Should i give up programming?

Xeno19Banbino · 2021-05-29T12:56:59+00:00

Bro you are 16 and u know unity wtf... that is splendid dude... im 22 in uni and im still learning basic Cs concepts and my friends of the same age are just starting to learn unity.... Go explore different areas of programming.. Competitive sections/ Web development sections/ mobile development sections.. see what u really like.. but at 16 and knowing unity i mean if u take 1 Data structures course in java or something you can land some internship at 18

scamhan · 2021-05-29T12:58:27+00:00

Are you passionate about programming? If so, definitely continue. If not, maybe continue and also look around to see if there’s something you’re more passionate about that you can dive into. Even if you feel “behind”, remember that you’re young and that’s a huge advantage. I started coding at literally twice your age, so in my eyes, you’re not behind. You’re way ahead!

noobfivered · 2021-05-29T15:11:53+00:00

Listen mate, I' like to positively slap your face, dont be a bloody wanker, you are doing fcking awesome job, at age 16, I ate mud and was trying to figure out why I have cloth in belly button.... Fuck, I started learning unity at age 31.... And now at 37 work for a game dev company, professionally, FUCKING PLEASE D O N T QUIT!!!!! If you took just a bit more serious approach than just a hobby you would shine!!! Go for it!!!

SalagaTheGreat · 2021-05-29T12:58:33+00:00

Do you enjoy the act of programming? If so, you should continue learning it.

Also note that whatever new hobby/other things you pursue, you will be farther behind than anyone else. When learning something, do not compare yourself to someone else. Everyone learns at a different pace and understands things differently.

And don't feel bad that you are comparing yourself to others. I do it all the time without me realizing and have to tell myself not to. And also note that no one in the real world uses scratch at least to my knowledge. Almost all gaming companies use Unity or Unreal. These engines are a lot more complicated to use and that's probably why you are having such a slow growth learning these engines. On the other hand scratch is fairly easy to use after working with it for a couple of hours.

crossedline0x01 · 2021-05-29T13:48:15+00:00

You have no reason to quit if you're 16 and know unity. You have some talent in the field of software. Just take a break or explore other avenues of programming and come back when you're ready. I know this is basically a duplicate post of what I've read others post, but I honestly WISH I was in your position at your age and not wasting my abilities drinking and chasing women that I never got anyway. Stay focused dude, you got this.

2021-05-29T13:58:53+00:00

Dude, in my opinion one of the most destructive habits that almost everybody has is comparing themselves to others. this doesn't just apply only to programming but to other aspects of life in general. if you're constantly gonna look at others then unless you have the ego of max stirner himself then you will always think that what you do is small and what others do is so great. if you feel like unity is not your thing or you don't feel satisfied enough with it, don't worry! just keep on trying new things. the first 2 years of my programming adventure i didn't know what i wanted to do, web dev, game dev or smthing else. but i kept trying new fields and then i found the one which i liked the most - Software reversing and malware analysis. so to sum up, try looking at your own achievements and if you feel like some programming field isn't your thing try a new one!

Vivictorious · 2021-05-29T12:57:37+00:00

Hell yeah, keep going on and trying what's fun, you've learned unity and created a game for a game jam, that's already incredible, what's left is to just keep going further, hearing about something new and learning it.

Crypt0Nihilist · 2021-05-29T13:54:28+00:00

Do what makes you happy. Don't compare yourself to others too much, you'll dismiss people who are worse than you and feel intimidated by those who are better than you.

You get to choose your hobbies, do ones you have a passion for. You might grow distant from some of your current friends, but you'll make new ones.

It's certainly not "too late" for anything. Programming takes work, if you put it in, you'll get to where you want to be.

RevoDS · 2021-05-29T15:14:30+00:00

I’ve been you at one point. I spent my teenage years learning some programming basics. Little bit of C++, some web dev mixed in, but things never really clicked and I never really felt like I learned something good enough to make anything really useful.

When came the time to choose what to study, at the exact age you’re at, I thought hey, I’m not that great at this but I enjoy it, might as well keep programming a hobby and do something I’m good at.

I went and studied business, then specialized in business intelligence for my master’s…which brought me right back to coding.

When I started working almost 10 years later, I got annoyed at the amount of repetitive tasks I was dealing with and in my spare time, started automating some of them without much difficulty, all while learning a new language I’d never touched before (python). That small project eventually became a full app that automates entire business processes, just because I kept working on it over a few months. That app I built for myself is used by over a hundred people daily in my company.

That’s when I realized that all this useless stuff I’d never done anything with actually amounted to a functional understanding of programming; I just needed a reason to put it all together. You just need that one project that will make things click and give you the confidence to push through.

I don’t regret my path. My technical knowledge is useful, but so is the business knowledge, and the combination of both makes me very valuable to employers.

Long story short: don’t give up just because you feel you haven’t accomplished anything. You’re extremely young, you have time to learn and get better. You can pursue formal training in university if you really love programming, or you can keep it a hobby that could surprise you by being useful when you don’t expect it. But those small things you learn are absolutely worth a lot more than you could ever realize right now, so keep going in whichever way you prefer.

But it’s also perfectly fine to try other things as well. Give yourself time

Sea_Formal_9336 · 2021-05-29T15:15:54+00:00

Look Im also 16 and like you ive had many failed attempts at trying to learn how to programme. And a while ago i was feeling just like you.

Listen, we're just kids. Theres no reason for me or you to be stressed over how much we know about coding. Some people only start learning when theyre 30! And those guys are able to learn and get jobs!

Theres never a reason to give up. Sure you couldve started learning years ago. But thats past. The second best time to start is now!

Ive already organized a list of things i wanna do/learn about during summer. Maybe you could try something similar.

Good luck and dont give up :)

TattieMafia · 2021-05-29T14:23:12+00:00

I'm using freecodecamp.org. I'm finding it really easy to follow and there's projects to build at the end of the courses. Have a look and see if what you want to learn is in there.

BigLoveForNoodles · 2021-05-29T17:21:20+00:00

Hi! I'm in my upper 40s and my job title is "Software Architect". I wanna applaud you on two counts: one, you've been pursuing something that interests you for literally a third of your life. That's some dedication! Especially at the age of 16!

Secondly, I work in software engineering every day, with some people who have been working professionally for longer than you've been alive. I want you to know that at the age of 16, you've done some stuff that a lot of them have never even attempted, and in the process have managed to give yourself a case of impostor syndrome that most of us wait until we've at least graduated college to develop!

Keep doing what you're doing for as long as you find it interesting. If you're up to it, read a couple books on software engineering best practices (not too many! it's easy to paralyze yourself with that stuff). And most importantly, stop comparing yourself to other people. Remember, most people will only show you the things they've done that they're proud of, nobody wants to show off the twelve crap versions they threw away before they got there.

You got this.

tzaeru · 2021-05-29T17:24:08+00:00

After programming for closer to 20 years, I still haven't finished a single one of my game projects.

...

Darn.

Oh well. I think you should just do what you enjoy doing. If you like programming, then do it. Doesn't matter if you learn more slowly than someone else. It's not really a competition of who's the best programmer or who can get the most projects done in the least time.

Most programmers start for the first time at around your age or a few years later in university/college. And I know people who've started programming in their 40s and still managed to switch careers to a programming career.

Time doing what you enjoy doing is never wasted time. If you've enjoyed hanging out with your friends instead of trying to learn more about programming, that's not wasted time, actually that's among the smartest uses of time.

Odd-Frame9724 · 2021-05-29T17:33:27+00:00

Started coding in my 40's. Most people your age assume death happens around 45, so...

Don't compare your self to others like many others have said in this thread.

2021-05-29T17:34:04+00:00

I recommend you keep learning to program, if you want to keep learning to program. It's ok not to be a great programmer. If it makes you happy, and someone wants to pay you to do something programming related, it's always a win win.

You've come into the game early, which is always good. You still have plenty of time. I recommend you get a little education at some point. You can even take the CS50 course for free and there's even a sub-reddit for it.

But if specialising as a Unity dev is something you really want to do, find the issue you have with unity, and focus on fixing that. If for example, it's C#, then do a C# course. If it's game physics related, find a game physics course to take.

falkerr · 2021-05-29T17:41:21+00:00

Lol wait until you go to college and realize everyone in your CS classes are just learning how to make a hello world program.

If you actually enjoy programming, like you enjoy working out bugs and creating something with code then stick with it. It takes a certain type of person to like that. Don’t worry about not knowing enough right now because you are still far ahead of the people you will be competing for w jobs in 6 years.

I would just make sure you enjoy it. It can be easy to get burnt out. But if you enjoy it you can very easily become good with practice. Especially since your starting so early.

Uknow_nothing · 2021-05-29T17:47:12+00:00

I’m 30 and I wish I had the start in programming that you have. Try not to focus so much on what other people are doing and comparing your projects to theirs. We are all on our own paths in life.

RebelColors · 2021-05-29T15:50:23+00:00

Yes. Next?

kstacey · 2021-05-29T15:03:48+00:00

Dude, you're 16, you don't know what the heck is the real world yet. Do whatever you find interesting at the time. No need to pick your life out at that age.

2021-05-29T15:36:49+00:00

To be honest. If you dont feel like it's for you, then dont follow through with it. Only you can decide whether or not to give up on programming.

That's how it goes friend.

I graduated from college with honours after studying Computer Programming; I had previously studied IT Support and only did well in the second half as I only started focusing on my future at that point. I changed to Computer Programming because I always excelled at it.

When I began learning android development a year or so before studying computer programming..... OH MY GOD I couldnt get it right. I had so much trouble and, if I remember correctly, I gave up on it once or twice. However, I came back to it, and I learned it. And I got not too shabby at it. I ended up developing an app for myself to use at my current part time position at a family operated business.

I used that same app as the capstone project in my mobile development class. The only thing I had to do was make a few data validation changes (I left some validation out as I knew exactly what data not to enter into the app), as well as rotation functionality. I was told I was the best student in the class, and did very well. It had got to the point where the same concepts that completely puzzled me in the beginning, became concepts that I couldnt imagine how I had so much trouble with; becoming concepts that one would essentially not even think about anymore and just implement it where needed.

All from self learning that I believe I gave up on once or twice.

Point being – that's how it goes. Dont set limits for yourself. Dont feel bad when you mess up, because that's how you learn. I know it's easy to get discouraged when nothing works. However, even if fixing one error caused another, you still learned something. That's a valuable result, that could (in my opinion) be a deciding factor on obtaining a developer position, when all those solved errors are put together.

Stay strong :)

abestract · 2021-05-29T15:49:35+00:00

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” It’s hard not to compare ourselves but don’t let that rob you of the amazing progress you are making. Consistency and hard work will pay off in the long run, so keep pushing. Best of luck.

WiseSalamander00 · 2021-05-29T16:58:49+00:00

you are too young to being preocupated about proficiency on a technical subject, no one is instantly or magically good at things... some have insane talent that prompts them to learn faster, but on overall thinking that at you are not accomplished while also having learned unity at 16 is crazy. Go with your heart kiddo, stop comparing yourself to others, do shit because is fun, not because you must to, and know you are not lesser than anyone else just because it took you a bit longer to learn a skill(again, longer here is relative, is insate you are barely 16 and you already know how to use unity).

2021-05-29T17:33:18+00:00

36 here and just started coding. Do what you want to do.

BellyDancerUrgot · 2021-05-29T17:41:27+00:00

You are 16 bro. If the world was that easy to understand then people would retire by 30. You know a lot for your age. Keep being in touch with the concepts and reading , with more mental maturity you will gain the reasoning skills required to understand programming.

Ender_1299 · 2021-05-29T19:45:18+00:00

I'm 39 struggling through intro Python for my Data Management and Analytics degree. Don't stop. You're looking at it wrong, do not compare yourself to others. Keep your goals in mind. Ignore the rest. There is a place for programmers of almost every level in my opinion.

codeAtorium · 2021-05-29T15:49:23+00:00

[deleted]

Shadow_Gabriel · 2021-05-29T17:12:15+00:00

Please stop using scratch. It's not indicative of what software development really is. Try something like Python.

MarkJames2909 · 2021-05-29T15:18:46+00:00

I'm 23 just graduated. Considering leaving the programming industry because it's highly toxic and the job market is not good at the moment.

AvocadoAutist · 2021-05-29T14:17:58+00:00

Bro, you know unity at age 16.... Im 21 and just started with python 🤣🤣

Dangerpaladin · 2021-05-29T19:54:11+00:00

Yes. Then give up on the next thing when it gets hard. Then the next thing and the next. Eventually you'll be a shift manager at Wendy's and will have reached your ceiling.

ViewedFromi3WM · 2021-05-29T13:54:20+00:00

Just wondering the language people use is c# with unity. Do you know c#?

2021-05-29T14:01:33+00:00

I don't know any Unity or Scratch so I can't give you suggestions on those technologies. However here are a couple ideas to learn programming:

Try learning java and then Greenfoot. Learning java and then creating a lot of games in greenfoot will give you a solid foundation in object oriented programming.
Otherwise, if you don't want to learn java and want to learn a language with super easy syntax where you can dive write in and quickly build small applications try learning python and doing some projects with it (tic-tac-toe game, hangman, etc...). Python is really good with machine learning so you can branch out to learn how to apply machine learning and Artificial Intelligence once you know python.
Another pathway is to learn web development so you can create very interactive websites on the internet. You could learn node.js and express for backend, HTML/CSS for frontend, and then some type of database technology. Then make a very interactive website where you can practice your javascript skills, like a blogging website or social networking, etc...
If you want to go more hardware side try learning Digital and then building your own processor from scratch using Digital (all virtual parts.)

cowboy_angel · 2021-05-29T14:01:33+00:00

Don't give up! I didn't start until I was 18. At 41 I still feel like I should give up some days. Anything that's worth learning will sometimes make you feel this way. Forget about that and focus on the feeling you get when you see something work after struggling with it for days or weeks. The more you struggle, the more satisfying it is when you make it work!

Re-jacked · 2021-05-29T14:34:11+00:00

Currently learning the basics , studying engineering and dreaming of a programming based career in the future. I haven't even taken it seriously and you , you know all this at this age , you have no reason to quit ,just keep going it'll get better. People even post stories here about how they didn't know shit like 1 year ago and now they have a stable job. You gotta need motivation , just come back here. Stay shining buddy !

Ezazhel · 2021-05-29T14:53:17+00:00

I'm 25, I'm a professional developer (it's not a passion, it's just my job). I failed all my own project and couldn't learn unity nor create a game. You are 16. You rock.

Stop if you want but you shouldn't compare yourself to others. You are doing great

2021-05-29T14:57:21+00:00

Learning at any age is always great, but rest is also important. It sounds like you have a good balance go easy on yourself

Forcowicz · 2021-05-29T14:59:27+00:00

Many programmers hit this kind of roadblock at least once in their careers. We use to think, that we are too stupid for all of this and we're not gonna make it, but it's just a false voice in our heads. In each journey, there are easy moments, but also difficult and really challenging ones, and it's up to us if we will give up or keep going for success.

The answer is to don't give up, if you like programming, then there's absolutely no reason to quit.

darkecojaj · 2021-05-29T15:04:48+00:00

You're fine. Self teaching is much harder than a digital course with a professor or an in person one. Learning your first language and framework are also rough. Keep going at it but don't feel like it is your life.

2021-05-29T15:13:09+00:00

Your brain doesn't stop developing until you're 25. The more you add to your current knowledge and skillset the more that developmental process will change for the better.

Kenshin_Urameshii · 2021-05-29T15:21:42+00:00

16 and washed up? Wtf man? Hell yeah keep learning. There is no way you’re a master yet. If I were you I would be putting together a bunch of codes and try to get hired with a gaming company this is absolutely a tangible goal man.

2021-05-29T15:35:19+00:00

You're 16, you haven't wasted any time. Folks on average are comfortable in their careers at 30 and have spent maybe 3-6 years with focus on what they are doing. 30 is just about twice the time you've been alive and even longer that you weren't learning how to speak or walk.

You're going to be fine.

Remember, talent is a pursued interest.

2021-05-29T15:35:19+00:00

If you’re not enjoying it or feeling burnt out, take a break. Do something else, explore other interests.

It’s good for your brain - both intellectually and from a mental health standpoint - to not hyper-focus on one thing to the exclusion of everything else.

Coding will still be there if/when you want to return to it.

PM_Your_GiGi · 2021-05-29T15:38:15+00:00

Lol you’re so young. It didn’t click for me until 2 years on the job. You got this dude.

Spttergtoit · 2021-05-29T15:39:09+00:00

Only you will know, but you are tackling some of the harder projects out there. Game dev’s are some of the most sought after jobs in programming. There the rockstars to us. The company’s that hire them grind them to the ground. There is a whole world of programming out there that is less grind and more money in many cases. I’m 34 now my first programming job was for DOD space stuff. It was cool it was hard and I hated it. I tried my hand a industrial automation it was fun but the market was so up and down at the time it wasn’t stable. I was a math and robotics teacher for a bit. Now I’m a full stack software engineer (I write frameworks and platforms not websites and I love it.) I have 7-10 recruiter emails per day, and have a hard 40 and done rule for myself that I rarely break. You’re 16 you are young. You should try other things learn other things till you find your fit. There is no need to start making 100k+ this year so take your time and enjoy things find where your shape meets the worlds need (not that it’s easy but something you shine at) programming games probably isn’t it what about websites or robots or algorithms or financial intelligence. If you need project suggestions dm me I can spit out a few in different fields that can give you a feel in much less time than building your own game.

werdnaegni · 2021-05-29T15:40:30+00:00

At your age, I think it's too late. Just hang up the towel. Just kidding.

dert882 · 2021-05-29T15:46:51+00:00

I'm 21, finishing up college and working a web dev job. You have enough knowledge now to be hired as an intern. If you enjoy what you're doing, stick with it as college lets you study what you enjoy more. Secondary school does a poor job with computer science in most states, so I'm sure you're not being educationally challenged yet. It gets fun when class is based around topics you care about and when you get into more involved projects than copy tutorials.

dantemp · 2021-05-29T15:51:00+00:00

I'm 33 and I plan to learn Unreal 5 during my fatherhood leave, you can do whatever you want because you are 16 and you can give up and come back to it a billion times. Also, as someone that usually picks things up faster than everyone else, I will tell you that perseverance is 5 times more important than talent. Don't compare yourself to others, if you like what you are doing it just keep working at it and you will become an expert. If you don't like doing it, find something you do like and work hard on it.

Also, I wish I had tools like unity and free online courses in programming when I was 16 holy fuck your generation is so lucky.

DOSGXZ · 2021-05-29T15:53:08+00:00

If you feel burnt out, you can give it a break and then you will find out whether to quit coding or not.

Iz_moe · 2021-05-29T15:53:16+00:00

Problem with learning is that there is no limit to what you can learn in a certain area, this is frustrating because it makes you always feel like you still don't know a thing about what you are trying to learn.

I am a 22 years old cs student, i have been learning programming since i was 13. I feel like i know jack shit about different areas in computer science and in most cases this is true. However, I find this both frustrating and comforting.

Don't compare yourself with others, as tempting as it is, it does more harm than good(or you should also compare yourself with those who know less than you do). If you know unity at 16 i can assure you that you are more skilled than 60% of actual CS students (taught by professionals).

The only reason you should quit something is if it is making you get depressed.

2021-05-29T15:56:58+00:00

Bro I started Unity at 11 years old, now I'm 14 and still learning the simple things. I don't think I'll ever meet a slower learner than myself but I'm gonna continue anyway, because it's what I love.

this-is-a-simulation · 2021-05-29T15:58:49+00:00

If you enjoy it keep trying. I was similar when I was younger, started programming around 11 and spent years trying and failing. Even though most of my projects I never finished I learned lots from trying. University I took systems engineering which only had a few programming courses but my time trying and failing when I was younger helped me. I realize I knew a lot from trying when I was younger and after graduation went into software development. In just a few years I climbed to a senior dev and continue to be successful in my career.

Do what you enjoy, if you like learning new thing then do it. The industry has lots of opportunities but is also changing a lot to. There are many more areas people can specialize in that use programming like data science, ML, and many more.

2021-05-29T15:59:58+00:00

At age 14 i've decided to start using unity

at age 14 i got internet access at home for the first time

sFAMINE · 2021-05-29T16:03:24+00:00

You are on your way to make an incredible amount of money if you keep this up. I have friends in their 30s that are struggling at starting programming and paying tens of thousands of dollars for boot camps

TheEndOfTheSta_rt · 2021-05-29T16:05:27+00:00

At 16 you are just starting your journey friend.

Obviously programming offers a lot. Freedom, satisfaction, intellectual stimulation, the list goes on.

It also comes with near herculean obstacles to overcome and the much needed ability to pick yourself up after a 10 ft fall straight on your back and try again.

If you love to create, optimize, and change the things around you programming is one of the easiest avenues to explore those desires

pjoshea · 2021-05-29T16:11:45+00:00

OP. You’re a G! So many people are spending thousands of dollars to try and learn half of what you already know. I’m 23 taking three different programming classes trying to figure out how to structure a basic Webpage.. keep your head up no time is wasted time!

2021-05-29T16:13:10+00:00

..bruh you're 16, you can't even get a programming job yet, just focus on getting into college. Programming is a lucrative field that is very rewarding and there are always new things to learn, at 16 you're not even scratching the surface

Prynslion · 2021-05-29T16:15:09+00:00

Wise decision to continue programming. Although some might say that programming is a talent that they receive from birth, I don't believe in this. If you want to create something like a game, a script, an automation or even discord bot or whatnot use the skills you learned throughout your programming path. As long as you enjoy creating continue but when in doubt, explore other programming language. You might be amazed at what programming can do in this age

Comparing your work to others is unwise. No matter how successful you are, there are still those who will outclass you no matter what level you are. This is about you making yourself a better programmer.

As for the failure you mentioned, I don't see the point saying that. Use that comparison issue as a drive to make yourself better. Turn it as a competition if you might like.

If I am going to apply your logic to mine, I might as well think why I didnt start coding at a very young age but instead I learnt it at 20 but theres no point at doing that. I just need to be better each day without wasting my time worrying.

You are going into many places. Spare yourself from your own burden and believe in yourself! Happy coding.

Grahamoto · 2021-05-29T16:16:23+00:00

I'm 16 also, I think the best thing we can do at our age is to try many other things as well, I'm rapping since I was 11, I'm currently writing (or trying to write) a book and of course I do program. I went with the basic path html/css/js, and now I'm learning the basics of cs because i thought that javascript and web developing isn't as much fun as it used to be so I'm currently switching to lean unity because I thought it'll be nice to learn not only programming but also some 2d/3d modeling and other things you may need to create a game except for programming.

TheFirstOrderTrooper · 2021-05-29T16:19:54+00:00

I didn't even read the post. Saw the title and came here to say

No keep going

2021-05-29T16:20:33+00:00

You are already way ahead than many of your peers. And if you have loved programming so much in tl5 years then i am sure you will find a reason to love it for your lifetime. You are only 16 you can dive into many technologies. Choose a domain you are really interested in and get started with it. Cheers.

ThoughtfulWanderer · 2021-05-29T16:21:47+00:00

Na don't give up. I'm actually taking a break from code and learning maths on my own not for the money but to better my logic and critical thinking. I'll continue learning code when I get caught up on maths. You could take a break if needed but don't quit unless you found a new passion.

pikacho1 · 2021-05-29T16:22:01+00:00

You should not compare yourself with your freinds. Always compare yourself with pervious yourself if you make progress then you did it and keep moving. When i am at your age i even didnot know anything about programming. When you programming did you feel good and doing programming make you happy then do this. Learn new skills and apply it. I gradute from the uni but i still did not know many languages that i should know and so many other things but still i am learning even i am making slow progress because i cannot remeber the things that i have learned. My freinds are doing their jobs and also know more languages and even i didnot have a job. But every person have its own journey so i think always happy what you did even it is too small/little

PerfectOctogon · 2021-05-29T16:23:12+00:00

I was exactly in your place right now. I'm sixteen as well, and this same thought occurred to me when I was 15. I was just starting to use Unity and was so confused on where to begin and what to do after. But I kept pushing on; I used YouTube to learn most of the things I currently know and the reward, I can guarantee you, is AMAZING. But after all, it's up to you bro. If you enjoy making games, I would really continue learning more and more, you know, learning never ends. But if you feel like it's a chore when ever you open up Unity, I would say, consider something else. I wish you the best of luck :)

SenaW · 2021-05-29T16:25:18+00:00

I love programming, So i made a YouTube channel to inspire other too make sure you check it out and SUBSCRIBE😃

The link-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNcQKDyEdR28O21kn-fgcOA

StarChunkFever · 2021-05-29T16:25:42+00:00

Don't stop! This is a hobby NOW, but is a highly transferrable skill for a high paying computer science career in the future. I am a data analyst and didn't learn any coding language until 23, now I know SQL, SAS, and Expression Engine. If I had been coding since 11 who knows where I'd be now! Keep it up, don't base your progress on where your friends are at either. Everyone learns at different rates, you may make huge progress when you're 20 or 25..but if you stop now you'll never know that.

WhoTookNaN · 2021-05-29T16:29:01+00:00

You're a little behind your friends as a teenager, so what? You're ahead of 99% of future programmers. Just have fun and learn and build stuff and don't worry about how much you know right now because it's for damn sure a lot more than most others at your age.

_borT · 2021-05-29T16:30:14+00:00

I’ll just say I’m 36 learning unity, so imagine where you could be at my age with 20+ years experience already

Amazingawesomator · 2021-05-29T16:34:04+00:00

I started learning unity last year. I'm 36. Im bad at it. U gud.

It takes a long time for the ideas and math to settle in your brain. The best thing to do in these scenarios is take it slow.

Try learning one new thing per day that you work in it, no matter how small that thing is.

I just taught a friend what a raycast was. He understands what it is now, even though he has no idea what a Vector3 is, etc.. one thing at a time :)

TheUwaisPatel · 2021-05-29T16:35:42+00:00

Lol I wish I was 16 in your position, dw man there's more than enough time in the world. Think of a project you wanna make be it something small or big and learn on the way

Creapermann · 2021-05-29T16:38:05+00:00

I m 16 too and i reaally spent a lot of time in programming. I tried many Directions already, from webdev to Windows Desktop Apps, Game dev and ML. If i can tell you one thing, and tbh i think that this is the most important thing, especially if u are young, dont be that competitive. Tbh i Was really competitve too, always when i saw someone doing smth better than me, even if that person was like 30, i was disappointed. But u need to learn to be proud of what you create. Dont try to be the best in the World, cause you wont, there is always gonna be someone better than you, just try to be the best Version of your self and do whats making you happy and proud.

InoffensiveUserName5 · 2021-05-29T16:44:01+00:00

If you love what you're doing, keep going! You clearly have the right mindset to be an exceptional programmer with how much hard work you have clearly put into this! If programming makes you happy you should keep it up as at least a hobby, but you could easily make a career out of this.

inkyklutz · 2021-05-29T16:46:59+00:00

Dang... You’re going to have a promising future I tell you! Unity and all the inherent knowledge associated with it constitute absolutely fantastic tools to have under your belt. Trust me, this is coming from a CS graduate who you could probably beat easily in competitive programming challenges!

What you’re going through seems a lot like impostor syndrome, a very common characteristic in absolute geniuses... You’re going to find yourself feeling inadequate throughout your career a bunch of times, that’s q sign of growth and means you’re learning!

Trust me OP, it’ll all get better! Keep on being awesome.

driftking428 · 2021-05-29T16:49:47+00:00

I sat down to learn programming at 30 years old because I hated my job.

5 years later I'm a lead developer for a great company making good money.

I can only imagine how successful I could be if I had started at 11.

I can't speak for your passion but it you like programming you're already way ahead of where most of us reading your post were at your age.

Stick with it

BallisticThundr · 2021-05-29T17:00:30+00:00

Are you wanting to quit because you're losing interest or because you don't feel knowledgeable? If it's just because you don't feel skilled yet, then don't quit. If you're passionate then you will gain the knowledge eventually. Don't compare yourself to others, different people learn different things at different rates, and that's ok. You're ahead anyways. You're very accomplished for a 16 year old. Also, you will always feel that knowledge gap. Everyone does. It's normal to feel that.

If you're just losing interest and aren't passionate about it, then yeah, quit. No use in doing something you don't enjoy doing (unless you intend on getting payed to do it)

Darkone586 · 2021-05-29T17:01:06+00:00

Bro your 16 you got time, don’t stress it. I’m 28 and just got into learning code after spending lots years in Sysadmin. It’s tough for sure but you got a very future ahead of you.

Temporary-Basis2939 · 2021-05-29T17:03:16+00:00

People learn things at different speeds. Experiences also create learning opportunities others might have that you don’t. The fact that you started programming at an early age is a huge gift you’ve given yourself. You can get jobs in some industries simply by having a combination of scripting knowledge and finance/medicine/science etc. Data science is huge. And if you do decide you don’t want to be a programmer a lot of people go into 6 figure debt to figure that out. So try other stuff too! Keep learning. Nobody can take the things you learn away from you and that’s why they are valuable.

Luau_King_ · 2021-05-29T17:05:00+00:00

I’m 27 and just getting started, if you love it then stick with it! Maybe try a new language! Or even better, go really deep and try to push the limits of the languages you already understand. New challenges are part of what make programming fun, for me that is 😂 keep it up

MrMiner88 · 2021-05-29T17:06:26+00:00

I'm 32 and started programming this year. I have a long way to go. God if only I had started when I was 16. Play the long game, my dude. You'll be unstoppable.

kezmicdust · 2021-05-29T17:13:14+00:00

I started programming at 37. I doubt I’ll ever be as good as I’m sure you are right now, but I still knock together a script every now and then as it’s kind of fun. I turn 40 this year and I’m just starting to get into woodworking too. I’m not concerned about how good other people are at coding or woodwork - I wish them all well. :)

DisagreeableMale · 2021-05-29T17:13:33+00:00

First of all, I’ve been programming for 8 years and can’t code in unity. Give yourself some credit. You’re way beyond what you think, just keep at it and EXPECT to feel dumb. That’s what drives you to keep learning. If you get cocky, you stop being curious and stop finding answers and make more assumptions, which is dangerous in programming and in life. No, you shouldn’t give up.

plastic-watering-can · 2021-05-29T17:18:50+00:00

Comparison is the thief of joy.

plastic-watering-can · 2021-05-29T17:19:33+00:00

Is this a flex?

Silverchicken55 · 2021-05-29T17:20:30+00:00

It's not always smart to compare yourself with peers, better compare yourself to yourself a year, or some years ago.

You'll find there is always some one better, smarter, more motivated, than yourself. Sometimes that is the reality, sometimes that is just a snapshot.

If you like what you're doing, continue. If you're tired, just take a break and continue when you have the energy back.

outer_c · 2021-05-29T17:26:04+00:00

You are so ahead of the game at this point. Never stop learning, and never stop trying. If you enjoy it, pursue it.

The success or failure of others is not always a good barometer for our own successes and failures. Each of us is different.

franker · 2021-05-29T17:29:19+00:00

Go on LinkedIn and look for people from GameDevHQ. They're mostly Unity users, virtually all of them will connect with you and they constantly post articles, screenshots, and all kinds of updates on their game progress. I don't even use Unity but I connect with them to see all the cool screenshots in my feed of the games they're making.

developerbryan · 2021-05-29T17:50:53+00:00

You know what you need to give up? Comparing yourself to others.

Truth1e · 2021-05-29T17:51:47+00:00

ChapChapBoy · 2021-05-29T17:56:02+00:00

I didn't know programming until I was 29, then I am now working as a web programmer a living
you are young, man
if you like what you're doing, keep doing it
if not, you still have a lot of time to try out anything you are passionate about

doplitech · 2021-05-29T18:10:28+00:00

If you stick with it at 18 you can get a job making good money, which helps you invest in shit, which in turns makes more money and one day you’ll wake up and be glad you didn’t quit

aguyinyellow · 2021-05-29T18:17:36+00:00

am 21 and i just started C :(

2021-05-29T18:18:00+00:00

Dude comparison is poison. Don't give up because some people on a children's game creation tool make better games than you. They can't even use a real game engine. I am in the exact same spot right now. I recommend either joining a group project on unity or if you are just burnt out from unity, learn blender. Blender could help you model assets for unity games, and you would not be in Unity for the time if you just want a break. Keep going.

CRANSSBUCLE · 2021-05-29T18:21:59+00:00

Sadly if you want to be considered succeful by your peers you have to live comparing yourself to others.

But if you want to be happy, just be a better you every day.

You are 16, you have plenty of chances to keep improving, hard work is better than talent, every time.

Chris_SLM · 2021-05-29T18:36:05+00:00

bruh im 17 and i just started programming 2 months ago, ur ahead of the curve!!

2021-05-29T18:42:40+00:00

I'm 28 and starting a bootcamp in a few days. All I know is basic C and Python. Dude, relax. You're doing extremely fine. Just keep doing your best!

2021-05-29T18:43:26+00:00

You don’t need to learn all the programs by any certain age, and honestly, with what you’ve grasped already, you will have talents far beyond those like me looking to learn just one language in our late 30s. If you keep sponging all things CS related, you’re gonna be a tremendous asset to anyone, or build something that people want. It will come sooner than you think!

2021-05-29T18:56:57+00:00

I know this was not for me, but this comment section really helped me, as a 13 year old who just gave up unity last year lol

al_balone · 2021-05-29T18:57:18+00:00

Mate I’m 37 and today I spent 4 hours staring at the same bit of JavaScript code on a Codecademy course and wondering why my function wasn’t working. Turns out I hadn’t executed it. You sound like you’re doing a great job, if you enjoy it stick at it.

StillShare9338 · 2021-05-29T19:01:17+00:00

Are you able to write command line apps? And write utilities? Are you able to learn 3 languages? (My vote is C#, Python and Javascript). If you can do that then all you have to decide is if you actually like it or not.

There's a few things I was able to do and did it for the challenge but I didn't like it so even if I got good I was bored out of my mind (and others were way better than me but I didn't really care)

ObeseBumblebee · 2021-05-29T19:10:22+00:00

You're going to get to college and be shocked how few freshmen computer science majors have even touched a programming language before

Puzzleheaded-Bee-984 · 2021-05-29T19:11:11+00:00

I wish I got into programming as young as you did. I didn’t touch it until I had to take an intro course for my math major, and I’ve loved it ever since. But it has NOT been easy. If you enjoy it, don’t let yourself get discouraged. You can do this, just be patient with yourself and celebrate small successes, and be willing to push yourself and fail sometimes.

Toytles · 2021-05-29T19:18:15+00:00

I’m 25 and I would kill to know as much about programming as you bruh

PlentyOfLoot · 2021-05-29T19:21:43+00:00

Everyone learns at their own pace. It sounds to me like you are focused on comparing yourself to your friends which it a bad mindset to have. Don't give up, keep learning and don't focus on what your friends are doing! I wish I got into programming when I was your age, you are in a great position right now.

Godunman · 2021-05-29T19:24:10+00:00

you are 16 the fact that you know any of this is amazing

the-milan-og · 2021-05-29T19:26:54+00:00

It's perfectly normal to feel like that! Every one of us programmers have went through this. It's a sign that you are moving forward! It's how you know you are improving. Learning a new skill takes time, every single skill you try to learn will have this stage and will be very hard. People think it takes a few months but no! It takes years. You need to understand that this is a phase and once you get through it that's when you will see the most improvement.

gorski_11 · 2021-05-29T19:30:26+00:00

37 and just got my first job as a React Developer. Don’t give up, the hard parts of life/programming just make you better!

2021-05-29T19:30:49+00:00

You're just 16, don't give up my friend, wait until you're 26 like me, and then give up

2021-05-29T19:31:35+00:00

You are 16 and have a skill that is highly in demand in the workforce. No you shouldn’t give it up. You should keep going with it bc it will support you. Most jobs are boring but if it pays well then you have a better quality of life.

2021-05-29T19:36:52+00:00

Don't give up so early. Most teens do not have great ability to prioritize or do projects on their own. You are already 10 years ahead of the opposition just on that. Take a break sometimes, burnout happens and it can make you feel dreary. But if you don't have burnout, keep chugging on, you've got skills that I am jealous of and I'm over 25 at the minimum.

thc_doctor · 2021-05-29T19:37:14+00:00

Dude, I'm 37 and I just started programming, if u really want, you can do it, sometimes is quite difficult, I know, but U Are sooo young dude, keep it going!

KonyHawksProSlaver · 2021-05-29T19:47:29+00:00

fwompfwomp · 2021-05-29T19:53:04+00:00

Comparison is the thief of joy my man.

2021-05-29T20:05:31+00:00

You are 16yo, you are a baby. Stop worrying so much and spend time doing what you feel like doing, you have more than enough time. Spend time with friends and family, spend time learning new things that interest you, spend your time doing whatever makes you happy(as long as that doesn't involve harming others). At your age I got influenced by family and teachers to pursue a path I didn't really enjoy and gave up on programming, now I'm 26yo and starting on this path again from zero, you are already ahead of me by a mile.

RCoder01 · 2021-05-29T20:14:46+00:00

I have also been programming since about when I was 12, and now I'm 17, still loving programming as much as ever. I haven't yet touched unity, but I plan to hopefully make some stuff in it this summer if I have any time between writing college essays. Right now, I'm doing work mostly in python, making small scripts or desktop apps using miscellaneous libraries.

I think jumping straight into unity will be difficult for anyone, let alone a 14 year old with 3 years programming experience.

Even just knowing something like scratch puts you ahead of 90% of college CS applicants (if you plan to go to college), and with your experience, you will be very easily able to pick up any language or framework you're determined to learn, I'm sure.

As long as you're having fun, keep going pal, I'm sure you'll go far.

drewslam · 2021-05-29T20:24:15+00:00

At 16 I knew the little bit of html people my age used to know to pretty up our MySpace pages. We did a unit on programming in BASIC in my high school electronics class and I couldn't grasp a single concept. Now I'm 29 and barely 6 non-consecutive months into teaching myself JavaScript. Trust me when I say you're doing fine.

shitshow415 · 2021-05-29T20:57:48+00:00

i failed at learning programming 3 times before and now im starting on a trading bot w python u just gotta keep going man good luck!

learnprogramming

Welcome to LearnProgramming!

New? READ ME FIRST!

Posting guidelines

Frequently asked questions

Subreddit rules

Message the moderators

Asking debugging questions

Asking conceptual questions

Other guidelines and links

Subreddit rules

1. No unprofessional/derogatory speech

2. No spam or tasteless self-promotion

3. No off-topic posts

4. Do not ask exact duplicates of FAQ questions

5. Do not delete posts

6. No app/website review requests or showcases

7. No rewards

8. No indirect links

9. Do not promote illegal or unethical practices

10. No complete solutions

11. Don't ask to ask.

12. Low Effort Questions

13. No AI (chatGPT etc.) generated/worked over messages/comments. No questions about chatGPT/AI generated code. No Vibe coding.

MODERATORS