I recently took my midterm exam and really struggled with time management. Out of three questions, I couldn't finish one, even though we had 100 minutes. It took me 70 minutes just to work through the first question, and of course, it didn't execute correctly. When the professor announced there were only 30 minutes left, I felt completely overwhelmed and ended up submitting an incomplete program.
This is my first experience with coding, and I've noticed that I take a long time to think of solutions and write the code. For instance, I spent 8 hours on a lab assignment because I had trouble figuring out how to approach it. I usually practice to improve on skills in competitive video games, but I'm not sure how to apply that concept to coding. I think I might be overthinking solutions, making things too complicated, which causes me to run out of time. I'm looking for recommendations on programs or games that could help me enhance both my coding knowledge and speed.
5 Answers
Honestly, coding is all about practice. If you're still thinking about syntax, it might be a sign that you haven't coded enough yet. Try to write as much code as you can without worrying about the specifics. It should start to come naturally! Just like working out – you can't expect to be fit after just one lesson.
There are a ton of websites that offer programming challenges. Daily practice really pays off! Focus on developing a habit of solving problems every day, and you'll start to notice improvements in your coding speed and thinking process.
You should definitely write more code! If you're taking a data structures and algorithms class, I recommend checking out resources like NeetCode to practice specific problems. Daily practice is key – just like with any skill, repetition will help you improve. Good luck!
If you want to code faster, consider using Vim or similar text editors. They can really speed up your workflow. Also, develop a go-to structure for common logic patterns to streamline your thought process. Remember that exams aren't always the best reflection of your skills in a real job setting—don’t let the pressure get to you!
It sounds like you might benefit from spreading out your study sessions throughout the semester instead of cramming. Try using spaced repetition systems (SRS) to help with retention. Review what you’ve learned regularly, not just before exams. Also, make sure to practice coding in smaller sessions consistently. The more you write, the quicker you'll get!

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