is think that is pretty normal, i do not think any newbie in programming will solve all the algos alone from the first time , it takes time to learn how to think like a programmer , when i did the basic algo i was crap i could not solve most of them by myself , so i took a break for a week and i took some course from udemy then went back to fcc and when i hit the Intermediate ones , i was able to solve more than half of them by myself , i still struggle for sure but that my skills are way better than before .
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A lot of good replies here, and even a couple of great ones. I will add one additional thought that has not been mentioned yet (that I can see).
Not all programmers are algorithm specialists. The distinction between back-end and front-end programmers is largely between those who love, and those who hate, algorithm problems.
I happen to be amongst the former, so I whip through the algorithm problems and slow down for the front-end problems - which is how and why I found this site. Don’t give up just because you have found one area of programming you dislike. Do more of the parts you love, and crawl through the rest a bit at a time, and you can get through this. And remember to always keep your chin up.
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I make a living making websites so understand this, you DON’T need to be good at algorithms to make a living out of this or to enjoy this…Those are hard for everyone and if you are not creating software or whatever, you are not solving algorithms at work and I dare say that most people who are not creating software (most of us) are not dealing with algorithms at all…I get it that they are frustrating and to some degree you need to solve some problems but seriously, don’t think for a moment that you need to be able to solve those easilly to work in the industry because you don’t. Try to do them for fun and to be a better programmer but don’t get stuck there or certainly don’t quit just because algorithms are hard, go learn something else, there’s just so much to learn in this field.
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Thanks again everyone, for reminding me again why I started the journey and keeping the motivation fresh again.
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Coding is never easy and takes lots of years of experience and continuous practice to master. In fact most programmers never really become ‘masters’ per se, and are quite comfortable calling themselves ‘dummies’, ‘idiots’ and all sorts of names. They do this to constantly remind themselves that programmers never stop learning; learning is part of the job description by the way.
Even as a professional on the job, learning new tools, technologies concepts and techniques as you go is something you’ll get to do all the time. It may even surprise you to find that most programmers spend a lot of their time Googling and looking up stuff whenever they get stuck or need solutions or hints to tackle problems.
So instead of quitting because you feel worthless, you should make up your mind and decide if this is actually what you want to do first, then continue by setting small goals and try to reach them. Take regular breaks and ask questions whenever you get confused, then continue practicing. Don’t give up.
Finally, ignore people who say they went from nothing to becoming pro/master web developers or software engineers in 3 months! These guys are only trying to sell you a product; a course or something.
Cheers and happy coding!
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I struggled with both Basic and Intermediate Algorithm Scripting.
I think converting temperatures was the only one I didn’t go to the hints section for!
When I spent time on a challenge and couldn’t progress I just checked the hints and the solutions if necessary. However, I also posted asking for help if I couldn’t understand a solution. Also, when I finished the basic section, I re-did it from the start to make sure I could now do it without checking the hints or solutions. I had to do this a few times before I got through them all on my own. I also reduced the number of challenges I did per day because I was finding it difficult.
I repeated this for the Intermediate Algorithm Scripting. I was finding it very difficult towards the end so I started the projects without doing the last 5 or so challenges…having redone with Intermediate Challenges I required hints or answers for by myself.
To my surprise I could do the first project without needing hints or checking answers. I refused to check hints for any of the projects. I would take a few hours break to let my mind rest. I did post to the forums for help once when I was stuck (but I never checked the hint section!!) Those replying nudged me in the right direction without making it too easy.
When I completed all the projects I went back and looked at the solutions. They were far cleaner than my code but it was important I completed them by myself to prove that I can do them. I then learnt the techniques in the proposed solutions and re-did the projects until I had more efficient code.
I’d recommend you slow down a bit, push out your deadline to complete the sections, don’t be afraid to google, check hints and watch youtube videos showing the solution - but make sure you re-do the challenges from scratch so you have learnt. When you get to the projects, stick strictly to the rules!
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@simpleasebisees Ebi, I have been trying to review algorithms as well and get better with working on them on my own. I feel your pain and have been trying to work through it. I have been job searching for months after college while continuing to learn what I can on my own. I also have been trying to get started on a blog, projects, and building my portfolio while on my learning journey.
When I get stuck, I usually reach out and try to figure out what I am struggling with. I think you did the right thing reaching out. I am still trying to make algorithms just using pseudocode and drawing out how i want my code to run. Its a little messy and intimidating at first
Algorithms are hard and they just take time. I am currently at that point and I am trying to work outside my comfort zone and quickly but I learned I can’t rush the process.
You can do this, just follow your passion and no matter what just keep working through it.
-Chris J.
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lol, converting temperatures too… that was easy tho.
but out of 100% I’d say I struggled to get 30% done the first try.
It seems repetition is key. lol.
Thanks once again.
I’d say establishing a habit is key. Do this 5 days a week, set a schedule. Dedicate some time every day to achieving your goal and make sure you follow through. If you are tired after a long day at work - cut the session short, do something easier - like code review instead of solving new problems.
It has been 6 months now since you started this thread. Have you been following through? How would you say you have improved? What are the things in this domain that you understand well/your strengths? What are the things you need to work on/your weaknesses?
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actually, I meant repetition of previously completed challenges.
But thanks for the advice tho… you’re right.