I've been stuck in a bit of a loop when it comes to learning programming. I've been coding since middle school and completed various projects on my own, like games and even a tool for data analysis. Now, I'm finishing up school and want to dive deeper into Java programming. However, every time I attempt an advanced course, I end up having to pause for exams and forget a lot of what I learned. I'm worried I'm stuck in 'tutorial hell' and don't want to repeat this pattern anymore.
I'm considering buying a comprehensive book on Java, but I feel that just reading or following tutorials won't help me master programming as I'd like. I really want to build a solid foundation before I start university in about five months. I'm seeking advice on how to move forward, as I don't want to waste this time repeating the same mistakes. Any suggestions?
6 Answers
If you’re looking for something creative, consider making a physics simulator using Lua and Love2D. You could modify included Box2D files to deepen your understanding once you're comfortable with Lua.
Jumping into a project might be your best bet. Find something you're passionate about to create. Whether it's something unique or you've seen before, building it will help you learn through doing.
Once you know the basics, look for a community focused on the programming language you're using. Ask questions there; that's a great way to learn little tricks and tips that you won't find in tutorials.
A great way to solidify what you learn is to engage in more projects. Even a simple one like a to-do app can help you apply your knowledge and reinforce your skills.
It seems like your learning is at a standstill because you haven’t tied your programming goals to your physics studies. Python is widely used in physics for data analysis and simulations. Focusing on Python for your physics work might just clear away that tutorial confusion. Instead of just trying to learn programming generally, aim to learn Python as a tool for your future!
I think you're actually in 'broken momentum' rather than tutorial hell. Given your experience, you shouldn't feel the need to stick to structured courses. Instead, choose one project that's a bit challenging and work through it. Use documentation or specific book chapters to solve problems as they come up. Remember, you don't need to learn every concept right away; focus on depth and building something meaningful.
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