Hey everyone! I'm completely new to programming, and I'm really intrigued by how it allows people to bring their ideas to life through code. However, I've hit a couple of roadblocks that are making it tough to progress. First off, I'm struggling with the basics of problem-solving and breaking down complex tasks. Even though I've been watching tutorials, reading forums, and trying out problems on LeetCode, it all feels a bit too overwhelming. I think I might need to go back to the fundamentals, maybe even to a 'level -1' to truly get the hang of things. To help with this, I've decided to work with a tutor for a solid foundation before going solo.
Secondly, I'm unsure about which area of programming I should focus on. My lack of confidence makes this decision harder, but I realize that getting my hands dirty with personal projects is essential for my growth. I previously depended on LeetCode and books like "How to Think Like a Programmer" by Anton Spraul, but the advice I've received here has made me see that these should be supplements to practical practice, not my main focus.
So, my main question is: Can I develop core programming skills that would be useful no matter what specialization I choose later—be it web development, DevOps, cloud engineering, or something else? Should I start with something beginner-friendly like web development, or are there specific foundational projects and practices that would benefit me, no matter which path I eventually take? I'm open to any advice you have, and I'm planning to make use of tutoring, online communities, and Discord servers to help along the way.
5 Answers
You might find the Harvard CS50 course really helpful—it’s free and covers a lot of the fundamentals you need! It sets a solid groundwork that'll help you as you progress.
Just a heads up: there’s no 'prepare to prepare' stage in programming. You just have to dive in and start coding. Keep in mind, progress isn't always smooth—expect some setbacks. But if you're not failing at times, you might not be challenging yourself enough!
One clear issue is that programming is something you really have to do instead of just reading or watching it. Can you make any simple programs right now? Like, could you write something that counts the words in a text file? Starting small like that is key!
Since you're just starting out, LeetCode could be a bit too advanced right now. It assumes you know how to build simple programs first. Maybe hold off on that until you've gotten through the basics of loops and data structures. Focus more on those foundational topics before tackling such complex problems.
Don't stress too much about LeetCode; it's more like math puzzles than realistic programming challenges. Instead, pick an easy project that you enjoy! Maybe try creating a basic game or something like a Tetris clone. That way, you'll learn a lot just by solving the problems that come up.
Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check that out.