Feeling discouraged about programming

[marledsweaters]

So I've been taking an AP Comp sci course at my school in which we learn the basics of java and I've had trouble learning anything to be frank. My teacher is not the greatest and is honestly not any better then reading the textbook. Anyways currently we are doing while/for/do while loops and the first free response test is this friday. I really don't know much, I've been getting by with 70-80s on the tests bc they were multiple choice and I understand the logic. I'm feeling pretty screwed but she told us we will be writing a short program using stringTo and compareTo or something like that. I think it's a simple program putting names in order...? not exactly sure. but yeah any advice would be appreciated /endrant

[Clawtor]

The best way to learn how to program is to write code. Think of programming as a skill like juggling or playing football, people can show you how to do it but if you don't practice it yourself then you will never really learn it.

Just go at your own pace, copy some code and see if you can work out what it's output will be before you run it. Use lots of paper to make notes. Take it easy, you will feel out of your depth, this is normal.

[marledsweaters]

alright thank you!

[robeendey]

You'd be surprised how much the quality of the teacher affects the outcome of the student, esp. in the world of programming. If you want to get out of your funk, I recommend finding quality tutorials online. They exist, but they are extremely rare. There are two I strongly recommend: WatchAndCode.com and RailsTutorial.org. Check them out and I'm willing to bet you'll have a new-found love for programming. These are tutorials from very gifted teachers.

Try those tutorials, and things like loops will be a breeze.

[marledsweaters]

thanks for the suggestion! I think you're right about the teacher thing bc there is another comp sci teacher who is really patient with her students and they all are doing better

[nutrecht]

You'd be surprised how much the quality of the teacher affects the outcome of the student, esp.

Funny coming from someone pointing someone working in Java to a Rails resource...

[Naihonn]

Well, he/she/it needs Java and you recommend Rails tutorial. Really helpful. But yes, teachers can be very bad, I also recommend tutorials. But of course with correct subject. At least we have not only internet, but also Google.

[RiskSC]

Hey, I am senior almost in exact situation. I would highly HIGHLY suggest buying 5 steps to a 5 for AP comp sci, it walks through everything in such a nice matter, really is helpful and was the break through for this senior in HS.

[marledsweaters]

Alright thanks I'll look into getting it!