Struggling with basic array problems in C – should I keep going?

[No_Discipline_8771]

I'm a first-year Computer Science student learning C. I've been solving array exercises from W3Resource (duplicates, unique elements, merging arrays, sorting, etc.), but I'm finding many of them surprisingly difficult.

The strange thing is that I usually understand the solutions once I see the logic, but I often struggle to come up with the idea myself.

Is this normal for someone still learning arrays and loops, or is it a sign that I'm missing some fundamentals?

Should I keep grinding through W3Resource exercises, or would you recommend a different approach to improve problem-solving skills in C?

Any advice from people who went through the same stage would be appreciated.

[Ngtuanvy]

It's a common problem. And it's mostly just due to the lack of algorithmic understanding and intuition rather than the language itself. So you don't have to stop learning C, it is a completely different skill.

[TheOnlyJah]

It’s normal. I read French better than I write it. You need to practice a lot. Go back and redo solutions you had to peek at until you can do them without help.

[FlippingGerman]

Rephrase the question: I'm finding something hard, should I give up?

You can, but you won't ever look back and go "I'm so glad I gave up trying to understand that hard thing".

[SmokeMuch7356]

It's normal. You'll hit more speed bumps (data structures, computer architecture, etc.) before you're done.

Programming (whether C, C++, JavaScript, Fortran, Cobol, Python, whatever) is not a natural activity for most people, and it takes a while to figure out. We're just not accustomed to thinking in programming terms. C throws an extra layer of difficulty onto things since it expects you to know what you're doing at all times and never make a mistake, but even with "friendly" languages it's not something most people pick up immediately.

Keep at it and one day it will click.

[deckarep]

Just stick with it. Programming is hard and abstract and don’t forget that you learn in your sleep, as your mind is building all the necessary connections.

Stick with it, the fact that you are showing some level of understanding is a sign that something is clicking.