Hey everyone! I'm a beginner exploring programming, currently learning Kotlin through Google's course, which combines theory and practice. I'm trying to figure out whether I should dedicate more time to hands-on programming projects or to understanding the principles behind programming in detail. I often find myself diving deep into understanding 'why' programming works the way it does, but I'm worried this might slow down my progress, especially since there's a lot to remember and I'm still exploring different branches of programming. Although I'm not pursuing it as a career, I want to make sure I'm taking an effective approach to learning. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
5 Answers
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as everyone's learning style is different. Some might prefer jumping straight into coding, while others benefit from a solid theoretical foundation first. Personally, I've found that you shouldn't separate the two too much; understanding principles helps you write better code and debug effectively. It’s about finding a balance between studying and practicing, not treating them as completely separate tasks.
I'd suggest prioritizing programming and studying during your downtime, like while commuting. You'll learn more through building projects, and companies often look for candidates with practical experience. Make sure to try out popular libraries but also challenge yourself to create solutions from scratch where possible.
Thanks for the advice! I was unsure whether to focus on libraries or coding my own functions.
Project-based learning is the way to go for efficient learning. Start with a simple project once you cover the basics like syntax and loops. As you iterate on your projects, you'll naturally encounter problems that need problem-solving and research, leading to deeper understanding. So, gather just enough knowledge to get coding, and learn as you go!
Awesome advice! I’ll make sure I learn enough to get started and ask the right questions along the way.
You learn best by doing! Theory can help speed up your understanding, but hands-on practice is crucial. Just like cooking, you learn how to cook by doing it. You can get stuck in 'tutorial hell' if you only focus on theory without applying it. Try to work on projects while learning the basic concepts to give yourself practical experience.
That makes sense! I hate when I feel stuck just watching videos.
From my experience, starting a project is where the real learning happens. You'll face challenges that require you to dig deep for solutions, which is a fantastic way to learn. It's essential to have a basic grasp of concepts so you can seek answers to your questions effectively. Aim for a balance—it’s important to understand what’s happening behind the scenes, especially for algorithms and data structures, as they greatly enhance your programming skills.
Totally get that! It’s good to know that understanding the theory still plays a significant role.
I've just started with Kotlin too, so thanks for clarifying that! I think mixing both will help me progress.