Hi everyone! I'm a first-year engineering student and I'm finding my introduction to C++ course really tough. I have a basic understanding of some concepts like for loops, bitwise operators, and arrays, but I'm struggling to apply these fundamentals in practice. Just yesterday, I spent two hours trying to understand how insertion sort works, and while I can memorize the algorithm, that doesn't help me truly grasp it. It feels like I'm approaching coding all wrong because it's so different from what I've studied before. With only three weeks left and needing a 46% on the final to pass, I really need some advice on how to get a handle on C++. Thank you!
1 Answer
It sounds like you're having a challenging time, which is totally normal! My suggestion is to either dive deeper into C by using a good textbook or an online course before tackling C++. Alternatively, immerse yourself in C++—like, really eat, sleep, and breathe it! That said, don't forget to practice coding problems in your downtime; it's the best way to build your skills. Good luck with your final!

Yeah, course lectures can be hit or miss for problem-solving. I've done tons of practice problems too but found myself looking at solutions when I got stuck, which isn't ideal. I've barely coded before this course aside from tweaking an Arduino project, so it’s all new to me.