Hey everyone! I'm currently in a 5-year integrated btech-mtech program at a tier 1 college in India, and I'm heading into my 4th year soon. I've been considering a switch to machine learning or software development, but I'm really having a tough time with coding and problem-solving. I've struggled in my CS courses, barely passing them, and during my lab practicals, I ended up copying code (mostly from ChatGPT) without really grasping it. I know a bit of C and Python, including syntax, loops, functions, and some algorithms, but when it comes to actually solving problems, I either struggle to figure out where to start or can't translate my thoughts into code. Right now, I'm trying to learn and get better: I've started with Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA), but it's quite challenging. I'm also going back to basics and tackling easier problems to build my confidence, and I'm determined not to copy anymore; I want to learn the right way. If anyone's been through something similar, I'd love your advice: how did you improve your coding skills from the ground up? What routines or resources helped you? Also, is it too late for me to get into ML? Any tips, help, or just a bit of support would mean a lot! Thanks for reading, and have a great day!
4 Answers
There’s no magic fix for this. Since you’ve been relying on copying, you’ve got to rebuild your foundation. I suggest starting from the basics again. Tackle simple problems until you gain more confidence; it doesn’t need to be Leetcode-level challenges right away.
I suggest diving back into your course materials. Go through the books and explore the FAQ sections online. The key is practice—lots of it! Forget about relying on AI; focus on using Google and documentation to figure things out yourself. I also found some great resources on Reddit that could help: 1) Getting better at coding, 2) Becoming a better engineer, and 3) Learning problem-solving skills. Just keep at it, and you’ll improve!
You mentioned you're not copying anymore, but how are you handling your assignments now? If you're not getting assignments in a CS branch, that's a different challenge.
I don’t have any coding assignments anymore since my branch isn’t related to CS. Most of my work is in Microsoft Excel.
It's great you've stopped copying—that's a significant step forward! But remember, those assignments are crucial for learning. I recommend going back and tackling those old projects yourself. Think of it like learning an instrument; regular practice, especially with challenging material, is essential for growth.
Absolutely! Thanks for the encouragement!
Sure! Thanks for the resources!