I'm currently a Computer Science student and I'm a bit worried about my programming skills. I often find myself Googling solutions whenever I get an assignment. For instance, I had to write a bubble sort and was given some pseudo-code but it was in C, a language I'm still getting used to, so I ended up just looking up a solution online and piecing it together with my initial attempt. Is this approach wrong? Should I be trying to code everything myself first? I really struggle with retaining concepts since we cover so much material so quickly. How do actual programmers handle programming tasks? I don't want to rely on AI because I feel like it doesn't help me learn, but at the same time I often feel like I'm not coming up with my own solutions. I know I'm smart, but comparing myself to others in class, especially the ones who seem to write code effortlessly, gives me serious imposter syndrome. I even bombed a coding competition and ended up last out of 70 people. Am I on the right track, or how can I improve my coding skills?
5 Answers
It's great that you're recognizing your struggles; that means you're aware and eager to learn. Everyone looks things up, so don't feel bad! However, try to resist making Google your first step. Think of it as a second opinion after you've attempted the problem. Programming is tough when you're starting out, and those struggles are actually part of the learning curve. Even top engineers still face challenges regularly, so keep at it!
When you're faced with a programming challenge, try breaking it down into smaller parts. Rather than searching for the entire solution, only look up the specific aspect you're stuck on. This way, you’ll feel more involved in the process and really grasp what you're learning!
Honestly, there's nothing wrong with checking out other people's code after trying to tackle a problem yourself. That's how a lot of professionals learn, too—spending quite a bit of time Googling for solutions. The key is to try to come up with your own approach first. Don’t just copy-paste; see what you've got, and then compare it to what you find. That way, you actually learn and can improve your own methods! Just remember, if you only take the easy way out, you’ll miss out on the process of figuring things out yourself.
That’s a solid point! I think I’ll start doing that—trying it first and then looking up details. It feels more productive!
Try to find some fun programming projects to work on in your spare time, like creating a simple game or a cool script that does something interesting. It can make the whole learning process more enjoyable and less like a chore. Programming isn’t just about solving the assignments; it’s about enjoying what you’re creating!
While it's tempting to use ready-made solutions from Google or other sources, what's crucial in your learning stage is to engage with the problem deeply. When you hit a roadblock, look for hints rather than complete solutions. If you aren't struggling a bit, you won't learn much. Use those moments of confusion as opportunities to grow. Watching someone else code quickly can be intimidating, but remember they might have more experience or have practiced more—focus on your own journey!
Right? It's all about the process. I also struggled at first, but pushing through those hard parts is what helped me grow.