I've been struggling to find the right approach to improve my skills in formal math, programming, and computer science. It seems like I'm stuck in a rut, despite putting in a lot of effort. With software engineering being such an isolated discipline, it's difficult for me to pinpoint what I'm doing wrong compared to others who seem to navigate their studies much better.
I sometimes wish I could observe other learners as they develop software or solve problems in real-time, but my peers often say they just picked things up from an early age or learned through personal projects without giving specific insights into their learning processes.
I've been told that math forms the foundation of computer science, which is always evolving, while programming languages and tools are constantly changing. I focused a lot on math in my studies, thinking it would ease the transition into programming, but I've found myself struggling to implement what I've learned in class, especially with projects that feel disconnected from theoretical concepts.
Despite attending office hours and asking questions, I received vague advice to do personal projects or simply code more, leaving me confused about where to start. Should I tackle algorithm problems on platforms like LeetCode, or should I pick a specific software engineering field to explore through targeted projects? I feel overwhelmed by the amount of niche tools and libraries, and my attempts to read software design books haven't translated into practical improvement.
In a nutshell, I'm eager to learn programming effectively but don't know how to navigate the complexities of both my coursework and practical application. Any advice?
3 Answers
Stop trying to absorb theory without applying it. Dive into programming right away! Start with small, manageable projects—like a basic todo app—and gradually add features like RESTful APIs or a database. This way, you'll learn both programming and the relevant concepts as you build. Use version control like Git to track your progress and get comfortable with collaborative coding. Learning through building real projects is way more effective than just theorizing.
It seems like you might be overcomplicating things a bit. The curriculum is designed to give you a foundation in computer science, including math and algorithms, which are essential to understanding the field. It's totally normal to feel confused, especially when programming is often treated as a craft that takes time to master. Focus on the fundamentals first, and don't rush into big projects. Start small—think simple games or basic applications to apply what you learn. This approach can help you build confidence and skills over time.
I totally get where you're coming from! It might feel like you're being thrown into the deep end with no floaties. The trick is to shift your focus from theory-heavy studies to hands-on programming. Build projects that interest you, even if they're simple. Incorporate REST and CRUD operations into your projects! And remember, every small step you take builds your skills. You'll be amazed at how much you can learn just by creating something from scratch.
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