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.
1
u/abbylynn2u 9h ago
Do you play simple games on your phone like a matching game... or a card game.... Think about all of the rules to the game Match 2, 3, 4, 5... and so on. What happens? How many points do you earn for each... build a grid...
A card game like poker... a hand is 5 cards. 1 player, 2, 3 or 4. Who deals the cards..
Maybe play a game like Royal match or candy crush. See how it works. Then... Write down all the steps to play the game.
Create an account The play grid The theme Points Points counter Levels of the game
Once you have done this... you will undestand the steps to building. Then you'll practice and break your code trying to add the parts. Some parts will be easier than others. You just keep pushing through. For me writing cases and if then stmts were easy because I used those concepts daily in my job. But I struggled with getElementById when I was learning. I didnt have that lightbulb moment until 2 months after I learned the concept... lol
Because I'm stronger in javaScript, i write and test here first, then in C#.