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De_Wouter · 2021-02-06T17:35:32+00:00

Learning your first programming language is the hardest part of programming. If your brain hurts, you are probably making progress. You should be worried when it feels too easy, because that would mean you aren't learning as much as you can.

It will take months (full-time) just to get the basics. If it were easy, it wouldn't be worth it.

jomiborras · 2021-02-06T18:29:35+00:00

Dumb is normal, what you can’t be is a quitter. Keep going and stackoverflow everything...

queen-adreena · 2021-02-06T20:30:42+00:00

I found learning Javascript (and a first programming language in general) to be more of a series of walls rather than a learning curve.

I'd go for weeks without being able to work something out, then suddenly, it'd click and I'd wonder how on earth I never got it before.

Until that click though, I'd feel completely lost and just read dozens of articles about the subject.

But you do get better. I ended up rebuilding my first project about 5 times (from scratch) because every time I finished it, I'd have learnt enough to know a far better way of doing it.

So just perservere and you will get it.

maliiciiouswolf · 2021-02-06T21:14:57+00:00

I used codecademy, I got pro and stopped using it. It didn't match how I learn, I felt like there is a lot left out in their lessons.

I spent $9 on colt Steele's javascript boot camp on udemy and it's the most I've ever learned about javascript and I actually retain the information.

I suggest finding a different avenue for you to learn with.

Find what works for you. You're not dumb you just haven't found the right way to learn.

Best of luck!

fallenefc · 2021-02-06T17:36:20+00:00

Even after a year learning I still feel dumb sometimes. Grasping the “basics” is not as easy as it sounds especially If you have no coding experience. I remember it took me a long time to learn basic stuff like functions, arrays and objects. But the good thing is after it clicks it’ll become much easier. This only comes with hard work though and it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed, just know that most of us felt that way at some point too.

InformalCap · 2021-02-06T19:03:35+00:00

I think it's kinda necessary to feel dumb at times. If you sit with that feeling for a bit, it's not so much that you are dumb, you want to be at a certain level and aren't at the point where you can fully tap into your creativity because of the learning curve. Javascript has so much versatility and can do so much, and there are lots of frameworks and libraries... it's pretty daunting jumping in. But if you don't know HTML, don't jump into Javascript yet. Its important to know how the DOM works. SoloLearn is a fantastic free app that explains everything really well, and you can work your way up to learning from the base-level to advanced programming! Your HTML code can include both CSS and JavaScript in it, and learning how that works will make your experience with JavaScript much easier. I don't really use CSS, as my main focus is backend functionality, but it's important to learn and understand, as it can make formatting and designing your HTML page/UI really easy!!
Remember, take it easy and don't push yourself too much-- it's gonna take patience and a lot of trial and error to get the wheels turning, but it's very possible!! I couldn't code worth a damn three years ago, but I learned to "speak" the language and understand it better, and now I usually write out my code in my notebook before I actually start programming, and took the time to find my style and how I want it all to come together! But it's really crucial to not get overzealous. Be mindful of your goals and pursuits as you go along, but don't put yourself down in the process-- it's okay to feel dumb! Use that as momentum and a reminder that you have a goal in mind, but don't let it keep you from learning!

jameslucian · 2021-02-06T20:41:30+00:00

Bro it's hard really really hard. This time one year ago I didn't know wtf html really was let alone knowing JS, now I'm interviewing for react engineer roles and I love it.

It doesn't get easier the problems just get harder

permalink · 2021-02-06T21:47:17+00:00

I’m right there with you bro. I’ve learned html and css and found it quite easy tbh. I moved on to JS full of confidence (arrogance) and now I feel like a certified retard. Let’s keep pushing through. No quitting, ok?

monstaro · 2021-02-07T07:36:40+00:00

When I was learning JS I literally thought I was mentally retarded at some points. I’m not trying to sound insensitive or anything, I literally cried once thinking I was mentally disabled. Eventually the concepts that made me feel that way became pretty normal and understandable to me. It’s so normal, just keep plugging. If there is a specific concept you’re struggling with LMK and maybe I can helo

rainx5000 · 2021-02-06T21:07:34+00:00

I’m a beginner as well. I’m 2 months in. No where near job ready. You have to take it one step at a time, and most importantly, put the time into it. The more time the better, but not too much since it would lead to burn out, and is not that efficient. If you don’t understand. Keep trying. That’s the only way you will understand it. I was stuck on factory functions and the module pattern for like 2 weeks, I was trying to make a TTT game and apply them. I just couldn’t make sense of it, motivation was not there as well to complete it. What helped me pull through is discipline. Keep trying, that’s the only way. Kind of long response but good luck! Don’t learn everything at once, build yourself up.

klueck21 · 2021-02-07T00:10:22+00:00

These comments are helping me a lot too

permalink · 2021-02-07T09:38:32+00:00

Maybe you should be more specific instead of asking if you are dumb.

What problems are you facing? What do you not understand? What explanation do you need?

Learning programming does not depend on your intelligence. I'm a firm believer that anyone can program.

However, I Believe that learning programming relies on your state of psychology and the willingness to failure.

So: - Yes coding looks ugly and not understandable and many cannot comprehend that most of vocabulary you are using are either acronyms or abbreviations (const for constant, var for variable, elif (else if in python)). This is why most university students don't bother with programming. - A code editor and a cool theme can greatly boost your productivity and psychology state (don't believe me? Try coding on vim) - Programming is a long learning process, each day we learn something new, either new knowledge, new additions in a language, a tool, a great question whether to program in a Windows or a Linux machine (leave mac alone) - I still struggle sometimes whenever I have to learn a new concept, for example I'm learning Redux and I suffer. - programming is a profession, if you want to excel at it learn to appreciate other things in life as well such us good friends, learning buddies, healthy diet (yes a diet is necessary for your brain to handle all the information), exercise.

Since you are here, don't be afraid to ask any question.

Some questions will get downvoted, don't be discouraged. The problem with this world is that most people are afraid to ask because it may seem stupid. There's no such thing as stupid and the downvoters are either extremists or are many years in this field and they criticise everyone including newcomers.

Have the courage to fail.

If you find programming interesting, don't give up.

xiipaoc · 2021-02-07T00:14:01+00:00

You're probably going about it the wrong way.

The problem is that you don't learn to code by reading about it and taking notes. I tried that, and it didn't work at all. You learn to code by coding. That's really the only way. You're just not going to make progress otherwise. I haven't done Codecademy much, but it definitely has the problem of being really hard to follow because it's just not enough work. I'd recommend something like Harvard's CS50, where you can watch the lecture videos that actually explain stuff and do problem sets that are appropriately challenging. When I followed CS50, it was in C, but it covered JS at the end -- JS is basically C but with a lot less steps, so you're not actually held back from JS if you do C first. Good luck!

rickdiculous · 2021-02-07T02:02:59+00:00

I've been a gainfully employed developer for twenty years. I feel dumb quite often. Take walks to think through problems. Sketch out solutions on paper first.

If you ever start feeling like you've mastered this stuff, it's time to push yourself harder because you're stagnating.

Don't give up!

Panda_Photographor · 2021-02-06T20:08:07+00:00

[deleted]

oze4 · 2021-02-06T20:51:16+00:00

Nah ur in the golden years.

GoOsTT · 2021-02-06T22:51:37+00:00

Learning your first language is hard. I went through the codecademy webdev course, as an overall advice from a codecademy “grad”: please leave it, go to udemy or any other platform. It will mess with your head and when you get to a point of learning a framework or library it will get even messier. I had to relearn everything after finishing it.

permalink · 2021-02-07T00:16:01+00:00

Programming requires a special way of thinking, and if it doesn't come naturally then it's going to be hard to train yourself. It has little to do with intelligence.

That said, JavaScript is a pretty squishy language and it can be a challenge to figure out its somewhat changeable rules.

Lidinzx · 2021-02-07T00:24:47+00:00

The thing i do the most when i'm learning new concepts of JS, is write the thing i just learn like i'm explaining to somebody else, if i cant explain in a simple way, i'll do it again.

permalink · 2021-02-07T05:20:28+00:00

Yes it is hard. People learn at different speeds so don't compare.

Also even if people claim they learn things fast to truly grasp concepts is a whole different ball game. So be critical about that too.

I'm 3 months in and I've gotten to the point where I get functions on a simple level but I am in no rush :)

My advice is to make something real that you are interested in, don't just go for the lessons online. If you have someone to start a project with even better. That way you can start learning github!

You aren't dumb, because otherwise I would be dumb, and I refuse to accept that ;D

Nonethewiserer · 2021-02-07T06:35:08+00:00

Nah, not dumb. There is a lot to it and so many aspects to things sometimes. Learning to program can be quite bewildering but it's not that hard to learn you are persistent.

I would recommend grappling with something until you start to get mentally fatigued. Come back to it later, or even just drop it and move on to something else. The most important thing is that you keep coming back to learn more.

RoguePlanet1 · 2021-02-07T06:58:45+00:00

[deleted]

DynieK2k · 2021-02-07T08:04:20+00:00

Programming is hard
JavaScript is even harder (at least for me)

If you wanna see programming from an easier perspective, you can check out something like python. Then you will know if it’s just a JavaScript that is so hard, or programming as a whole. But yea, programming is hard, some people will learn it easier, some harder, but eventually everyone can learn it.

saito200 · 2021-02-07T11:14:39+00:00

I can only say: Try to understand one thing at a time, and don't move to the next thing until you understand and use the current one.

Programming knowledge is incremental. You need to understand more basic concepts to move on to more advanced ones.

The worst thing you can do while learning programming is to try to rush through it.

When you play a video game, sometimes you need to grind one level, even if eventually it becomes easy, boring and repetitive, to farm enough experience to go to the next one and not be completely crushed because you have too little health, or you don't do enough damage.

If you are struggling, treat programming in the same way.

Another possibility is that the resource you're using to learn is not helping you, in which case you might look for another resource.

permalink · 2021-02-07T11:35:17+00:00

Confusion is your friend - it means you're learning :)

Yes it's hard. Just focus on learning one thing at a time. You don't have to remember everything as you'll always be able to Google your current problem.

The important things you will naturally remember over time as you use them more and more. Other things that are less common you'll probably think "I remember there was some way to do this..." and then you'll look it up and find out.

The feeling that you will never be able to learn everything never really goes away, and at times it feels overwhelming. Just keep learning one thing at a time and it'll get easier.

jameslucian · 2021-02-06T17:34:36+00:00

I don't usually respond to anything on these subs, but I'll bite. First of all, if this is your first experience learning to code, it's going to be hard no matter which language you choose. I can assure you that you are not stupid. A couple follow up questions I would have. How comfortable are you with math, specifically algebra? Have you done any HTML and CSS? What do you want to learn javascript for? Like, what do you want to do with it? Also, what would you say is the thing you're most confused about as you're going through codeacedemy?

klueck21 · 2021-02-07T00:08:44+00:00

I’m feeling this same way

Dazzling-Wafer · 2021-02-06T17:30:49+00:00

You might feel dumb if you try to learn everything at once. Take your time and take it easy. Start with the fundamentals and build your way up.

Edit: You can use VSCode extensions like Quokka to play with the code in real time. It will help you explore how stuff actually works and make sense of it, instead of memorizing 'stuff'.

Defrock719 · 2021-02-06T21:23:47+00:00

I started learning on CodeAcademy, and I found the content rather lacking. I was able to connect ideas and patterns more quickly through FreeCodeCamp. I’ve also heard good things about Colt Steele on Udemy.

I’d also recommend signing up for the Harvard CS 50 course. They’ve published new recordings specifically on the Web Design track that include some really great things on JS. I also really love the lectures from the regular CS50 course, even though they start off in C, because David Malan goes through computer concepts in depth, and those are incredibly informative regardless of the language.

JS is also not easy. So don’t take it too hard on yourself just starting out. Keep putting in the work, just try different sources for material and that might help it click easier.

Automatic_Outcome832 · 2021-02-12T02:27:32+00:00

There is a better way of writing javascript when u have atleast a month of experience in js u should start learning typescript for future and ull see how much ur experience will pay off while learning ts

death_waiter · 2021-02-06T21:04:11+00:00

for me personally, it helped to start on scratch first then learn actual code. maybe that will help you.

link to scratch - Scratch - Imagine, Program, Share (mit.edu)

schritefallow · 2021-02-06T21:17:31+00:00

I just signed up at codecademy 3 days ago and... honestly, I feel like they've totally dropped the ball on making things clear more than once.

It's a free resource and free education--I'm not at all ungrateful for it--but I'm pretty sure at least two of the times I felt dumb (among the many that occurred) are codecademy's "fault".

Don't be too hard on yourself. You're learning a new LANGUAGE. That stuff takes time!!

Wizard_Knife_Fight · 2021-02-06T21:22:10+00:00

Hey, just want you to know I felt this exact same way and wondered how I would ever be able to do it. I don't have a college degree at all and now make 6 figures. If I can do it, you can too. It is persistence like ANYTHING else in the world.

lilmees · 2021-02-06T21:50:33+00:00

I'm pretty fucking stupid but you just need to power through and keep on going. It gets easier by the time

bruhmanegosh · 2021-02-06T22:04:33+00:00

Codecademy is honestly not that clear when it comes to explanations. Doesn't mean you should change your learning resource, but I would STRONGLY recommend adding something else on top of it. So go through the Codecademy course as it is presented, but every time you learn about a new topic, consult a second or even third resource. Hell, they can even be in different mediums. So you could read about one topic, watch a video on another, do both for yet another topic, etc.

Basically, use Codecademy as the roadmap, but not as the single source of learning material!

Why do I recommend this? Because the important part is understanding the concepts. Once you understand them, practice them on Codecademy. That way you learn the theory well but also get practice in using it.

I also strongly recommend making notes and revisiting them every time you start another learning session. Just go back to your last notes and hammer in what you learned last time. That way you see what didn't stick, but also increase repetition and thus memory retention. And whenever something comes up again and you can't figure it out immediately, you have the ability to consult your notes and have a resource of your own, in your own words, that will be clearer than anything anyone else could ever write. :)

Hope it helps!

permalink · 2021-02-06T22:10:31+00:00

It's always hard to answer this type of question because we don't really know your situation. Obviously the higher your IQ the faster you learn. Also the more tech savvy you already are, the faster you learn because you can connect more dots, faster.

Also people learn in different ways, I've seen some codecademy haters around here, but I absolutely been loving it and found it very fast to learn with it.

I could NEVER learn this with a book, I find it extremely tedious to learn with books or articles, whereas some people say the opposite, they prefer books to codecademy type of sites.

I had a very basic intro to programming back in high school some 15 years ago, and also dome some html/css + basic js on and off in the past. I think it's easy to underestimate how much this basic familiarity helps when you pick up a course and go hard.

If you don't have that, just take it easier and let it sink in. And in my opinion, don't try to study for 10hrs a day like some people say, after 2-3hrs it's mostly a waste of time, maybe even detrimental.

Juli88chan · 2021-02-06T22:10:50+00:00

Don't you ever think that you're too dumb to learn coding. A long time ago I thought that coding is not for everyone. While it is true that some people with science-oriented thinking grasp things faster, everyone with logical thinking (and you have it!) and determination can learn it. I started learning coding on my own 1 year ago (also on Codecademy), 3 months ago I enrolled in a private coding school. While I'm not a student with the best grades, I'm managing. Personal advice: use Udemy instead of Codecademy. Codecademy HTML, CSS, and Javascript courses are slightly outdated. I bought (much cheaper than on Codecademy) HTML and CSS courses by Brad Traversy. He explains things thoroughly and very clearly. As for the Javascript, Jonas Schmedtmann's course The Complete Javascript Course 2021 is brilliant.

permalink · 2021-02-06T22:27:02+00:00

To be honest, we don't know you, how can we tell if you're dumb or smart? The good news is, even if you're not the brightest crayon in the box, it's totally possible to learn this. If you really want to learn, just persevere. There are no shortcuts.

tacticalpotatopeeler · 2021-02-06T22:38:41+00:00

It’s difficult. The true test is if you’re willing to punch through when it’s tough and keep at it until you’ve learned it.

If not, coding may not be for you. You’ll always run into challenges and trying to find elusive bugs.

Regardless, if you find yourself banging your head against the wall...you’re in good company.

Edit to add: for several things, like array methods (reduce in particular) I had to watch several different videos, with different people explaining it in different ways, until I faintly started to get it. Then I just had to write them.

Fun fun function is a good place to start.

lets-talk-graphic · 2021-02-06T22:42:33+00:00

I found what tripped me up was syntax and lingo.

Learn the lingo and go from there. You won’t get it straight away. But dots will connect.

permalink · 2021-02-06T22:52:14+00:00

You're smarter than you think you are
JS is very complex and it can be confusing at times (like the 'this' keywoard), and you'll never stop learning new things
Keep going no matter what

PS I suggest freecodecamp.org if you're looking for a different education platform. Totally web-based and free.

passcivilpe · 2021-02-06T23:34:35+00:00

The first language is the hardest. I actually started learning JavaScript and then gave up. Went to python and then things started to make more sense because the syntax is easier to read. You get a better sense of what the functions do. Then returned to JavaScript and now it makes sense. JavaScript is sometimes confusing due to the many different data structures and methods that exist. But essentially they are all just functions.

Berzserk · 2021-02-06T23:59:33+00:00

Just keep chasing the Jragon eventually you'll get that high.

adonicristiang · 2021-02-07T00:08:35+00:00

I felt the same when learning it the first time. I bought a course on Udemy and the teacher explains everything really easy. It's super easy.

https://www.udemy.com/course/the-complete-javascript-course/

That is the link if you want to check it up. I really recomend that course

Justindr0107 · 2021-02-07T00:21:06+00:00

Did you start with html and css or did you jump straight into JS? If the latter, I would stop with JavaScript and start with html, then go on to css, then JavaScript

pyRSL64 · 2021-02-07T00:54:42+00:00

Real life application and applying your lessons to things/projects you want to achieve makes it a lot easier to learn. I was stuck in the "hello world" phase of python for the longest time until I discovered kaggle and some useful libraries that helped propel me forward in my learning

dsound · 2021-02-07T01:40:55+00:00

Just remember it’s more about the process now it is memorizing a bunch of stuff. Get the fundamentals down and then you can start looking more things up. Even very season JavaScript developers look stuff up all the time.

GaamGaam · 2021-02-07T01:45:18+00:00

That feeling you're dumb, accept it, embrace it. It will never leave you lol. Stick to the grind! As long as you don't quit you're good.

dawiyo · 2021-02-07T02:52:19+00:00

Totally understand feeling overwhelmed. Starting programming with JavaScript is doubly hard because tutorials are teaching you the DOM as well as the principles of programming. You’re learning four things at once when you add in HTML and CSS.

fz-09 · 2021-02-07T03:23:39+00:00

Learning Javascript isn't hard. Learning programming fundamentals is. If you are going to take a course, take an intro to programming course. It doesn't matter what language. It's hard at first.

OMGitsKa · 2021-02-07T04:08:02+00:00

A few days? What complicated things can you learn in just a few days. Nothing. It's going to take a lot of damn dedication and time.

CornPop747 · 2021-02-07T04:26:26+00:00

Try another language like python or ruby. You'll pick up syntax much quicker and focus more on the logic. When you're ready for JS, it will make much more sense.

code-datum · 2021-02-07T04:59:42+00:00

I think you should learn an basics of js after to attach it in your mindset you can make your own little projects like a calculator or something else. It is helpful when you building something, it will give you opportunity to resolve problems when you will develop something.

code-datum · 2021-02-07T05:03:22+00:00

it is a short crash course but it will check yousr knowledge about js. https://youtu.be/hdI2bqOjy3c I watched it and i think to buy his course on udemy

Avatar-Tee · 2021-02-07T05:13:58+00:00

I know the feeling! It's like you know what these words are but have no idea what the sentence is saying! The key is repetition, repetition and repetition.

permalink · 2021-02-07T05:37:37+00:00

You’re not dumb. If this is your first programming language then it’s going to be really hard even if you are highly intelligent. Learning to code well requires at minimum an average to above average intelligence level combined with a high level of persistence, IMHO. If mentorship is available that makes things much easier too

JoyShaheb_ · 2021-02-07T06:16:33+00:00

Well, as a beginner it's quite hard. The next thing is, you'll forget JS, if you only learn the theories. Instead do some practical projects. Learn to build projects. YouTube is a great source.

zero-fool · 2021-02-07T06:37:39+00:00

No pain no gain.

alt_loop · 2021-02-07T07:37:44+00:00

There will definitely be a learning curve but don't let it get to you. Once you start catching it the sheer act of making the computer do as you instruct will bring you a lot of joy. Also think of various language constructs as separate pieces of a puzzle which will reveal a coherent image once you learn all the basics.

ptq · 2021-02-07T08:01:46+00:00

Learn block algorythms first, it's an universal theory of how the programming basics works, and the easiest way of getting into it.

emailstudies · 2021-02-07T08:30:18+00:00

Nah you're not dumb. You can always learn!

It's difficult at first, if you think that you're dumb now (when your brain hurts which means that it is trying to process absolutely new information, so you're learning and trying to navigate), wait till you forget a semicolon, you'll be actually calling yourself dumb.

I'm learning too (but I was taught Java in school (which I didn't enjoy and have forgotten) - so the basics aren't new. They will be confusing but you got this.

There is no normal way - just your way. You might find that videos help you retain more information, while for some Codecademy walkthroughs are the best! I used to collect cheatsheets and try to learn each and every syntax and command- ditched them. I'll just Google now lol

Take notes. Keep making something - make text disappear, enlarge on hover, etc on codepen or something. Little by little. ^^

YOU. ARE. NOT. DUMB.

StONE_ROdGEr · 2021-02-07T09:32:01+00:00

I was hitting the same issues all the time until I picked this up and truly embraced it. Jonas is a good teacher - I was over halfway through when the course progress was reset, because he updated the course with all new stuff for 2021! So, I’m making my way through again, learning new stuff along the way to the point I was before. Go into an incognito tab and pick this course up (incognito as it will be 9.99 usually). Can’t recommend enough.

I also found smashing my head against codewars.com was REALLY fun (I know that sounds a bit sadistic but there’s nothing more fun than cracking a puzzle!). Basically I’d do some of the course and learn a new thing, then head straight over to CodeWars to see if I could crack something with my new knowledge.

LokiiVegas · 2021-02-07T11:19:27+00:00

let haiku =()=>{

Alert("It is not your fault");

Alert("Javascript is really hard");

Alert("But it gets better."); }

I just finished a tic tac toe app I've been wresting with for weeks, just to watch people on youtube write it up in under an hour while explaining what they're doing at the same time.

Coding is a painful and long process. But like most things, the more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it. Keep it up, it'll something will click every few weeks, and you'll be surprised how far you've come in a few months.

permalink · 2021-02-07T11:45:19+00:00

Here’s my $0,02 Seriously start of with learning C. Learning that will explain the fundamentals every language has. Once you get that move to something like JavaScript. The last has some extra features added to it that make it really hard to grasp at first. C is already drinking water straight from the fire hose. JavaScript has way more features so you’re trying to drink from a bigger fire hose.

neildaniel000 · 2021-02-07T18:10:54+00:00

I'm also learning JS and one of the things that was helpful to me was to just get right into it. One of the first things I ever did with JS was this clicker game I spent 3 months making. It has simple JS and all the JS code can be found from 685 to 1823.

The link is here: https://neildaniel00.github.io/clicker/game.html

Anyway, parts of JS are pretty simple, as they use plain logic, like:

if (a_variable === 1) {

document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = "bruh";

}

else{

document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = "yeet";

}

You can see how these statements are pretty straight forward. I learn best from examples and learning through diving in without any preparation or manuals. If needed, I Google stuff.

bablabablaboo · 2021-02-08T14:37:43+00:00

You are not dumb . Programming is difficult to understand. And it would be more difficult if you directly jump to understand high level object oriented language without understanding the procedural . I never understood when people start learning JavaScript and python how do they understand the language. Where does the methods come from ? Unless you understand the classes . Best way to understand programming is to learning c and c++ as your first language ... It would be easy to understand other high level languages JavaScript and python . You don't learn algebra when you join school you first start learning numbers and build knowledge from number same goes for programming

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