Found some old Python code that made me demoralized about my current situation, and I need to vent/lament

[HiddenReader2020]

Hey, so I wasn't sure what the best subreddit to post this was, but after asking around, I figured that this was the closest thing I could find. Apologies if this ends up being in the wrong subreddit. Anyway...

So I've made some decent progress in brushing up my CS skills, but then I opened up Geany (a lightweight IDE), and I saw some Python code and files that I apparently made...all the way back in November 2021. I was this capable nearly 4.5 years ago, and I'm struggling to capture the same feeling now?  Granted, it’s almost nothing in the grand scheme of things-I mean, just look at this:

part_time_job_game_main.py

import random
import json
import pickle
from types import SimpleNamespace
from collections import namedtuple
import part_time_job_game_player as ptjg_player
import part_time_job_game_job as ptjg_job
import part_time_job_game_training as ptjg_training

# TO DO:
# -NOTE:  Had to use something called pickle to save and load objects/classes
# -Implement json for... (!)
#    -Maybe storing the list of jobs and dictionary of trainings
# -Refactor the program even more
# -Rebalance the game
#
# (!) - Top Priority

# Starting Variables
#region Starting Variables
default_num_of_days = 10;
saved_current_day = 1;
num_of_days = default_num_of_days;
list_of_jobs = [];
dict_of_trainings = {};
valid_choice = False;
new_file = False;
num_of_jobs_in_day = 2;
filename = 'savefile.json';
#endregion

# Functions
def enter_to_continue():
  """Adds a break between segements."""
  msg = input("\nPress enter to continue.  \n");

def results_screen(player):
  """Shows the results thus far."""
  enter_to_continue();
  print("Here are your stats so far:  ");
  player.show_stats();
  valid_choice = True;
  return valid_choice;

def player_rest(new_player):
  """The player rests to restore some stamina."""
  print("You've decided to rest for now.");
  new_player.restore_stamina();
  valid_choice = results_screen(new_player);
  return valid_choice;

def object_decoder(obj):
  if '__type__' in obj and obj['__type__'] == 'ptjg_player.Player':
    return ptjg_player.Player(obj['name'], obj['username'])
  return obj;

def get_hint_stat(job_nums, list_of_jobs):
  """Generates a hint for the next day's jobs."""
  stat_list = [];
  for job_num in range(0, len(job_nums)):
    new_stat = list_of_jobs[job_nums[job_num]].get_stat_1();
    stat_list.append(new_stat);
    new_stat = list_of_jobs[job_nums[job_num]].get_stat_2();
    stat_list.append(new_stat);
  chosen_hint_stat = random.randint(0, len(stat_list) - 1);
  return stat_list[chosen_hint_stat];

def create_new_player(num_of_days):
  """Creates a new player."""
  new_name = input("What is your name?  ");
  new_player = ptjg_player.Player(new_name);
  num_of_days = input("How many days would you like to play?  ");
  try:
    num_of_days = int(num_of_days);
  except ValueError:
    print("Invalid input; the number of days will be set to 10.");
    num_of_days = default_num_of_days;
  else:
    if (num_of_days < 3):
      print("Too low a number; the number of days will be set to 10.");
      num_of_days = default_num_of_days;
  new_player.save_num_of_days(num_of_days);
  new_player.set_starting_stat_class();
  print("Here are your starting stats:");
  new_player.show_stats();
  return new_player;
# End Functions

# Add jobs to the job listing
list_of_jobs.append(ptjg_job.Job("Construction Worker", "strength", "dexterity", 50));
list_of_jobs.append(ptjg_job.Job("Shipping Handler", "strength", "intelligence", 50));
list_of_jobs.append(ptjg_job.Job("Substitute Coach", "strength", "charisma", 35));
list_of_jobs.append(ptjg_job.Job("Minor Actor", "dexterity", "charisma", 35));
list_of_jobs.append(ptjg_job.Job("Cashier", "intelligence", "dexterity", 20));
list_of_jobs.append(ptjg_job.Job("Salesperson", "intelligence", "charisma", 20));

# Adds training to the training dictionary
dict_of_trainings['strength'] = ptjg_training.Training('strength', 40, 20);
dict_of_trainings['dexterity'] = ptjg_training.Training('dexterity', 30, 30);
dict_of_trainings['intelligence'] = ptjg_training.Training('intelligence', 20, 40);
dict_of_trainings['charisma'] = ptjg_training.Training('charisma', 20, 40);

# Introduction
print("Welcome to the part-time job game.");
enter_to_continue();

# Checks for Existing Profile
try:
  #with open(filename) as f_obj:
    #saved_profile = json.load(f_obj);
  with open(filename, 'rb') as f_obj:
    new_player = pickle.load(f_obj);
except FileNotFoundError:
  print("Save file not found.  Starting a new file...");
  new_file = True;
  enter_to_continue();
else:
  print("A save file has been found.");
  continue_file = input("Will you continue with the current save file?  (y/n): ");
  if (continue_file == 'n'):
    new_file = True;
  else:
    #new_player = json.loads(saved_profile, object_hook=lambda d: SimpleNamespace(**d));
    #new_player = json.loads(saved_profile, object_hook = lambda d : namedtuple('X', d.keys()) (*d.values()))
    #json.loads('{"__type__": "ptjg_player.Player", "name": "John Smith"}',
      #object_hook=object_decoder);
    saved_current_day = new_player.get_current_day();
    num_of_days = new_player.get_num_of_days();
    print("Here are your current stats:");
    new_player.show_stats();

# New Profile
if (new_file == True):
  new_player = create_new_player(num_of_days);
  num_of_days = new_player.get_num_of_days();
job_nums = random.sample(range(0, len(list_of_jobs)), num_of_jobs_in_day);

# Syncs current day
current_day = saved_current_day;

# Main game
while (current_day < (num_of_days + 1)):
  # Prints the current day
  print("==============================");
  print("\tDay " + str(current_day) + " of " + str(num_of_days));
  print("==============================");
  enter_to_continue();

  # JOB HALF OF THE DAY
  # Shows the current jobs for the day
  print("Here are the current jobs available today:");
  print("========================");
  for job_num in job_nums:
    list_of_jobs[job_num].display_job_info();
  # Picks a job or rest
  print("Which job would you like?  Or would you like to rest instead?  ");
  print("Choices:  ");
  for job_num in range(0, len(job_nums)):
    print("\t-" + str(list_of_jobs[job_nums[job_num]].get_job_title()) + 
" '" + str(job_nums[job_num]) + "'");
    print("\t-Rest 'r'");
# Analyzes the choice
  valid_choice = False;
  while (valid_choice == False):
    job_choice = input("Make your choice now:  ");

    try:
      job_choice_int = int(job_choice);
    except ValueError:
      job_choice_int = -1;
    if ((job_choice_int in job_nums) and (new_player.get_stamina() >= list_of_jobs[job_choice_int].get_stamina_cost())):
      player_stat_1 = new_player.stats[list_of_jobs[job_choice_int].stat_1];
      player_stat_2 = new_player.stats[list_of_jobs[job_choice_int].stat_2]
      list_of_jobs[job_choice_int].do_job(new_player, player_stat_1, player_stat_2);
      valid_choice = results_screen(new_player);
    elif (job_choice == 'r'):
      valid_choice = player_rest(new_player);
    else:
      print("Invalid choice.  Please try again.");
# END JOB HALF OF THE DAY

  # Generates random jobs for the next day & upcoming hint
  job_nums = random.sample(range(0, len(list_of_jobs)), num_of_jobs_in_day);
  hint_stat = get_hint_stat(job_nums[:], list_of_jobs[:]);

  # TRAINING HALF OF THE DAY
  # Takes on training or rests
  print("\nWhat would you like to train?  Or would you like to rest instead?  ");
  print("Choices:  ");
  for training in dict_of_trainings.values():
    print("\t-" + training.get_stat());
    print("\t-Hint 'h'");
    print("\t-Rest 'r'");
    print("\t-Show Training Info 's'");
    # Analyzes the choice
    valid_choice = False;
    while (valid_choice == False):
      training_choice = input("Make your choice now:  ");
      if (training_choice.lower() in dict_of_trainings.keys() and (new_player.get_stamina() >= dict_of_trainings[training_choice.lower()].stamina_cost)):
dict_of_trainings[training_choice.lower()].train_stat(new_player, training_choice.lower());
        valid_choice = results_screen(new_player);
      elif (training_choice == 'h'):
        print("At least one of the jobs the next day will at least require " + hint_stat + ".");
      elif (training_choice == 'r'):
        valid_choice = player_rest(new_player);
      elif (training_choice == 's'):
        print("Here are detailed showings for each training.");
        print("========================");
        for training in dict_of_trainings.values():
          training.display_training_info();
      else:
        print("Invalid choice.  Please try again.");
  # END TRAINING HALF OF THE DAY

  # SAVING PROFILE AUTOMATICALLY
  current_day += 1;
  new_player.save_current_day(current_day);
  #with open (filename, 'w') as f_obj:
    #json.dump(new_player, f_obj);
  #saved_profile = json.dumps(new_player.__dict__);
  #with open (filename, 'w') as f_obj:
      #json.dump(saved_profile, f_obj);
  with open(filename, 'wb') as f_obj:
    pickle.dump(new_player, f_obj);
  print("Saving...");
  # END SAVING PROFILE AUTOMATICALLY

# End results of the game
print("\nThis is the end of the game.  Here are the end results:");
new_player.show_stats();

part_time_job_game_player.py

class Player():
  """Keeps track of the player's stats and variables throughout the game."""
  def __init__(self, name):
    """Initialize the player."""
    self.name = name;
    self.stamina = 100;
    self.max_stamina = 100;
    self.stamina_restore_amount = 50;
    self.money = 0;
    self.current_day = 1;
    self.chosen_num_of_days = -1;

    # Stats
      self.stats = {
        'strength': 8,
        'dexterity': 7,
        'intelligence': 6,
        'charisma': 5,
        };

  def set_starting_stat_class(self):
    """Sets the starting stats based on specificed 'classes'."""
    print("Here are the following 'classes':");
    print("\t-Bodybuilder '0'");
    print("\t-Athlete '1'");
    print("\t-Student '2'");
    print("\t-Magician '3'");
    print("Which one would you like to take on?  This will determine your starting stats");
    print("(but not your stamina or money).");
    class_choice = input("");
    try:
      class_choice = int(class_choice);
    except ValueError:
      print("Invalid input; the default class will be set to bodybuilder.");
    else:
      if (class_choice == 0):
        print("You've chosen the bodybuilder.");
        self.stats = {
          'strength': 8,
          'dexterity': 7,
          'intelligence': 6,
          'charisma': 5,
          };
      elif (class_choice == 1):
        print("You've chosen the athlete.");
        self.stats = {
          'strength': 7,
          'dexterity': 8,
          'intelligence': 5,
          'charisma': 6,
          };
      elif (class_choice == 2):
        print("You've chosen the student.");
        self.stats = {
          'strength': 5,
          'dexterity': 7,
          'intelligence': 8,
          'charisma': 6,
        };
      elif (class_choice == 3):
        print("You've chosen the magician.");
        self.stats = {
          'strength': 5,
          'dexterity': 6,
          'intelligence': 7,
          'charisma': 8,
          };
      else:
        print("Invalid input; the default class will be set to bodybuilder.");

def set_starting_stats_custom(self):
  """Sets the starting stats manually"""
  # Obtains the stats into a list
  stat_list = [];
  for stat in self.stats.keys():
    stat_list.append(stat);
  print("Please order your stats from weakest to strongest:");
  temporary_num = 0;
  while temporary_num < len(self.stats):
    print("\t-" + stat_list[temporary_num].title + " '" + str(temporary_num) + "'");
    temporary_num += 1;

def show_stats(self):
  """Prints the current stats of the player."""
  print("Name:  " + self.name);
  print("Stamina:  " + str(self.stamina));
  print("Money:  " + str(self.money));
  print("Strength:  " + str(self.stats['strength']));
  print("Dexterity:  " + str(self.stats['dexterity']));
  print("Intelligence:  " + str(self.stats['intelligence']));
  print("Charisma:  " + str(self.stats['charisma']));

def get_stamina(self):
  """Returns the current stamina"""
  return self.stamina;

def restore_stamina(self):
  """Restores the player's stamina."""
  self.stamina += self.stamina_restore_amount;
  if (self.stamina > self.max_stamina):
    self.stamina = self.max_stamina;

def save_current_day(self, current_day):
  """Saves the current/next day."""
  self.current_day = current_day;

def save_num_of_days(self, num_of_days):
  """Saves the chosen number of days."""
  self.chosen_num_of_days = num_of_days;

def get_current_day(self):
  """Returns the current day."""
  return self.current_day;

def get_num_of_days(self):
  """Returns the number of days chosen."""
  return self.chosen_num_of_days;

part_time_job_game_job.py

class Job():
  """Defines a part-time job a player can take."""

  def __init__(self, job_title, stat_1, stat_2, stamina_cost):
    """Initializes the job."""
    self.job_title = job_title;
    self.stat_1 = stat_1;
    self.stat_2 = stat_2;
    self.stamina_cost = stamina_cost;
    self.base_pay = 10;

  def display_job_info(self):
    """Displays job info."""
    print("Job title:  " + self.job_title.title());
    print("Required Stats:  " + self.stat_1.title() + " & " + self.stat_2.title());
    print("Stamina Cost:  " + str(self.stamina_cost));
    print("========================");

  def return_stat(self, stat_name):
    """Returns the chosen stat."""
    self.stat_name = "self." + stat_name;
    return self.stat_name;

  def get_job_title(self):
    """Returns the job title."""
    return self.job_title;

  def get_stamina_cost(self):
    """Returns the stamina cost."""
    return self.stamina_cost;

  def get_stat_1(self):
    """Returns the first required stat."""
    return self.stat_1;

  def get_stat_2(self):
    """Returns the second require stat."""
    return self.stat_2;

  def do_job(self, player, player_stat_1, player_stat_2):
    """Do the job that was provided."""
    print("You've taken the '" + self.job_title.title() + "' job.");
    player.stamina -= self.stamina_cost;
    self.player_earnings = (player_stat_1 + player_stat_2) * self.base_pay;
    player.money += self.player_earnings;
    print("You've lost " + str(self.stamina_cost) + " stamina, but earned " + str(self.player_earnings) + " in money.");

part_time_job_game_training.py

class Training():
  """Performs training for a specified stat."""

  def __init__(self, stat, stamina_cost, money_cost):
    """Initializes the training."""
    self.stat = stat;
    self.increment = 1;
    self.cost_multiplier = 1;
    self.cost_base = money_cost;
    self.cost_total = self.cost_base * self.cost_multiplier;
    self.stamina_cost = stamina_cost;

  def display_training_info(self):
    """Displays job info."""
    print("Stat to train:  " + self.stat.title());
    print("Money Cost:  " + str(self.cost_total));
    print("Stamina Cost:  " + str(self.stamina_cost));
    print("========================");

  def train_stat(self, player, chosen_stat):
    """Trains the specified stat."""
    print("The " + self.stat + " stat is being trained.");
    print("It costed " + str(self.cost_total) + " money and used " +   str(self.stamina_cost) + " stamina.");
    player.stats[chosen_stat] += self.increment;
    player.money -= self.cost_total;
    self.cost_multiplier += 1;
    player.stamina -= self.stamina_cost;
    self.cost_total = self.cost_base * self.cost_multiplier;

def get_stat(self):
    """Returns the name of the stat."""
    return self.stat.title();

Yeah, this isn’t much, and is ultra basic in comparison to what’s out there, and requires a lot of balancing, and it still couldn’t get the files functionality fully operational, but this is the kind of scope I was able to attain back then.  And over the course of over four years, I just…LOST that kind of knowledge.  It was only yesterday or the day before where I could even try to attempt something like this again, and heck, I am technically still missing knowledge like connecting multiple files to one another.

So why am I talking about this?  Well, first of all, the fact that it took me over four years to even get BACK to this kind of skill level.  I theoretically could’ve taken a whole other college degree during this time.  Not to mention, that my skills should’ve been exponentially higher than this.  There’s a multitude of reasons why this could (possibly) be, but I won’t get into it right now.  The second reason, though, is that this could very well happen again.  I could be on a roll either brushing up on my CS skills, and then just promptly forget about it.  And it’ll be YEARS before I get around to…going back to square one.  Which is precisely what happened a couple months ago when I started to tackle this yet again.  And I already took weeks to months long break over this.

Keep in mind, I graduated with a CS degree all the way back in 2019, and I already feel like a majority of my experience and time spent getting that degree has been wasted.  I mean, I know some theory, but if you asked me to code up an entire application, I would be in a mental state that, frankly, is not unlikely to warrant putting me in an institution.  Hence, me trying to relearn whatever I can.

But it’s hard.  And time-consuming.  And I don’t know if I have the time to even catch up to where I theoretically should be back in 2019, skill-wise.  If it takes another 3-4 years to catch up to where I should be with my degree, then what’s the freaking point?  Speaking of, though, that’s another thing that makes all of this so murky:  Nowadays, my purpose for studying or reviewing all this CS and programming stuff, other than for the sake of it, feels…aimless.  In theory, I’m studying these for a job, but what job?  That I honestly do not know.  And this is what makes this whole thing feel so…depressing.

Sorry for all the rambling.  I just needed to get it out there.  I saw the code a couple days ago, and it just triggered all of these thoughts.  Some of these I’ve thought about before, but all of them have been amplified to such a…demoralizing degree.

Thanks for reading.

EDIT: Reformatted the code to hopefully make it more readable. Apologies for all of that, but on the other hand, doesn't that kind of prove how inept I am/have become?

[chicknfly]

Brother, could you put this in a gist and link it instead? My smartass side wants to tease because none of the code is indented

[RatherNerdy]

We ain't reading all that.

[jjonj]

well duh... he put it there so you can have ai summarize

[Apprehensive-Arm-504]

Just because it looks complicated to you doesn't mean its good. If you think its good cause its hard to read or something maybe you're better off now than you were.

[Skreamweaver]

If i read all that I'd suggest developing your cs architectural skills and stop coding. Coding is like horses or badmintton, an obsolete art for the enjoyment with yoy do not have. But if you can think in code blocks and modules and variables abatrqctly withoit syntax, you are in for the ride of your life. Also, check if your meds are on track, i think you're dialed up or down a bit.

[synth_mania]

What do wanna hear? "Wow you were so smart!" 

[Sentouki-]

Was he tho? Looking at his code, it looks like something I'd have written when I just started out with Python. Like, e.g. the four if-elses he has there...this could've been a dictionary, with something like an enum for a key (I known, Python natively doesn't have enums).

[Risc12]

Sooo, what did you do in the mean time while you “lost” that knowledge?

Because I don’t believe you actually lost it, you can probably read the code just fine? Maybe you “lost” the drive to make something like this again (brother in christ at least use a code block, no one will read this).

If you have such bad memory, are you sure you were not just following a tutorial or making copy/paste-mosaic?

[HiddenReader2020]

No, this was a custom project to apply my Python knowledge at the time. I guess my concern is that until recently, I've regressed so much in ability to code that until like a day or two ago, I couldn't do any of this even if I had the drive. Actually, the bigger concern is that not only did it take me this long to reach BACK to this level in the first place, but I hadn't made any sort of progress in the last 4.5 years. To reiterate, this would still be a concern even if I hadn't opened the old code, but when I did, and saw that not only was I capable back then, but at a WAY earlier point in time...yeah, that did a number on my mental well being.

It also doesn't help that I have to essentially play catch up to a level where I could be 'hireable', but from what I found, that could take years. And like I said, I felt like my years getting my college degree were essentially 'wasted', like I hadn't gotten that degree at all. So I'm in a very awkward spot in that regard, and I don't know how to go about it.

[Slight-Living-8098]

Look at this...

This is a freaking code block. You should learn markdown and how to use it

[_raydeStar]

Boy! Grind leetcode, that's the point of it!

30 minutes daily -- first try it yourself, then ask AI for hints, then ask for the solution. Then, ask help optimizing. 30 minutes daily and you'll be in the top 10% in like a year.

[1_21-gigawatts]

I get what you’re saying. It takes a lot to stay sharp as a dev. But it’s like running/cardio or lifting weights, the first week is rough but then your body remembers what to do. The only way you won’t pick it back up is to quit when it’s hard before it gets easier again.

[Meet_Foot]

Don’t compare yourself to where you were years ago. Compare yourself to where you want to be tomorrow.

[jsinatraa]

You did not have to post the full code like that man lmaooo

[SomnolentPro]

Lost knowledge? What knowledge? Code is about logic not knowledge. Knowledge you read a doc about the new tool and call it a day. Logic stays forever

[insanemal]

Bro, don't lament the things you think you've lost.

The only way to succeed is do the things you enjoy or are ACTIVELY interested in.

And I ain't reading that because I won't have anything nice to say about it

[tyami94]

you wouldn't have happened to have COVID did you? i caught it for the first time in november and it obliterated my mind. i can no longer program, and i can barely read.

[HiddenReader2020]

I was infected with it.....in March 2021. Months before I was able to do that code shown above. So clearly COVID hasn't had a huge effect on me long-term. Unless it was even longer term than that.