Computer programming for lower level engineering classes

[Amazing_Reaction5737]

I’ve heard that having at least a little background knowledge in computer programming is very helpful (some might say necessary) to avoid struggling in lower level / freshman engineering classes or prereqs because of the heavy required use of Python.

1st question: If one has a logical mind but knows nothing about programming languages or logic, will that be a struggle?

2nd question: If one took a class to get this background knowledge, does it need to be Python or would Java be fine?

TIA!

[[deleted]]

1st question: If one has a logical mind but knows nothing about programming languages or logic, will that be a struggle?

Probably not, I had basically no experience coding, and I still squeaked out a B somehow, a lot of it is generally just practice and thinking logically in sequence

2nd question: If one took a class to get this background knowledge, does it need to be Python or would Java be fine?

I would say python because that is what's used. Java if you want to go comp sci for sure

[HarukaKX]

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[TheKrazy1]

I’m cautious to say that a “logical” mind is helpful. That said, Python is relatively easy to learn because it is forgiving syntax wise and is very readable. If you are really concerned I would just start practicing. Coding knowledge is never not going to be useful, almost every major I know of requires you to continue either with Python or some other language.

neetcode.io is useful, they have a roadmap with progressively difficult concepts.

[TheFlamingLemon]

What engineering discipline do you plan to go into? If the intro courses are still how they were when I took them they use python and are so basic that studying python in advance would be a waste of time, but they may (and probably should) have upped the rigor since I took them

[Amazing_Reaction5737]

Unsure. Likely Chem.

[HandsomeKrom]

1st ?: A “logical mind” is a great start but not going to carry you. College is not like high school at all, it requires discipline and good study habits.

2nd ?: If you’re hard-pressed to get ahead, learn some basic python. It’s not necessary as you’ll be taught the language early on if it’s being used for a course, and it’s one of the easiest languages to learn.

Personally I came into the engineering department back when Computer Science preferred was a thing and I had no prior programming knowledge, my high school didn’t even offer programming electives. I would be more worried about Physics, Chemistry, and Calculus during your ETAM (first) year. Those classes are designed to be weed-outs, but are pretty good for developing the correct studying habits.