Hello everyone! I'm studying Management Information Systems and have a solid understanding of Python syntax—things like loops and functions are no problem for me. However, I find myself stuck when it comes to creating logic from scratch. For instance, I'm working on a Caesar Cipher project as part of Angela Yu's 100 Days of Code, and while I grasp the concept of shifting letters, I struggle with practical issues like how to store the alphabet, managing the wrap-around using modulo, and determining the structure of my `for` loop. It seems like I understand the parts when I see them in someone else's code, but when I try to create my own solutions, I hit a wall. I feel like I have all the tools but can't seem to put them together. I have a few questions: 1) What's the best way to develop 'algorithmic thinking' rather than just syntax knowledge? 2) For those who faced a similar challenge, what shifted for you? 3) Are there specific exercises or platforms that help beginners strengthen their problem-solving connections? I want to solve problems on my own without relying solely on tutorials. Any tips would be great!
3 Answers
Have you ever explored mathematical logic? Understanding algorithms can help! Practice drawing out decision trees or diagrams to visualize how to navigate through different states of a problem. Also, memorizing a few common algorithms can help you recognize patterns when you’re faced with a new problem.
It's totally normal to feel this way when you're learning! The key is to practice breaking problems into smaller steps. Start by writing out the logic in plain English—ask yourself simple questions, like 'What happens to one letter?' or 'What needs to be stored?' Once you have that figured out, turn your thoughts into messy pseudocode and then into your actual code. Don't shy away from making mistakes either; they can be your best teachers! Trying platforms like Codewars at easy levels, or even just experimenting with small challenges can really help you make those connections.
I suggest trying to approach problems without relying on tutorials for a little while. Grab a pen and paper, sketch out your solutions, and then code it up. It doesn't matter if it’s not perfect at first; the goal is to learn to think through problems independently. Try tackling simple problems from sites like LeetCode, where you can apply your logic away from guided tutorials.
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