DO this instead of watching endless tutorials - why you will never learn!

Summary

In this video, software engineer Vicky May addresses the common challenge of 'tutorial hell' where viewers watch programming tutorials but struggle to apply the knowledge themselves. She suggests starting small, mindful repetition, and the importance of coding rather than just watching. Vicky emphasizes the mastery cycle of try, apply, review, reflect, and improve, and shares her personal growth analogy of weightlifting to illustrate the necessity of consistent practice in problem-solving for programming.

Takeaways

• 🔄 **Tutorial Overload**: Constantly watching tutorials without applying the knowledge can lead to 'tutorial hell', where you feel like you're not learning effectively.
• 🏊 **Learning by Doing**: Just like learning to swim or bike, programming requires hands-on experience to build muscle memory and problem-solving skills.
• 🌱 **Start Small**: Begin with small tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to gradually build up your programming skills.
• 🔋 **Willpower and Consistency**: Learning to program requires consistent effort and willpower, which can be depleted if not managed properly.
• 🔄 **Repetition Isn't Always Effective**: Practicing the wrong habits won't lead to mastery; it's important to practice the right way.
• 🔄 **Mastery Cycle**: The script introduces a Mastery cycle of try, apply, review, reflect, improve, and evaluate to ensure mindful practice.
• 🛑 **Stop Watching, Start Coding**: After watching a few videos, pause to code and absorb the knowledge, rather than binge-watching tutorials.
• 🔍 **Identify Knowledge Gaps**: When stuck, go back to the resource and fill in the gaps in your understanding, rather than just moving forward.
• 💪 **Growth Mindset**: Just as with weightlifting, consistent practice in problem-solving helps you to get stronger and more confident in your abilities.
• 📚 **Diverse Practice Methods**: There are various ways to practice problem-solving, including data structures, algorithms, and everyday activities.
• 🗣️ **Personal Experience**: The speaker shares their personal journey of improvement, emphasizing the importance of daily practice and problem-solving.

Q & A

What is the 'tutorial hell' mentioned in the script?

The 'tutorial hell' refers to a state where a person watches numerous tutorials but struggles to apply the knowledge independently, often experiencing a mental block when trying to code or problem-solve on their own.

Why does the script suggest starting small when learning to program?

Starting small helps prevent overwhelm and allows for consistent learning. It also conserves willpower, which is essential for maintaining motivation and learning over time.

What is the issue with simply watching tutorials back-to-back without a break?

Continuously watching tutorials without breaks can lead to a lack of hands-on practice, which is crucial for developing problem-solving skills and muscle memory in programming.

What is the Mastery cycle mentioned in the script and how does it help with learning programming?

The Mastery cycle consists of trying and applying, reviewing and reflecting, and improving and evaluating. It encourages mindful practice and reflection on how to apply knowledge, making it more effective than simple repetition.

Why is it important to pause after watching a few videos and not just binge-watch them?

Pausing allows for the absorption and application of knowledge. It helps in identifying knowledge gaps and encourages independent problem-solving, which is essential for learning programming effectively.

What does the script suggest doing when you get stuck while coding?

When stuck, the script suggests going back to the resource, re-watching the relevant part of the tutorial, and then trying to code it out to fill in the knowledge gaps.

How does the script compare learning programming to weightlifting?

The script compares programming to weightlifting by emphasizing the importance of consistent practice and problem-solving to build strength and skill over time.

What are some alternative ways to practice problem-solving in programming suggested by the script?

The script suggests using data structures and algorithms, participating in coding challenges or games like Code Wars, and reflecting on everyday activities to think about problem-solving strategies.

How does practicing data structures and algorithms benefit someone learning to program?

Practicing data structures and algorithms helps improve problem-solving skills, prepares for technical interviews, and enhances the ability to architect code effectively.

What is the final advice given in the script for those who want to improve their programming skills?

The final advice is to implement the suggested learning strategies consistently, reflect on problem-solving methods, and seek out resources that can help practice problem-solving daily.