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Some people think that learning to program is frustrating. We’ve designed this course to not be frustrating, but sometimes it will be. Learning a new subject can be hard. However, keeping a few things in mind may help with this.
Picture of a person being frustrated with their computer
One of the biggest misconceptions about computing is that some people can learn it and some people can’t. There is plenty of evidence against this idea, but it persists. Some people may take more time than others, but that’s true of anything.
The word “Busted” on-screen, in the style of the Television show Mythbusters.
So what determines if you’ll be good at programming? A lot of evidence suggests that it comes down to having a good attitude. Believe that you can learn the material, given time and practice.
A picture of a puppy wearing an ill-fitting “K-9 Unit” vest, apparently in training to become a police dog.
Keep trying until you get it. Never say, “I failed on the first attempt, so I can’t do it.”
Photos of a Corgi attempting to eat cheese curls on a table, but not quite reaching them yet. The words “NEVER GIVE UP” are superimposed.
If you’ve spent an hour on a problem and have made no progress, then GET HELP. Ask the instructor, ask a TA, ask a friend. Get help from SOMEONE.
A list of help sources, including: instructor, teaching assistants, peers in the course, the internet, …
The absolute best way to do well in this course is to get started on work as soon as it is assigned. Do not work for long periods of time. Instead, work in short consistent bursts. Scheduling 1-2 hours every day to work on this material is much better than doing it all the night it is due.
The following bullet points are written:
Early: Start when the assignment is first given
Briefly: Do not work to exhaustion
Often: Aim for regular practice rather than huge gaps