I'm really grappling with whether I dislike programming itself or just the way it's taught. A few years ago, I completed a full stack certificate program, but I remember feeling utterly frustrated in the beginning, like I had no clue what I was doing. However, once I started to build actual projects, it became enjoyable for me. After finishing the program, I didn't code for over a year because I felt lost and unsure of where to begin again. Now that I've tried diving back in with a new course, I hit another roadblock. While some of it feels familiar, I often find myself confused by concepts that seem easy for others. This is compounded by my ADHD, leading to self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
I've come to realize that it's not programming I hate—it's the learning process. Traditional teaching methods that present bite-sized coding challenges feel disconnected from real-world applications and just end up feeling like busywork.
So, I'm wondering if anyone else experiences this. Is it common to feel this way? How do you get back to enjoying coding? Also, any suggestions for resources that focus more on project-based learning rather than disjointed snippets? I could really use some advice!
4 Answers
You're definitely not alone! A lot of people feel frustrated with the way programming is taught. Those bite-sized challenges can feel completely disconnected from building real projects. You might want to look for tutorials that focus on project-based learning or just pick a personal project you want to create. That way, you can learn the concepts as you go—and it's a lot more engaging!
You’re spot on. It’s not that you hate programming, it’s the method of teaching that’s making you feel disconnected. The key is to find one small project you want to build and work on it from start to finish. That sense of completion can really change your perspective!
I think you might be stuck trying to find the 'perfect' project to work on. Just choose something you think is fun to build! Perhaps a simple calculator, a blog, or a game. When you work on something you find enjoyable, the learning comes naturally while you figure things out for yourself.
Totally get where you're coming from! My issue is less about wanting to skip anything and more about the disjointed approach of the teaching style I've encountered. It’s tough to connect the dots when you don’t see how it all fits together.
Snippets are alright, but nothing beats working on a real project that you can see function! Choose something that you can use and test yourself. Whether you start from an existing project or go in fresh, both ways are great for practice. Just make sure it’s something meaningful to you!
Exactly! I think my next step is to start writing some scripts or maybe even a simple game. That should help shake off the frustration and get me back in the swing of things.
I completely relate to that! I realized that jumping back into making something meaningful was crucial for me too. It’s hard to see the light when you’re burned out, but I believe you’ll find your way back to enjoying it!