Ok , so I am two weeks into taking this Javascript course. I have never done programming before, other than taking a SQL course, so I have some basic understanding but nothing that allows me to code.
And I wanted to understand , if this is normal. when I am reading some things like for Each () or some of the things that are happening or been WRITTEN on w3 websites or stackflow, I am not understanding this. It just is not getting into my brain. How do I make myself understand this? would just doing it make me understand better eventually? For example if I can understand some basic concept like variable and function but only at a very basic level, how do I go on to a level where I can also understand everything that happens in For EACH(). How does one visualize …sorry If I am vague…
Anyone that can outline a process for an absolute beginner like me, to help me understand how I can learn, would be great help.
Please advise
You won’t like this suggestion, but think of it…
Lower one’s expectations to the point where you are not failing.
This is an indication of competency. Set the bar at the bottom, and only raise it when you are successful with a given concept, or group of concepts in a course unit. Review once the unit is complete, and if you do not pass the quiz, go back through the unit, again. Be sure to track down the documentation for every new concept.
Cover the same type of material repeatedly until it comes naturally. When you can think in code, you’re learning the nouns and verbs and grammar. That means learning all the various ways it can used. Play with the code and don’t be in hurry to jet off to the next unit.
Thanks a lot. I like the suggestion to lower my expectations but the problem is I am not sure how low should I go, what is the benchmark. LOL When in a chapter I only get stuck one one or two things, sometimes it is a lot easier for me to jump onto next thing and think about coming back to it later ( it gives a sense of accomplishment , even if it is false) when my brain understands more things… see if I am unable to understand one thing and pull myself down and waste too much time, then it just does not help one’s psychology. That is why I just wanted to feel comortable I guess and reassured that it will come to me and its a normal process
Don’t get discouraged, every body has their own challenges when starting something new.
Coding takes time to learn, if you are having trouble understanding a concept, take your time on the lesson. Read it and reread it if you have to.
Certainly make sure you don’t rush yourself. When I first started Python, I rushed through the lessons, not giving myself enough time to understand the concept. Before long I was becoming reliant on the solution button, and when I tried to use what I learned, my mind went blank. As such I had to retake the course.
I find it is also helpful to practice what you learn on your own. Make a small project that focuses on a single concept.
Don’t lose hope, take your time and be paitent. If you want to learn something than you certainly can
The benchmark is what you are able to do right now. It will only be raised when competency increases. Start from square zero and don’t be in a hurry to leave that square until you master it, and can do it with your eyes closed. Think in code so you learn to ideate.
At times this can be okay, but I would not recommend it. Most of Codecademy’s lessons rely on concepts they taught in previous ones. If you are experimenting on your own this may work, but it may also require something that you do not know.
To me it’s very similar to learning a new language or new instrument (I say this because I relate to these experiences as a bilingual musician).
The initial feeling of being completely lost is completely normal, and good!
It means your organism is going to try to make a provisional hierarchy of structure for hanging on. The important thing is to stay positive, try to do a little bit every day even if it feels like you’re not good, and to be communicative with others about the process.
What you do with it afterwards is up to you. But you definitely the skills to cover the basics. Get through a few months before deciding whether it’s for you or not. I played viola for 1 year in school and didn’t think much of it, but it became my profession… I never would have thought. New ideas always need space to grow in us.
Hello @byte1052171993. I know there has been a lot of good words from @mtf, @8-bitgaming and @toastedpitabread, but I’m going to say something as well:
I find, when I’ve just learnt a new concept (be it in coding, music, maths, life), I like to try it out. With coding, that means a mini project or task. This can be something that you either set yourself, or find on the internet or CC, or elsewhere. These little projects really help you to cement your knowledge, and to build on what you have. I would recommend Codewars, as it gives you little mini-projects; they don’t take too long, but some of the tasks really get you thinking, and you can pick up a lot of interesting concepts while attempting a task. Also, when Googling things, if you’ve come across something you don’t understand, play with it! Find a compiler (online or otherwise-if you want an online compiler, repl.it is quite good), and try out what you’ve found on Google, and experiment with it a little bit.
Happy coding!
Hello ! I am an teen . I want to learn web development and game creation . I am new to code i have not have alot of experience with code . I am studying hard to learn code .
I am currently learning Python . I am learning Python on the basic version because i am not the strongest financially . I was wondering if you guys have any tips to help on the journey. Feel free to comment !
Is there something specific you are struggling with?
If not I would recommend reading the above.
Python 2 is not a whole lot different than Python 3, you will find most of the commands and concepts are about the same. I took Python 2 courses on here for the same reason as you, but after a little bit of practice I easily transferred to Python 3.
I am not saying the Python 3 courses are pointless in any way, as I hope to be able to take them at some point. They dive a bit deeper into the code than the Python 2 course does.
Look at job listings and forums for game dev reqs. You’ll see a lot of people require C++ or C# among other things.
Honestly though, I think python is the perfect starting language these days if you’re new (I did java and c++ way back in the day), my reasons are that it is: flexible, thoughtfully structured, and has a big support community.
If you have time, after you’re comfortable with python, you could look into the rest of the C family (including C!). It shouldn’t be that hard to transition once you know one language well.
Additionally check out CS50 youtube playlist for game creation, it’s a very solid intro for core concepts.
I totally agree with you but I think it’s better to first finish the course and then do your project or practice on Codewars or other competitive programming software. If you do these things while learning new concepts you could be frustated and don’t understand the big picture behind the idea as you don’t know certain commands. This could be extrapolated to all aspects in life, and as an example in math. As a curious person I’ve encountered big problems in my life because when I was learning the math from 7th grade I would ask myself this questions continually. Why this happens? How? Pitifully all the people from my environment would do not respect me and even when trying to solve certain things, I would finish in the same position. I’m not saying that you should not ask those questions, just do it when you finish all the mechanization behind to have a bigger picture and do not struggle for what in 99.9% occasions means not solving your original question. Life is extremely difficult so is better to not overcomplicate ourselves more. With this being said, happy coding everyone. I’m going to the top of the hill so I will be waiting all of you to create new projects that may change the world. See you there!
but the problem is I am not sure how low should I go, what is the benchmark. LOL When in a chapter I only get stuck one one or two things, sometimes it is a lot easier for me to jump onto next thing and think about coming back to it later ( it gives a sense of accomplishment , even if it is false) when my brain understands more things… see if I am unable to understand one thing and pull myself down and waste too much time, then it just does not help one’s psychology. That is why I just wanted to feel comortable I guess and reassured that it will come to me 
