this post was submitted on 13 Oct 2023
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Programming

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Feeling dumb (feddit.nl)
submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/programming
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I've been learning on and off about programming for 3 years now. Mostly front-end, html/css/js, for school projects. My degree isn't in CS or IT, so projects that give the opportunity to code are scarce and often short. So I get that I may simply may not have enough hours in coding.

So I'm delighted to be taking CS50 as a Minor at the moment, this has given me the chance to sink a lot of hours in coding, and currently I am in week 5 Data Structures.

But every time I start on the problem sets, I feel overwhelmed and feel like I don't understand anything. I have to Google/GPT the most basic of things. Even though I've been programming regularly the past 6 weeks, I don't feel as if I have improved and I'm starting to doubt if this is a career for me.

In a year I would like to find a career in development. Have any of you felt this way? And what has helped you get rid of this imposter syndrome?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Just for fun, this is what chatgpt would have told you:

It's completely natural to feel overwhelmed and doubt your abilities when faced with complex programming tasks, especially when you're just starting out or challenging yourself with new concepts. Many people in the field of programming have experienced the imposter syndrome at some point in their careers, so you're not alone.

Here are a few suggestions to help you overcome imposter syndrome and gain more confidence in your programming skills:

  1. Recognize your progress: Take a step back and reflect on how far you've come in your programming journey. It's important to acknowledge the skills and knowledge you have acquired over the past three years. Celebrate even the small victories, as they all contribute to your growth as a developer.
  1. Embrace the learning process: Programming is a continuous learning experience, and it's normal to encounter new and challenging concepts. Instead of being discouraged by what you don't know, embrace the opportunity to learn and grow. Remember that every problem you solve, even with the help of Google or GPT, is an opportunity to expand your knowledge.
  1. Break down the problem: When faced with a daunting problem, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Focus on solving one part at a time, and gradually build up to the bigger picture. This approach can help make complex problems appear more approachable and less overwhelming.
  1. Seek support: Don't hesitate to reach out for help and support. CS50 is a great course with a strong community. Engage with your peers, participate in discussion forums, attend office hours, or join study groups. Collaborating with others and sharing experiences can provide valuable insights and encouragement.
  1. Practice regularly: Consistency is key when it comes to improving programming skills. Try to allocate regular blocks of time (even small ones) to practice coding. The more you code, the more comfortable and confident you'll become.
  1. Focus on projects and practical experience: While courses are important for building a foundation, practical experience through personal projects or internships can significantly boost your learning and confidence. Look for opportunities to apply your programming skills outside of the classroom, even if they're small projects or contributions to open-source initiatives.

Remember, the imposter syndrome is common in the field of programming, and many experienced developers have gone through it. Believe in yourself, be patient, and keep pushing forward. As you gain more experience and tackle challenging projects, your confidence will grow, and the imposter syndrome will gradually fade away.