Do THIS To Master Programming (why coding exercises are KILLING your progress!)

Summary

In this insightful discussion, the speaker challenges the effectiveness of traditional programming exercises and assignments, asserting that they fail to prepare students for real-world programming. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of engaging in substantial, personal projects that spark interest and present challenges. By sharing his own journey from simple coding to creating a complex adventure game, he illustrates that real learning comes from making mistakes and solving problems in meaningful projects. The speaker encourages aspiring programmers to dive into real programming tasks immediately, as this is the only way to develop truly valuable skills in coding.

Takeaways

• 😀 Exercises and assignments are often ineffective for developing real programming skills.
• 🤔 Real programming requires writing original and substantial programs, not just solving small exercises.
• 🚀 Choose projects that genuinely interest you to stay motivated and engaged.
• 💡 The best learning happens when you take on ambitious projects that challenge your current skills.
• 📚 Mistakes are a natural part of the programming process and provide invaluable learning experiences.
• 🧩 Real programs are complex and messy, unlike the neat and simple nature of typical exercises.
• 💪 Writing big, complicated programs teaches you more about coding than any classroom assignment can.
• 🔍 If you're struggling to think of a project, consider whether you're genuinely interested in becoming a programmer.
• 🎮 Personal passion can guide your choice of project, whether it's a game, tool, or application.
• ✍️ Start coding today—don't wait for perfect conditions or assignments; dive into real programming!

Q & A

Why doesn't the speaker give exercises and assignments to students?

The speaker believes that exercises and assignments do not help students become better programmers. Instead, they only teach how to solve exercises rather than how to write real-world programs.

What is the main criticism of exercises and assignments in programming education?

The main criticism is that they focus on small, neat tasks that do not prepare students for writing complex, messy programs that they will encounter in real-world scenarios.

What should students focus on to improve their programming skills?

Students should focus on writing their own programs and engaging in projects that interest them, as this hands-on experience is essential for developing real programming skills.

What does the speaker suggest if a student struggles to come up with programming project ideas?

The speaker suggests that if a student cannot think of any projects to work on, they may need to reconsider whether programming is the right career path for them.

What personal experience does the speaker share to illustrate their point?

The speaker shares that their first program was 'Hello, World,' and their second was an ambitious adventure game, highlighting how making mistakes during these projects was crucial for their learning.

Why are mistakes considered important in programming according to the speaker?

Mistakes are important because they are part of the learning process, and dealing with challenges in programming helps students acquire valuable skills.

What types of projects does the speaker recommend choosing?

The speaker recommends choosing projects that genuinely interest the student, such as a file management tool or a game, to ensure engagement and motivation.

How does the speaker differentiate between exercises and real programming?

Exercises are described as small and structured with model answers, while real programming involves larger, more complex projects that are often messy and require problem-solving.

What does the speaker mean by 'real programming'?

Real programming refers to writing substantial and functional software that mimics the work of professional programmers, involving complexity and challenges beyond simple exercises.

What is the speaker's final advice to aspiring programmers?

The speaker advises aspiring programmers to start working on real projects immediately, emphasizing that practical experience is the most effective way to learn programming.