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JavaScript

So confusing

The last 2 sections of the javascript full stack tech degree have been awful. I went from understanding 95% to understanding 5% in a heartbeat. I've spent hundreds on this course for a 'beginner' to have someone explain a difficult concept in minutes that is clearly not beginner friendly. Awful, so disappointed and ready to give up if the rest of the course is like this.

3 Answers

Robert Manolis
STAFF
Robert Manolis
Treehouse Guest Teacher

Hi James Kemp, it looks like you're entering the complicated realm of network requests, public APIs and asynchronous code. It's not uncommon to feel this way when reaching this stage of the learning. These are very complex topics, dealing with some pretty abstract concepts. You aren't likely to feel super comfortable with these topics after a single pass through those courses. Often, the courses covering the more complex subjects should be completed and then reviewed multiple times for some understanding to really begin to sink in. It takes time, patience, practice and exposure to begin expanding one's comfort zone to include these new powerful skills. The first time you are exposed to these topics, they are likely to feel completely confusing. But the next time you approach the material, it will seem a little more familiar. And each time you review one of the videos, read one of the docs, make an api request and work with the results, it will seem less alien and you'll begin to feel more comfortable with these techniques.

I would encourage your to take some time to think about what is tripping you up the most at this point. Try to boil it down a bit and formulate a few short questions. And then reach on Slack with those questions. And try Googling them as well.

Have faith, coder. These skills have been picked up and mastered by many before you, and I have every confidence that you have what it takes to do the same. :thumbsup:

This was one of the most important replies to anything I've ever written. I've carried on, got past the hurdle and am now happily working my way through project 5 (public API requests) and tackling each of the problems with a clear head.

Most important things to take away from this. Never work on a problem with a frustrated mind, be curious and allow yourself to be confused. It won't last for ever, you will get it eventually. Secondly, you'll only fail if you give up, persistence is key and the only way to true success.

Thank you for taking the time to write back to me, means a lot.

Robert Manolis
Robert Manolis
Treehouse Guest Teacher

Brilliantly said, James Kemp! Thanks for sharing that. May I save your response and share it with others as a learning experience and positive example of a healthy mindset optimized for maximum learning ? :smiley:

Please do! Thank you again. Looking forward to a weekend of coding :)