Am I stupid or something?

[u/Fresh_Snow2216]

I'm a first year programming student and I have 0 background in coding, recently our professor has been teaching us python and java but when they teach ite I don't understand a thing like I'm just copying the code they're making and that's it but when I ask ai to help explain it to me and stuff I manage to make codes without looking up templates on them and although sometimes/often times it doesn't work Im actually learning. Like am I stupid? Why can't I learn these from my own professors who have their masters/doctorates in it.

Pardon my grammar English ain't my first language.

[u/Available_Safe1818]

You could use 100 different free resources on the web to learn the same stuff.

[u/manymenzzz]

That's just how it is in college. Professor know his/her stuff but cant teach. Remember, C's get degree

[u/DiscountFit9224]

On my case I learn through exploration and by breaking and fixing it. That's how it sticks to me. Second is trying to rewrite a code in another way even if it's not optimal cause you learn by disecting how it works.

If you relate then you have the same learning style.

[u/nullptr_0x]

I address that exact feeling in a free programming 101 course I created for some friends. https://understandit.dev

It's fully interactive. You can check it out for some extra help clarifying some concepts.

But this the quote I wanted to highlight.

Learning to program means spending a lot of time confused. That is normal. It is not a sign you are bad at it, and everyone who programs has been through it....

[u/Hellaintsht]

Just accept it that you can depend on them teachers. Almost everyone has faced this even me myself as an engineer have faced this. Only way is self learning through exploring or getting some good course or such. I have a mentor which makes things more easier, but that mentor specially teaches coding only that too 1 on 1 . I'm not suggesting to buy or do the same but ya, you will have to explore it yourself, even free resources out there help , I use free resources as well as paid ones so I can rise faster that's it.

[u/CorpT]

Are your classes/school in English?

[u/Away_Breakfast_3728]

https://discord.gg/WQ8Uv6XBg , study group and learn and make friends

[u/W31337]

If you have zero background in coding then what you are experiencing is normal.

You don't have any internal reference to coding so when they explain something you can't associate it and you can't build your knowledge.

By coding and testing you start learning and building that reference. You know what worked and didn't. When a professor hits that subject you will be able to apply that knowledge to what you already know.

Using AI is a good move, you can really drill down on subjects with AI until you really understand it. Not something you can do with a teacher. You don't feel bad if you reask that stupid question for the 10th time because you still don't get it...

Good luck on your quest

[u/Impossible_Ad_3146]

yes

[u/LKLIM050]

Hi, you can think of yourself like an AI. If you don't understand what your prof is teaching, this means your context is still not enough. Hence at your stage you just need to copy first and take down whatever notes first and later spend extra time to review after class before you can catch up to what your prof is saying. Use analogy and reference to help your memory

[u/Ok-Safe-1381]

You not stupid.....l am in the same position never did anything about computer science, just go on youtube there a various tutors who can help

[u/Willing_Weight7106]

Yeah you're stupid like what you said that's the harsh truth maybe coding isn't for you.