I'm a second-year Computer Science student feeling pretty stuck. I do great in theory—I ace my exams and grasp concepts quickly. However, when it's time to write code, I feel like I'm just average. I struggle to come up with logical solutions independently; I often find clarity only after looking at AI or example solutions. I'm currently working through CS50 and trying to keep my focus despite the lengthy lessons and challenging problem sets. My issue is that I keep jumping between different courses and projects, like Bro Code's Java, LeetCode exercises, and various projects from roadmap.sh, but I rarely finish anything. I might have shiny object syndrome and I also wonder if ADHD plays a role. I'm strong in discrete structures, but when it comes to implementing those concepts into actual coding challenges, I freeze. For instance, I can write basic queue functions, but complex designs leave me stumped. I even worked on a CLI expense tracker, but I relied heavily on AI for help, which really made me question my skills.
On top of that, my professors selected me for a competitive programming team, which is exciting yet terrifying, as I doubt my ability to think quickly under pressure. I need guidance on whether I should continue CS50 despite its slow pace, switch to NeetCode's DSA course and practice extensively, or start building practical projects from roadmap.sh. I have a lot of free time and interests like web app development and machine learning, but I don't want to burn myself out either. If you've been in a similar situation—strong in theory but struggling with coding—what path would you recommend to improve my coding skills and eventually think like a programmer?
3 Answers
Sure, theory is important, but actual coding is about problem-solving. Practice by tackling one issue at a time in your projects. Don’t overload yourself with a dozen problems at once! Plus, for competitive programming, ask your professors for past problems to see if they feel manageable for you. Sometimes the challenges are simpler than they seem.
Getting comfortable with struggle is key. A lot of growth in programming comes from those challenging moments that take hours to solve. If you keep avoiding projects that give you a hard time, you'll miss out on those critical learning experiences. You can’t expect to get stronger if you’re only tackling easy problems!
It sounds like you’ve got a solid grasp on theory, but practical coding is a different set of skills. Try focusing on completing a project from start to finish, even something simple like a tic-tac-toe game or a minimal website. You learn so much just by pushing through the process without relying on AI or tutorials.
Exactly! Starting with manageable projects will help build your confidence. Don't jump into overly complex stuff right away—learn to crawl before you walk!
Right! It’s more about breaking things down than facing everything at once. Understanding each piece can make coding less daunting.