Thread: Newbie question

  1. 02-02-2002 #1
    haus
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    Newbie question

    This is not a question on programming per se, but here goes:

    I am a CS major in school, and I am in my 2nd semester, working on programming in C. I got an A the first semester and I am doing fine so far this semester. Sounds good, right? So what is my problem?

    I feel like I have NO IDEA what I am doing! I sort-of understand the basic concepts (writing functions, pointers, arrays, etc.) and my grades bear that out, but I honestly feel clueless when I try to figure out what I really know about programming.

    Is this normal? Will this begin to pass as I learn more, or should I consider another line of work? I really enjoy computers, but I have a very strange feeling about programming.

    Please help.
  2. 02-02-2002 #2
    pancho
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    agree

    Im in my second semester and I couldn't agree with u more.. I feel like as if the professor is talking in russian or something like that. Im really considering moving into another thing.
  3. 02-02-2002 #3
    Sebastiani
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    This is normal. But if you make it a habit to code every day, very soon you will literally be able to write code in your sleep(and you often will!!)

    Keep coding, and challenge youself frequently!
    Code:
    #include <cmath>
#include <complex>
bool euler_flip(bool value)
{
    return std::pow
    (
        std::complex<float>(std::exp(1.0)), 
        std::complex<float>(0, 1) 
        * std::complex<float>(std::atan(1.0)
        *(1 << (value + 2)))
    ).real() < 0;
}
  4. 02-02-2002 #4
    Nutshell
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    in many cases, computer programming is self-taught. When later if you wanna get a job, you can a certification first. Coz many teachers are crap at teaching.
  5. 02-02-2002 #5
    Sebastiani
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    I never went to school to program, and I'm thankful for that! Good teachers are as rare as diamonds...
    Code:
    #include <cmath>
#include <complex>
bool euler_flip(bool value)
{
    return std::pow
    (
        std::complex<float>(std::exp(1.0)), 
        std::complex<float>(0, 1) 
        * std::complex<float>(std::atan(1.0)
        *(1 << (value + 2)))
    ).real() < 0;
}
  6. 02-02-2002 #6
    JLTaylor
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    Ummmm =P

    I am new to C myself, for the last 3-4 years I have been wanting to learn a programming language, but everytime I buy a book thats says in the beginning "If you have never programed before this book is for you" I get thru about the second chapter and find the author is speaking in some alien tongue, until I found C for dummies volume one, I am now in the second book volume 2 and I am amazed that I am understanding and writing code and know somewhat as to what I am doing hehehe....my main reason for this post is, should I or should I not take some classes to maybe learn more? I would like to and hopefully someday get a job as a coder..is school a total waste of time or do any think it will help with my knowledge?

    Just cutious =)

    James
  7. 02-03-2002 #7
    GaPe
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    Thumbs down

    BTW, let me tell you how teachers are teaching programming in Slovenia - VERY BAD! If I wouldn't be learning programming by myself I wouldn't know as much as I do now. But I must admit that linked lists are still my weak point, but I will not give up until I'll understand them .
    Current projects:
    1) User Interface Development Kit (C++)
    2) HTML SDK (C++)
    3) Classes (C++)
    4) INI Editor (Delphi)
  8. 02-03-2002 #8
    starX
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    Keep hacking. If you are doing well in your classes,tyou can take that as an indication that you understand and are able to do about as much as you should be able. I'm a senior looking back, and I realize that my first couple years were basically a matter of "well, yes, I can do that professor, but what the hell does it mean???" It all seems to come together later, when you're taking your upper division classes like operating systems and networking and data communications, where you'll actually be implimenting these little things you're learning now into a bigger program. When you start coding like that, you'll start to get the bigger picture.

    persistance, dedication, and several all-nighters will pay off in the end.

    starX
    www.axisoftime.com
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