This is Why Programming Is Hard For you

Many beginners are influenced by day-in-the-life videos showing programmers working an hour and then enjoying a long lunch. Others might see flashy ads promising six-figure jobs in just months if they learn the latest technologies. However, writing code is often the easiest part of the job.

One essential aspect that many newcomers overlook is the developer mindset. Programming isn't just about knowing how to write code; it’s about adopting a way of thinking like a developer. The emotional hurdles, such as imposter syndrome and the frustration of late-night coding sessions, are rarely discussed in tutorials. These experiences are integral to the learning process but are often left unmentioned.

To illustrate this point, let’s draw a parallel between learning programming and learning to cook. If you only memorize recipes, you might be able to bake a cake perfectly, but what happens if you’re missing an ingredient? Without a foundational understanding of cooking principles, you’ll find yourself at a loss. The same applies to programming: knowing a programming language's syntax isn’t enough to solve problems effectively.

For example, once you’ve learned about variables, loops, and lists, you might know how to print numbers from a list. But what if you need to calculate the average of those numbers without using a built-in function like `sum()`? To do this, you’ll need to understand how the sum function works—essentially, it adds up all elements. This foundational knowledge empowers you to solve problems independently.

The heart of programming lies in problem-solving and logical thinking. To develop a new feature or fix a bug, you must break the issue into smaller, manageable parts and address each one systematically. Unfortunately, this skill is often neglected in tutorials because it’s something you have to cultivate through experience. Tutorials can guide you, but they can’t teach you how to think critically about the problems you encounter.

This is where many fall into the trap of "tutorial hell." It’s easy to get caught up in watching countless tutorials without ever applying that knowledge practically. To break free from tutorial hell, you need to balance learning from tutorials with hands-on experience. Real growth occurs when you tackle projects independently and step outside your comfort zone.

So, how can you cultivate this essential developer mindset? Here are some actionable tips:

1. **Break Down Problems**: Start by dissecting programming tasks into smaller, manageable parts. For example, if tasked with counting the frequency of words in a list, simplify the problem. First, focus on iterating through the list. Then, once you’re comfortable, you can move on to counting occurrences and tackling the overall task.

2. **Project-Based Learning**: Engage in real projects. This hands-on approach not only sharpens your problem-solving skills but also allows you to create a portfolio that demonstrates your experience. Building things reinforces learning because you’re actively applying your knowledge.

3. **Feynman Technique**: Utilize this educational strategy by explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Doing so will highlight any gaps in your understanding and help reinforce what you know. Teaching or explaining concepts to others—or even to yourself—can solidify your grasp on the material.

4. **Embrace Failure**: Accept that failure is part of the learning curve. Every bug you encounter is an opportunity to learn. The more you fail, the better you become at recognizing and correcting errors.

5. **Practice Regularly**: Consistency is crucial. Instead of short, sporadic practice sessions, dedicate longer periods—ideally an hour or more—to deeply engage with programming concepts.

6. **Avoid Comparisons**: Resist the urge to compare yourself to others, especially those with years of experience. Focus on your journey and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Whether you’ve completed a tutorial or solved a bug, acknowledge your achievements.