I've heard a lot of people saying that the best way to learn coding is by practicing, so I decided to dive into platforms like LeetCode and Codeforces. However, I quickly realized that to tackle these problems, I need to understand many concepts like graphs and trees. I'm wondering if I should rely on AI tools to help me solve these problems, or should I focus on thoroughly studying the underlying topics? Is it better to learn through solving problems or to learn the concepts first? What do others typically do in this situation?
9 Answers
Honestly, while platforms like LeetCode are good for interview prep, they won't make you a well-rounded programmer. You should focus more on building projects since they combine theory and application effectively. A good balance of 70% practical work to 30% theory is ideal for developing real coding skills.
A computer science degree doesn't always align with what the industry demands. It might not teach everything you need, so getting practical experience is critical.
I believe it's a mix of learning through practice and understanding different programming concepts. Problem-solving is essential, but gaining knowledge in various areas such as languages and system architecture can really help. Each programmer’s journey is unique, and it's all about combining different skills,
Don’t fall into the trap of handing over your problem-solving tasks to AI tools; you’ll miss the real learning. The exercises should challenge your mind and help you develop a solid problem-solving mindset. Building this skill takes time and dedication, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Really glad you liked the advice! Staying consistent and treating problems as puzzles rather than just tasks helps me a lot. It's all about finding joy in the challenge!
I've had experience with both coding bootcamps and a degree in software engineering. While my school had some great classes like Data Mining and Intro to AI, I learned practical skills through projects like The Odin Project that weren’t covered in class. School can provide valuable networking and internship opportunities, but being self-taught can allow you to learn at your own pace and focus on what interests you most. Ultimately, my first job came from connections I made through those projects, not just my degree.
It's all about finding what works for you! Everyone learns differently, and integrating various approaches can be very complementary.
Mixing theory and practice is definitely beneficial! Getting hands-on experience helps make sense of the abstract concepts. Also, understanding different programming paradigms can really deepen your insight into coding.
I think a great approach is to recreate projects that already exist. For instance, try building a calculator or a text editor. This way, you'll not only learn how to code but also understand the functions involved. After that, think about ways to improve these projects or change them based on your knowledge.
I totally relate to this! When I started with LeetCode, it felt so tough because I didn’t have a solid foundation. For me, it works best to learn the concept first, like understanding how trees operate, and then tackle a few basic problems on that before moving on to more complex challenges. Just copying and pasting from AI isn't helpful; instead, using it to grasp why a solution works after trying on your own can definitely aid your learning.
Thanks for sharing! I’ll definitely keep that in mind as I practice.
They insist on learning through projects rather than just practicing problems. It seems that learning in contexts similar to real-world scenarios is far more beneficial.
I appreciate your straightforward take! I'm planning to put in my best effort to tackle these problems myself and cultivate that mindset. Could you share how you stay motivated, especially when facing difficult problems?