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Unsubscribed User
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 27,351 PointsHow Does One Start Thinking Like a Programmer?
Hello fellow TreeHousers,
I'm having trouble getting into the right mindset to solve programming problems.
I started codeing with JavaScript about 4 weeks ago. I hopped on the Beginning JavaScript Track right after completing the Digital Literacy Track. Before starting with Treehouse, I'd never written any code before.
I've really enjoyed learning JavaScript, and reached the end of the 'JavaScript and the DOM' course yesterday. I felt like I have a firm grasp on the very basics of JavaScript by this point, but then, when it came to the extra challenge at the end of course, I wasn't able to complete the challenge on my own.
The challenge sounded fairly simple, just adding additional responsiveness to a very basic application. But like I said I wasn't able to complete the challenge on my own.
My problem, I think, is that while I'm able to understand all the syntactical aspects covered in the Beginning JavaScript Track, I obviously do not have the ability to put small chunks of code together to do something more complex.
How do I train my mind to think in terms of building chunks of code that fit together for a greater purpose?
Thank you all,
God Bless, -Daley
5 Answers
Tyler Knight
264 PointsI had this long comment originally but I felt like it was going way too deep. Just know that it will get much better with time. A lot of problems that I solve in programs I am able to do so because I have practiced and solved similar problems in the same way. If I hadn't solved similar problems before I would be lost, and would have to look up how to do it online, in a book, or maybe re-watch a tutorial video. I have been programming for almost a year it feels like the deeper I go down the rabbit hole the less I understand haha. IDK if this answered your question or not but I hope it helped somehow.
Alexander Davison
65,469 PointsThere's a book called Think Like a Programmer I highly recommend it. (Alas, it is in C++—so you might need a fundamental grasp on C++ first—but after reading this book it can apply to any language)
It takes a lot of practice. I've been programming for 4 years every day for over 2 hours and I barely mastered thinking like a programmer. I've also taken a lot of computer science classes.
Unsubscribed User
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 27,351 PointsThanks Alexander! I'm probably gonna pick that one up! All the help I can get, I'm gonna take!
Mike Hatch
14,940 PointsDaley, funnily enough, I'd been researching this topic since I came across that same article that Alan posted. I then also came across the same book that Alexander just posted. (We're all zombies walking the same path. Heh.) But... then just last night I found THIS right here on Treehouse. It's a two-part series using Object-Oriented JavaScript that teaches you step-by-step how to think while building a maze using JS.
Unsubscribed User
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 27,351 PointsThis. This is what I need! Thanks Mike! This doesn't have to be a Lonesome Road after-all, eh?
teresemartyn
Front End Web Development Techdegree Graduate 21,879 PointsIf you have an Apple Tablet, download the Swift Playgrounds. This app is great for getting your mind to think like a programmer. Good luck!
Unsubscribed User
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 27,351 PointsI should pick up an Apple Tablet one of these days, if I can get one used or something, because I'd like to learn IOs development! When/If I do, I'll check it out. Sounds like something like that would provide structured practice, which is my favorite way to learn!
Thanks Terese!
HIDAYATULLAH ARGHANDABI
21,058 PointsIt is something that you will gain with the time. You will start to think algorithmic-ally and fast.
Enjoy Coding Stay Patient.
Unsubscribed User
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 27,351 PointsPatience seems to be one of the most important concepts in programming! I actually think that programming is helping me to be patient, because frustration doesn't help with debugging!
Thanks Hidayatullah!
Alan Ayoub
40,294 PointsAlan Ayoub
40,294 PointsJust like Tyler, I wrote paragraphs and paragraphs....and I decided to delete it all.
I found this article and it pretty much nails everything I wanted to communicate!
How to think like a programmer — lessons in problem solving
https://medium.freecodecamp.org/how-to-think-like-a-programmer-lessons-in-problem-solving-d1d8bf1de7d2
Unsubscribed User
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 27,351 PointsUnsubscribed User
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 27,351 PointsTyler: That definitely helps! Thank you!
I have the feeling that I'll experience the same 'rabbit-hole effect' that you have, as I go forward. It's a good thing there are some solid tutorials and learning programs (Like Treehouse) out on the web.
Alan: That article covers solutions to pretty much all the issues I've faced in these first 3 weeks. I have to say, I've pretty much been doing the opposite of most of these suggestions. I'm really glad that Coders generally seem to be cut from the cloth of experience sharing/knowledge sharing. I'll have to reference this article next time I get stuck. Thank you!