make sense eventually! Also, your feelings are completely normal.
Thanks for the suggestion! It really seems helpful.
Totally agree! That site is super useful!
Trust me, everyone feels lost at first. The key is to just keep creating. Work on small side projects to build your skills. It's okay to Google solutions when you're stuck. This process is how you get better and gain experience, which is what's really important in the job market.
I hear you! I just wish college had taught more advanced topics. Hoping for better classes in my next program.
Why not try building a full-stack application? Pick your favorite language and just go for it. If you know data structures, that's a solid start! Use free YouTube resources to guide you, and soon enough, you'll learn tons and build your own projects.
Sounds good! I have project ideas, so let’s see how it goes!
Starting simple is the way to go. Use libraries for GUIs to get going, and once you understand their function, you can dig deeper into how they really work. Just remember, programming is all about creating abstractions to make things easier to manage.
That makes sense. Baby steps!
Unfortunately, most degrees don't prepare you for real-world job skills. It's vital to do internships for practical experience, but I know that isn’t always possible. Focus on building a portfolio alongside your studies. When you finish your degree, having projects to show will definitely help you land a job.
Yeah, internships often come with the caveat of being unpaid, which is tough for me. Do you think my portfolio could still make a difference?
This advice is spot on! I've been working on personal projects to improve.
In a decade, it's all going to be run by AI anyway!
Appreciate that perspective! I feel a lot of pressure to learn it all.