Feeling Stuck in My Programming Journey: What Should I Do Next?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the idea of starting a project or learning DSA, think about what you actually want to achieve with programming. If it merely feels like a means to an end, consider whether it's the right path for you. Working on a project that interests you will make learning these new concepts easier. Dive into projects that challenge your current understanding—this way, you’ll learn important data structures organically rather than just memorizing them without context.

It's important to revisit what you've already learned before diving into something new. If you can budget for it, look for affordable courses on platforms like Udemy—sales happen pretty frequently. If you're on a tight budget, utilize resources like YouTube to create a structured learning plan around the first programming language you tackled. If things feel too overwhelming, take a breather and think about how to tackle each segment one step at a time.

A good tip is to find a topic that you're genuinely interested in. Think about a real-world problem related to that interest and see if there's a way you can tackle it. Plus, don't shy away from using AI tools for help; you can ask for explanations like you're in a beginner class and get insights from different angles. Just be cautious with how you use it, and try making quizzes or simple games to reinforce your learning.

Starting your own projects can make a huge difference—choose something that solves a real problem! Instead of focusing on something overly complex, pick simple, achievable goals. Ideas like a To-Do list app, currency converter, or a weather app using APIs would be great starters. Projects not only teach you to code better but also help you build confidence as you showcase your work.

Learning about data structures and algorithms can really enhance your ability to tackle problems effectively. While it's not mandatory to know them to write code, understanding these concepts can improve your problem-solving skills and help you comprehend the performance of different implementations. Also, working on your own side project can be invaluable—it gives you a hands-on way to apply what you've learned and solidify your understanding through practice.