How do you keep motivated when times get tuff?
I've done some beginner level programming in BASIC and Python. Just a week ago I decided to try C++.
I bought the book "C++ All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies" and was doing excellent until I got to the chapter on Classes (about 1/4 into the book). It seems that as soon as I was in that chapter the author did not seem to follow the same steady flow and helpful explanations as in the chapters before. Instead it seems like the information is thrown at you as if you were already familiar with the jargon. I then reread the chapter 3 times and finally decided to go back several chapters to reread much of the book only to still be confused upon entering the 'classes' chapter again.
I have just got the book "C++ without fear" and quickly looked at the chapter on classes and it looks like it's explained a lot better. With that said, it still feels like a major blow to my confidence not being able to understand the book.
My question is: How do you stay motivated with programming? Especially when it seems like you're not getting anywhere?
I bought the book "C++ All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies" and was doing excellent until I got to the chapter on Classes (about 1/4 into the book). It seems that as soon as I was in that chapter the author did not seem to follow the same steady flow and helpful explanations as in the chapters before. Instead it seems like the information is thrown at you as if you were already familiar with the jargon. I then reread the chapter 3 times and finally decided to go back several chapters to reread much of the book only to still be confused upon entering the 'classes' chapter again.
I have just got the book "C++ without fear" and quickly looked at the chapter on classes and it looks like it's explained a lot better. With that said, it still feels like a major blow to my confidence not being able to understand the book.
My question is: How do you stay motivated with programming? Especially when it seems like you're not getting anywhere?
some authors are retards, just learn what you need from any book.
after reading 3 different books on the same subject and go back and understand what they were saying, good for you.
i had about 5 books about C++ when learning and all of them seem to have their own "problems" but the other 4 would get me through that subject
my sixth book was a dummies book, but i don't mention it ever due to it being so bad
after reading 3 different books on the same subject and go back and understand what they were saying, good for you.
i had about 5 books about C++ when learning and all of them seem to have their own "problems" but the other 4 would get me through that subject
my sixth book was a dummies book, but i don't mention it ever due to it being so bad
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Give yourself a short rest (a day or two maybe) and come back fresh that helps every time for me :)
I would recommend you to learn something easier like PHP ,
because i understood classes very easily after i learnt PHP .
because i understood classes very easily after i learnt PHP .
@adesh, sounds like a good waste of time.
OP pick up a reputable beginner book, like C++ Primer Plus 5th Edition(6th coming out in november)
I prefer C++ Primer Plus over C++ without fear, but if C++ without fear is working for you, then do that ;P
How do I stay motivated? Doing exercises, trying to solve problems I can already solve using alternate methods. I.E. instead of using a char array use a string, or instead of passing by value pass by reference. Just practicing stuff in general keeps me motivated because it feels good to solve a problem.
OP pick up a reputable beginner book, like C++ Primer Plus 5th Edition(6th coming out in november)
I prefer C++ Primer Plus over C++ without fear, but if C++ without fear is working for you, then do that ;P
How do I stay motivated? Doing exercises, trying to solve problems I can already solve using alternate methods. I.E. instead of using a char array use a string, or instead of passing by value pass by reference. Just practicing stuff in general keeps me motivated because it feels good to solve a problem.
I was in the same boat as you, so dont worry.
I suggest heading over to the NewBoston channel on youtube. He is really clear, funny and precise.
Here is a link to one of his classes videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABRP_5RYhqU
Try watching that and telling me what you think!
If you decide to watch them all (there are around 70 of them) make sure they are the Buckys C++ Programming Tutorials (made in 2011) instead of the much older C++ Programming Tutorial which he did back in 2009.
Have fun!
I suggest heading over to the NewBoston channel on youtube. He is really clear, funny and precise.
Here is a link to one of his classes videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABRP_5RYhqU
Try watching that and telling me what you think!
If you decide to watch them all (there are around 70 of them) make sure they are the Buckys C++ Programming Tutorials (made in 2011) instead of the much older C++ Programming Tutorial which he did back in 2009.
Have fun!
I think that you hurried a bit with C++. If you are completely new to this language, and that means more exactly, if you don't know C, you have to learn more stuff about C++ like sintax, functions, strings, working with files, pointers and so on. I don't think that you could learn those things in just a week but if you could, you may practise because you won't loose anthing. If you know C, is more easier to learn C++.
For asking to you question, the thing that keeps me motivated when times get tuff is actually a thought: I think that all these moments will pass away very soon and the I will understand those things.
For asking to you question, the thing that keeps me motivated when times get tuff is actually a thought: I think that all these moments will pass away very soon and the I will understand those things.
Thank you all for your replies.
I decided to skip that part of the book and just read on. So far it's been great. Apparently the book was written by two authors and it almost seems like maybe the chapter on classes was written by a different author. Anyways, luckily there is another chapter on Classes and Objects and it seems to be very understandable.
As for learning a new language, I'd rather not. I may dabble here and there but I want to learn C++.
..."C++ Primer Plus 5th Edition(6th coming out in november)"
I'll look it up. metulburr mentioned reading a few books and I like this strategy. I'm bound to understand at least one author.
Newboston has an awesome channel. I've already downloaded all 70 of his videos, so I sorta beat you to it. :p I've watched about 20 so far. i'm trying to match the books lessons with his lessons. The only thing I don't like about NewBoston is that he's inconsistent with many things. One being his brackets. I still don't know the proper way to do brackets because each book seems to be different, and Bucky (NewBoston) seems to do it differently in each video, lol. Otherwise, great lessons. He articulates well.
I wouldn't mind learning C language, but I am afraid I'll fall into the trap of getting used to the non-object oriented way of doing things.
I decided to skip that part of the book and just read on. So far it's been great. Apparently the book was written by two authors and it almost seems like maybe the chapter on classes was written by a different author. Anyways, luckily there is another chapter on Classes and Objects and it seems to be very understandable.
As for learning a new language, I'd rather not. I may dabble here and there but I want to learn C++.
..."C++ Primer Plus 5th Edition(6th coming out in november)"
I'll look it up. metulburr mentioned reading a few books and I like this strategy. I'm bound to understand at least one author.
Newboston has an awesome channel. I've already downloaded all 70 of his videos, so I sorta beat you to it. :p I've watched about 20 so far. i'm trying to match the books lessons with his lessons. The only thing I don't like about NewBoston is that he's inconsistent with many things. One being his brackets. I still don't know the proper way to do brackets because each book seems to be different, and Bucky (NewBoston) seems to do it differently in each video, lol. Otherwise, great lessons. He articulates well.
I wouldn't mind learning C language, but I am afraid I'll fall into the trap of getting used to the non-object oriented way of doing things.
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