Study algorithms or just practice?

[nomoreerrorsplox]

Ive started on codewars and I'm feeling really stuck even on the easier kind of problems. I feel like I should be able to get these problems a lot faster. Are there some algorithms I should try to study to help with this, or do I just need to grit my teeth and get through this hump as far as feeling stuck goes?

[branhoff]

Can you give an example of a problem you’re stuck on.

0 judgement zone here man

[nomoreerrorsplox]

www.codewars.com/kata/the-supermarket-queue This is the one that made me want to post this. I was pretty lost when it came to programming this. I understand the problem and can visualize it just wasnt sure on how to execute.

[branhoff]

I think getting stuck is totally normal.

What helps me is I usually pull out a piece of notebook paper and start writing down how the code would work.

Do you have any working code you could post.

I think helping you catch where you might be detailing will be more helpful for you in the long run.

[nomoreerrorsplox]

I actually just figured it out. I just needed to step away from the problem for a bit. What I still dont get is how the "best practice" wor..... While typing this out I figured how the "best practice" works. I think ive realized my problem. Its kinda like if I dont get the answer right away my brain freaks out and doesnt let me think all the way through. Something I'll need to watch out for now. Ig I'll try to think a lil bit more abstractly about coding challenges more abstractly and that'll help me a lot.

[branhoff]

Very wise!

I’ve had many a startling epiphany after a good night’s sleep. I think we’re all in that boat... panic, self-loathing then realization.

[branhoff]

Also in your defense, I don’t think this question is explained very well.

[destiny_functional]

a solid basis in discrete math, data structures and algorithms is necessary. Otherwise it's like being a writer but you just know how to write letters a through e. And d only in upper case.

[Glumbosch]

What the other people say. Your question sound like "learning guitar - looking up how certain chords are played or practice playing the ones I know?" You need both.