I know some people on here code and I was wondering if the sz gets in the way. I just finished the second level of Intro to Java and while I didn’t have a hard time with the code itself I struggled with the logic. My teacher tried to help me with my code and finally said we would have to do it another way because my logic was all over the place. I try to break the problems down and write everything out and use pseudocode, but my brain is fighting me every step of the way. I just can’t think straight. I really want to be a computer programmer and eventually a software engineer, but the sz is fighting me every step of the way. I know it’s the sz because before I got sick I could do two or three things at once, but now struggle with just one thing.
Does anyone have any tips for how to break down problems or even to think clearer? Thanks.
You might like this resource, even if to step away from your work and focus on something else for a moment. You can ask questions at this site as well.
To break down problems, I would study, say A & P, inside and out, visualizing it to. I would do this until I could speak about the physiological processes without looking at my material. It took time.
I do not know Java but I understand Basic and Pascal.
If I am not mistaken, Java is similar to C++ which is Object-Oriented.
Basic and Pascal are Procedural which is easier to code.
From my past experience, the logic is quite simple once you get used to it.
As an example, in Visual Basic, it is event-driven. Events such as Menu1_Clicked, Menu1_DblClicked, Button1_Pressed or RadioButon1_Selected. So it is very easy to code in Visual Basic.
I do not know about Java, but C++ was very difficult for me. I have to define everything in resource file just to create a dialog box, unlike Visual Basic it is all drag-and-drop from Toolbox.
I wasn’t sure what you meant about problems with the logic… Do you mean the Boolean logic stuff? I took some courses in logic gates and discrete math which were useful with that. Also took some courses in data structures. I don’t know much about OO but it seems like it’s good to learn the old school stuff thoroughly first.
Welcome in the world of programming. I hope you’d enjoy.
Divide the problem into smaller independent chunks and then trying solving it. If possible, divide them further And one important thing to remember specially when you are a new programmer, always make your logic on paper first and then code it. It will save you a lot of time at the end. I still do that but yeah good coders usually don’t require pen and paper after extensive coding and problem solving assignments. Solve on paper first…Maybe understand the flow first and then identify main things like what are inputs and what are outputs. Then write pseudo code and after when you’re contented with your algorithm, code it
It’s probably both. I used to do a bit of coding but I feel like I’d be complete shite at it now. Maybe that’s just me being intimidated, but I know for a fact my mind doesn’t work like it used to. It’s pretty sad. Hang in there sun girl with a little more experience it should become easier. That goes with most of all things.
Thanks for the replies everyone!! @nykia and @anon31257746 thanks for the resources. I did come across code.org in my searches but have yet to check it out. @Plumber unfortunately I have to study OOP specifically Java. I think I have the idea of creating objects down, it’s just sorting through the problem I’m given to do the actual code. @p2r Thank you! I have been trying the divide and conquer method, but maybe I should break it down further like you suggest. I do everything on pencil and paper. I even pre-pseudocode it to understand it further, but that’s a good idea to figure out the inputs and outputs. It just feels like there is a block in my brain preventing me from seeing all of the connections. I probably just need practice though. I’ve taken intro classes before, but finally dived into it these past two sessions with levels 1 and 2. Now I’m entering Intermediate levels. Thanks so much everyone!!! Happy New Year!!
I think I know exactly what you’re talking about when you say you can’t see all the connections. When you solve a problem, you need to keep everything that’s going on in the algorithm inside your head to think it through. It just that it’s too much information to hold onto at once.
Because of this, I find that I can only program effectively about 1 week out of the month. This unfortunately prevents it from becoming a career for me.
I find it interesting just how many of us like programming. It kinda seems counter intuitive given how much focus and memory it requires since most of us are lacking in those 2 areas. Though it is odd, I find it that my motivation issues don’t block me from coding. I can code for hours and hours without lack of motivation taking it’s toll on me like with everything else.
My dad’s a computer programmer. He said that learning codes are like learning new languages. but to me there’s a simpler way to approach it. It sounds like you’re getting the hang of it, though. I would love to learn how to code and program.
I’m not as bad at math as I used to be. What I do is I just visualize the center of the issue and work around it in my head. I’ve been looking at mind mapping too. If I were good at science and math I would love it so much. I would love to be an inventor or work on genetics or neuroscience. I’m just not sure where to start and I’m not in college atm.
But I did try some HTML and JAVA through Dreamweaver at school. If you have Dreamweaver it’s a lot easier because you can code and then it shows the output on a screen and all the short-cuts tell you what to put in for the code. HTML is easy, so I wasn’t sure what you were referring to by coding. I built a website in HTML in a day with dreamweaver.
You are probably confused with the coding syntax and wondering how would this be done…It’s pretty natural specially when its your first programming language. Don’t be disheartened. I am sure, you’ll be fine after awhile
In the start, programming needs a lot of your time and commitment. After that, it’s the problem that requires your time and the thoughts which way is better and how should that problem be solved etc. Initially just get hang of the syntax and different concepts and widgets like procedures/functions, loops, if-else, operators, how to print output and how to get input.
You mentioned that you’re going to learn OOP. It’s very very important for programming effectively. You’ll probably first learn about classes, public and private methods and attributes, objects and how to program in terms of classes etc. The concepts are not hard and if you’d get the hang of it, you’ll be able to learn rest on your own. Good luck with your studies and feel free to ask if you have any question. I’d be glad if I could help you in any way.
Yes good luck OP! I don’t know much about this so you will be ahead of the curve if you learn because lots of people don’t have this skill. It may take patience and time, but overall you might see that this gets you a high paying career position.
I have this impression that Szs are somewhat sensitive to crowds. Have you tried coding on your own? Alone? Some people thrive doing things on their own. That may help when solving problems.
Try creating a solution that requires as few lines of codes as you can. Only what are needed. Maybe that’s what your teacher was looking for.
When I encounter problems with programming, I usually go to IRC Freenode (try #Java channel) or http://stackoverflow.com/ to get help. You may wanna try that.
I wish I could help you further, but I haven’t coded Java in about a decade now. I used to code internet clients and Applets with it. It was all for fun then. I miss the feeling.
I didn’t need patience back then when I was starting. It was all natural for me. I know someone who did need it and with that succeeded and now has a job as a programmer. It may take years so I suggest choose a language and a subject you truly enjoy to keep up.
@Apokalypz is right it is interesting that so many of us enjoy programming. I’ve always enjoyed math and science so I think that is why I like programming. It’s concrete and black and white. You put in an input and can expect what output you will get. @StarryNight HTML was pretty easy you’re right. I haven’t done it in a while but I built a couple of websites. I’ve never heard of Dreamweaver. I use the IDE Netbeans. I also took a class on SQL which was challenging but I enjoyed it. Actually @p2r the syntax isn’t too bad. I did learn those concepts already. Yesterday my classes opened up, I take online classes, and I am beginning Intermediate Java I. We’re starting topics like inheritance and polymorphism. Throughout the five week session there is one project that we build on each week as if we were working in the real world for a client and building an application according to their requirements for the program. Last session we had to build a survey where the user entered questions and then responded to them. We used a 2D array of the responses and printed out a matrix of the responses. I ran into two problems last session. The first was reading the assignment and understanding what I was supposed to do. Usually the instructor goes over it during the lecture, but she wasn’t too helpful. The second problem was we were expected to write code more advanced than our textbook gave examples for. For instance, we had to use getters and setters where the user set the setter. The textbook only briefly went over setters and getters and the user didn’t set them. It took a lot of research on my part to understand exactly how you can use code. I know other classmates wrote how the assignments were unclear and I know I didn’t struggle as much as some other people did. At first I thought my school wasn’t clear about teaching Java. During our break I joined a website called Programming Challenges. They’re programming contests you can do. The first problem was one where the user enters a value n. If it’s odd you do the calculation 3n+1 if it’s even you do something else, but it will terminate when n=1. You have to solve the length of the cycle from the number the user entered til it reached 1. Pretty easy right? Well then they introduced values i and j where the user enters two numbers and the cycle length is calculated. If it ends at 1 wouldn’t n=i, which is the user input, and j=1? Then it confused me and I gave up on it. So maybe it’s not really me, but crappy instructions. I know I just need to practice more and will eventually get it. @p2r I may take you up on your offer if my teacher doesn’t explain things well. Hopefully I’ll have a better teacher this session. @PositivePsychia I do it alone as I go to school online. I don’t think I could handle going to a brick and mortar institution. Thanks for the resources too. BTW @Apokalypz I’m the same with motivation. When it comes to school my motivation is no problem. I actually get things done early. With everything else in my life it’s like pushing a boulder up a mountain. Thanks everyone!!
I’ve recently entered the coding world with C. I am programing Arduino microcontrollers. I do have some problems concentrating and my attention span is about 30 minutes then I have to take a break. Its not so bad though and I am self thought. The problems im having are dedicating a space with all the bread boards and components. We have a spare room at the apt we live at (my wife and I). So im setting up shop there. I do have a real world application for the Adruino so that helps to make things stick.
