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Why Most Beginners Quit Programming - Programming - Nairaland

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Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by alabi10: 9:55am On Jan 07, 2021
Taking a decision to learn how to code is a huge leap for anybody. It entails understanding technology in a new way, mastering new language and tools, learning how to think logically, and becoming more adaptive and responsive to problem-solving. You will learn valuable skills, improve your career options, and even develop your personal life.

As much as the benefits of learning to code are indisputable, the truth is that the progress itself (and no doubt, it’s a long process) is challenging and could be sometimes frustrating. As a beginner to programming, at first, you are earnest and enthusiastic, paying attention to your first tutorials and seeking out ‘beginner’s recipes’ from websites. As you pass the initial stages and begin dealing with variables, loops, and functions, the abstract nature of what you’re doing i.e not being readily able to see how your work is being executed in the front end, can be frustrating, particularly if you’re a highly visual person. You may at this point become a little anxious about whether you really can do it and may take a few days off to ‘clear your head’. For some, a few days translate to a few weeks and a few months. When and if you eventually get back, you may feel too detached from the context of programming for it to hold any strong attraction for you anymore and you might quit altogether.

Most beginners often undergo similar experiences as illustrated above. However, once you learn how to overcome certain challenges which are highlighted below, you will enjoy the learning experience much more, make progress faster, become more enduring when faced with future difficulties and become more independent when writing your own code. These challenges are:

Your motivation, and its sustainability, is a very important factor in all learning processes. Most beginners learn programming just for the sake of it or because they heard a career in it pays well. Even for those who simply just like the idea, when things get tough and the learning experience becomes hard and painful, they often are sorely tempted to give up. Instead, learn programming because you want to solve a problem or improve your life. Aspire to build/improve apps that will help people and increase efficiency.

Not Planning Your Learning Process
After knowing why you want to learn to code and whether that motivation is sustainable, choose the correct tools and resources to help you achieve your aim. Lots of beginners say, ‘I don’t know which programming language I should learn first’. Well that’s because they do not really know why they want to learn to code. Nowadays, JavaSxript is used to build any type of project, from simple web and mobile apps to advanced hardware projects. If you’re still unsure of which language to learn, ask an experienced programmer for advice. Also bear in mind that most of the knowledge learned from one programming language is transferable so at this stage, you run little risk of wasting your time.

Not Knowing How To Approach A Task
Sometimes you may not know where to start and may be unable to solve a task properly. This may be because you don’t really have a firm understanding of the theory of a language, how an API or library works, how the system works or even the programming paradigms. It is best to read the theory again and find someone to explain it well to you. The task might be too big and needs to be broken down into smaller tasks, but you didn’t understand this because you overlooked certain concepts.

Impatience With Debugging
The most common problem for programmers of all experience levels is when they solve a task and it doesn’t work because there’s a bug in the code. Debugging is one of the most important skills a programmer must learn. However, lots of beginners get overwhelmed and lose motivation here. They feel that too much time is spent debuggng code. Nonetheless, they must see it as am opportunity to improve their programming abilities and fix their misconceptions. It helps to ask ‘Why Did I make this mistake and how can I prevent myself from making the same mistake in the future?’

Not Understanding Preferred Solutions
In your learning process, you’ll consult a lot of resource materials: books, courses, tutorials, developer communities, etc. It is easy to take a solution to a problem proffered on any of these platforms. It’s trustworthy, it works, but do you understand the thought process behind it and how the concept fits into the bigger picture? You should learn from it and apply it yourself the next time you face a similar problem. Good programming practices include forming good habits to help you get unstuck from any kind of coding problem.

How Do You Deal With These Challenges?
Be patient. Programming is an in-demand skill but you won’t master it in a few months, never mind that some training courses promise you will. It takes time (years) to internalize and understand code. You must continuously apply and improve your skills to become any good.

Take a break when you need it. All experts were once beginners. No one was born a coder. When it gets frustrating and overwhelming, Amanda Bates, a senior developer says ‘Don’t lose hope. Walk away a bit, relax, and come back with a fresher perspective’.

Be disciplined. Motivation is fleeting but discipline is more reliable. Some days, you may not be in the mood to get things done and that’s perfectly normal. But try to get in an hour or two of work. It will help you get more closer to your goal.

Don’t Give Up. This is the whole essence of this article. You’ll want to quit more than once, but dig in and don’t give up. Use the problems you experience as ladder rungs to ascend to greater skills as a developer. Get support from other coders and experts in online communities.

https://alabiansolutions.com/blog/why-most-beginners-quit-programming/

55 Likes 8 Shares

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by Excallibur(m): 11:21am On Jan 07, 2021
surround yourself with people in the programming field, join group chats, internet forums and whatnots

79 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by Karleb(m): 7:28pm On Jan 07, 2021
Programming is hard. That's just the simple truth.

85 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by daryur01(m): 6:31am On Jan 27, 2021
.

18 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by IMASTEX: 1:23pm On Jan 27, 2021
Diamond is expensive because it takes a lot of work to get. Determination & can do spirit is what is needed..

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by 900warriorz: 1:23pm On Jan 27, 2021
I don't even know what they're talking about grin

But their life dey tire me cheesy

11 Likes

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by slawormiir: 1:24pm On Jan 27, 2021
Damnnn niggarrrr
Isoright ....put on my intellectual cap while blazing my weed as i read between lines
I must say the op write up is not devoid of intellect

13 Likes 1 Share

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by lekki1444: 1:24pm On Jan 27, 2021
shocked cuz its harder than buharis head

2 Likes

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by Ovo200: 1:24pm On Jan 27, 2021
I'm willing to learn cyber security just finished my HND in agriculture. Pls I need advice on my new goal
Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by Brunicekid(m): 1:25pm On Jan 27, 2021
Just like why most students hate mathematics

3 Likes

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by Jagznation(m): 1:25pm On Jan 27, 2021
programming is fun when learning it in a class or a partner if you go solo just forget it

10 Likes 1 Share

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by BUSHHUNTER: 1:25pm On Jan 27, 2021
Programming is tiring at start but it really worth it.

8 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by Abigirlsuen: 1:26pm On Jan 27, 2021
Hmmmm
Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by Timbers(m): 1:26pm On Jan 27, 2021
Learning to code was one of he best things I did for my self although I had problems learning CSS but nevertheless I still learnt it

8 Likes 1 Share

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by Jesse6(m): 1:26pm On Jan 27, 2021
Omo I started learning programming
During the lockdown I spent months but I found out that programming isn't just my field

45 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by chinavs9ja(m): 1:27pm On Jan 27, 2021
Back in 2011, when I started programming honestly I will tell you that it is very hard and it will demand alot of your time in which many won't be able to offer. To talk about the languages(PHP, Python, C#, C++, etc), Front-end technology, Security, e.t.c it will almost drive you crazy while learning them all. In fact, sometimes I do feel like to stop writing codes when the brain is hot to some degree. Lol. More also, programming involves alot of mathematical science in which many hate. There are many reasons that can make one to quit except you really have a great passion for it.

~Firstdevlab Cares

12 Likes 1 Share

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by revived: 1:27pm On Jan 27, 2021
We move

1 Like

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by Miracle4Sure: 1:28pm On Jan 27, 2021
Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by AntiWailer: 1:28pm On Jan 27, 2021
It is not easy
Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by Nobody: 1:29pm On Jan 27, 2021
What i keep telling newbies is this, just pick an area and concentrate solely on it, and dont every rely on one source of learning simple e.g if i want to learn dotnet core i would concentrate solely on c# and downlod as many learning resources on c# and dotnet core mosh hamaedani c# udemy series, joseph alambari c# the definitive refernce series etc.
Withing 6-8 months of pure dedication, boom you already a developer.

c# > java by the way grin.

16 Likes

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by pickatyouu: 1:29pm On Jan 27, 2021
Because there is no encouragement or motivation.

Me wey dey find where I go intern in django framework and make my hand st at least if u hang around like mind you will get motivated

2 Likes

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by BLACKARABIAN: 1:31pm On Jan 27, 2021
Who Go Do Me Giveaway For Either Phone Or Laptop na?
Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by airsaylongcome: 1:31pm On Jan 27, 2021
We getting old now. I remember when we started with BASIC before QBASIC came. Then Pascal and LISP

3 Likes

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by sisqology(m): 1:31pm On Jan 27, 2021
lekki1444:
shocked cuz its harder than buharis head


Coconut?

1 Like

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by pickatyouu: 1:32pm On Jan 27, 2021
Jesse6:
Omo I started learning programming
During the lockdown I spent months but I found out that programming isn't just my field


Try harder. It's fun

4 Likes

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by Nobody: 1:33pm On Jan 27, 2021
Timbers:
Learning to code was one of he best things I did for my self although I had problems learning CSS but nevertheless I still learnt it
Op what?
Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by lekki1444: 1:33pm On Jan 27, 2021
sisqology:



Coconut?
yes undecided
Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by Angelawhite(m): 1:35pm On Jan 27, 2021
Truth is everyone wants to be that hacker character in a movie that works with secret agents and FBI to solve crimes. You know that nerd of a guy with glasses that types 300 words/minute and makes that click-clack sounds with his keyboard as he hacks through firewalls.


People do not realize that programming as a career is a full-fledged profession just like Law, Medicine, etc and thus, tend to undermine the time that should be invested in it. Software Engineering is not only a skill, it is a profession.

My advise to people seeking a career switch to programming is to ask themselves if they are willing to spend time & resources learning how to program.

Be consistent. Choose a programming language and learn it well. Don’t jump from one language to another because you heard Emeka landed a job as a Java programmer or because Tunde earns high because he programs PHP.

Learn a language, library or tools well then you can add more to your cart when you’ve established a strong hold

42 Likes 8 Shares

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by Benjaniblinks(m): 1:35pm On Jan 27, 2021
Timbers:
Learning to code was one of he best things I did for my self although I had problems learning CSS but nevertheless I still learnt it
Is like you're looking for trouble angry

3 Likes

Re: Why Most Beginners Quit Programming by McTobe(m): 1:35pm On Jan 27, 2021
Why I like coding, is that it attracts only serious minded people. It's one path I see that mediocers run away from.

39 Likes 8 Shares

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