I've been dabbling in programming for about 3–4 years, working with languages like Lua for scripting, some C++ for Arduino projects, and Python for web scraping and APIs. While I think I'm decent at it, I feel far from being a good programmer, especially in a professional context. I often rely heavily on documentation, tutorials, and AI tools to help me understand libraries, which makes me worry that I wouldn't be able to write code from scratch. I struggle to retain specific functions and libraries, leaving me feeling inadequate. I've never really delved into programming books or biographies; I mostly learn by looking at others' code and running into roadblocks. I want to make the most of this summer to improve my skills and eventually create a product that could generate revenue for a community project I have in mind. I'm reaching out for any tips or advice that could help me move forward. Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
Looking things up during programming is totally fine! To get hired as a professional developer, you’ll need a solid resume. The traditional route includes getting a degree in computer science and doing internships, but if that’s not feasible, consider building a portfolio of projects. Employers often look for demonstrable experience, so creating a product of your own could be a great way to showcase your skills.
It's completely normal to rely on the internet for help with programming. Lots of people do! You mentioned using documentation and tutorials – that’s part of the learning process. While books can be beneficial for understanding concepts like algorithms and programming patterns, focus on building software while incorporating those principles rather than trying to memorize everything. You’ll find that you improve as you code more.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of 'Introduction to Algorithms' by Cormen et al. Treat it like a classroom experience where you’re the only student. If something doesn’t click right away, reread it. Mastering data structures and algorithms will give you a significant edge in programming skills, which is usually lacking in many CS graduates today.
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