Hey everyone! I'm studying bioinformatics and I've hit a wall with my programming classes in C++ and Python, which I need to pass to graduate. I've always found programming to be really challenging, especially after switching from medical studies to this field. My first programming course was super intense, and I ended up struggling because of both the new concepts and a language barrier. Now, I feel stuck in a cycle of fear and self-doubt, worrying that I'll fail again. I find myself freezing up when it comes to the core syntax and basics, even though I thrive in courses with hands-on applications like Data Visualization.
I know there's advice out there about picking a project to learn from, but honestly, I'm feeling overwhelmed switching from Python to C++. It feels pointless to dive into projects when I'm still grappling with the basics. Right now, I'm looking for beginner-friendly routines, small daily or weekly practices that helped others when learning a new programming language. I'd love to hear your stories too, especially if you've felt similar fears but managed to find joy in programming. I feel embarrassed to admit this to my professors, and after two years in this program, I really want to move past these challenges without losing more time.
1 Answer
A lot of people face similar hurdles when learning to program. First off, remember that it’s totally normal to struggle—programming is both an art and a problem-solving skill, and it takes practice. Focus on shifting your mindset; it’s okay to fail, it’s part of the learning process. Start setting small, achievable goals. For example, if you want to create a 3D relationship graph, don’t jump straight into that. Break it down: start by figuring out how to read a file with your data, then show one number from it, and so on.
And avoid asking AI for quick fixes—it's better to understand the concepts yourself!