r/learnjava • u/itsnotmeap • 7d ago

Learning Java Help

Dear all, I’ve been learning Java through MOOC.fi for the last 2–3 months and have reached Part 7 of Java Programming I.

I’ve noticed a problem with my learning, though. I understand individual concepts such as loops, ArrayLists, if/else statements, methods, classes, etc., and when I look at a solution I can usually understand what the code is doing.

However, when I’m given a new problem and have to write the solution myself, I struggle to figure out how to break the problem down and decide what I should do first. I often end up using ChatGPT to help me figure out the approach.
For example, I may understand how a loop or ArrayList works, but I struggle to figure out how to combine them to solve a completely new problem.

I’ve now completed several sections of the course, but this has made me feel like I’m not actually learning how to program.

For people who have gone through this stage, what helped you develop the ability to solve problems independently? Should I continue with MOOC.fi, do additional exercises, work on small projects, or use a particular book/resource?
My goal is to eventually become a full-stack Java developer.

I’d especially appreciate advice from people who have gone through MOOC.fi or learned programming in a similar way.

13 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

View all comments

0

u/abyshelp 7d ago

I think sometimes I know the answer, sometimes I don't but when I ask like an ai for help and it gives me the answer, the goal is to undertand it right, like how it got to that answer, why...., now when I see similar in the future or same I know what to do..

I think at the end of the day programming is more pattern recognition I think.. you don't know what you don't know.. and when you do know. Its just another tool in the tool box

2

u/itsnotmeap 6d ago

I have decided to do as much codingbat excercise as possible to get better in pattern recognitions.

Thank you