Should I Read “Think Like a Programmer” Before Learning a Programming Language?

I wouldn’t recommend reading it cover to cover before learning a language. It’s better to read it alongside your programming studies. It gives great insights into problem-solving, but don’t get stuck in a loop of reading without actually coding. Balance is key—jump into projects and learn through experience!

Honestly, the best way to learn programming is by just doing it. You’ll learn so much more by writing code and figuring things out as you go. Sure, a book like that can be great for building algorithms and structures, but your initial coding experience will be super basic, like starting with HTML. Just dive in and let your curiosity lead you!

While there are many interesting programming books out there, I’d suggest learning by coding first. You’ll get way more value from solving real problems than from reading theory. Once you’re comfortable, then delve into books for deeper understanding. Trust me, getting frustrated and debugging is where the real learning happens!

If you're stuck choosing, definitely focus on hands-on programming. But if you can, mix in some reading from that book too. A little theoretical knowledge can enhance your practical skills without taking away from your coding time. Just make sure most of your time is spent coding!

I think that book was a game changer for me when I first started learning to code. It really helped me learn to think independently when writing code. I didn't read it all before jumping into projects but used it alongside tutorials to tackle real problems. So, it might be worth checking out, just don't wait too long to start coding!