Feeling Overwhelmed in Programming Class—How to Cope?

Honestly, as you dive deeper into technology, it can get more complex. But one valuable lesson I've learned is to be okay with uncertainty and to write some bad code. When you're faced with a problem, start with the basics—make sure your code runs, then build from there by tweaking things, printing results, and observing patterns. It's all part of the learning process!

University courses can feel overwhelming since they throw so much information at you without making clear connections between concepts. The best way to really understand programming is to work on projects you're passionate about. When you face challenges, you'll learn to piece together everything you've been taught. If you're just tackling class assignments without interest, it can feel disconnected—focus on what excites you!

It sounds like a tough situation, but this is a common experience in CS programs. Often, schools focus on a strict curriculum rather than teaching the problem-solving skills necessary in real-world software development. Just remember, learning never stops in this field—what you're learning now could be outdated by the time you graduate.

A great tip is to find a side project outside of your coursework to practice your skills. This helps you learn how to learn and figure out what information is really important for your projects. When you're feeling overwhelmed, try applying the 80/20 rule in your studies: focus on the core concepts that will give you the bulk of what you need to know.

Have you tried using pseudocode before coding? It can be really helpful for breaking down the problem into manageable steps, keeping your logic clear. It's like creating a blueprint before you dive into the actual coding. Also, spending time studying the material before it's taught can give you a head start!