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I'm really not sure if this is the best forum to bring this up, but it's the best community I know of, so I'm hoping it fits in well enough.
I'm attempting to learn Java programming. I signed up for a class a few months ago online, and I've seriously having a lot of trouble forcing myself to do it. Part of it is because I don't particularly like Java syntax, but it's not that bad. I just don't have the motivation and attention span to get it done. Really, it's not even that hard. I was stuck at strings for weeks and didn't do anything, and after forcing myself through one lesson I got the hang of it pretty well I think. Should also mention it was 400 dollars and I really don't want it to go to waste, so learning another language isn't an option to me right now.
So, I guess to you other programmers out there, what do you do to stay motivated? What keeps your attention on the program and not YouTube or video games or something else? What really made you stick to learning whatever language you chose? At least, if programming isn't your job and you're not required to do it I guess. I'm really stuck. Any feedback/constrictive criticism is more than welcome.
Quick edit: I guess just to make this a little Linux themed, the course requires I use Eclipse on Windows, neither of which I like. I can't access the course from Linux, only Windows for whatever reason. So that might be part of the problem?
It is hard to be "motivated" to do anything you're not interested in. as you have stated you've already find it displeasing to you, and your justification to substantiate the displeasure. Though I will say, whence you've learned Java, you will find that the basics can be ported to other programming Languages. because loops are loops, and if statement all work the same, and strings are strings, the syntax and methods to call functions or write code do vary here and there.
but if the reason is only because you do not like the syntax so you're having to force yourself to write it then are still having issues with grasping what it is that it is suppose to be doing, ie. manipulating strings then something deeper must be going on here.
I'm fairly sure I want to be a programmer. I think my issue is mostly laziness and lack of willpower. I'm not great at forcing myself to do things I don't want to do besides my job. I know I want to be a programmer, or at least a web developer.
maybe take a aptitude test to find what you're best suited for. then decide. As you've already jumped into the coffee pot (java). Make the best of it, and maybe get around others that are not finding it so hard to do, and do not mind showing and explaining the how to and what it is doing and such, to maybe make it easier for you to pick up on it. Then take that and put it to practice until you see what it is doing to gain your understanding, and motor muscle memory skills use to the syntax.
Having others around that are motivated to doing the same thing may help keep you motivated.
Quote:
aptitude:
Outstanding aptitude can be considered "talent". An aptitude may be physical or mental.
Aptitude is inborn potential to do certain kinds of work whether developed or undeveloped.
Ability:
Ability is developed knowledge, understanding,
learned or acquired abilities (skills) or attitude.
There are browser extensions that you can use to block specific websites. If there are particular websites that are causing you to defocus (you mentioned YouTube), you might want to look into one.
You're quoting Snowden about a very broad scoped topic in the world today, and you emit a "don't care" about this class because it's boring and admit that you'd rather play video games.
When you say "to you other programmers ..." Don't, you're not a programmer and not even close to starting.
How about ... when you get a new game and you stay up day and night in order to crack it and beat it. Been there? Done that?
Well do that with programming.
Go cold turkey on TV and video games and do your assignments. Reward yourself when you complete a module, but when you complete it aptly, not just some fill-in answers.
Otherwise, please step aside and let the real programming students pass.
It's not up to us to force you to do something you proclaim you can't even motivate yourself to do.
I'm really not sure if this is the best forum to bring this up, but it's the best community I know of, so I'm hoping it fits in well enough. I'm attempting to learn Java programming. I signed up for a class a few months ago online, and I've seriously having a lot of trouble forcing myself to do it. Part of it is because I don't particularly like Java syntax, but it's not that bad. I just don't have the motivation and attention span to get it done. Really, it's not even that hard. I was stuck at strings for weeks and didn't do anything, and after forcing myself through one lesson I got the hang of it pretty well I think. Should also mention it was 400 dollars and I really don't want it to go to waste, so learning another language isn't an option to me right now. So, I guess to you other programmers out there, what do you do to stay motivated? What keeps your attention on the program and not YouTube or video games or something else? What really made you stick to learning whatever language you chose? At least, if programming isn't your job and you're not required to do it I guess. I'm really stuck. Any feedback/constrictive criticism is more than welcome.
My motivation is my paycheck, and the fact I like the work. But honestly, I've got to go with rtmistler here....if you spent $400 on some sort of course and STILL can't be bothered to do it, there isn't a lot that will motivate you. And again, it's going to sound harsh, but if you truly have this attitude, I sure wouldn't want to work with you. Because even though it's your job/money related, I don't want someone to half-ass things, have delays, bad code, etc., etc., because they don't FEEL LIKE thinking or working. I don't want to babysit anyone...if you need to be poked and prodded to do everything, I have no idea what to say to you.
You can learn any language you want, for free. You have Linux; you have compilers, IDE's, libraries, endless amounts of documentation, sample programs/code, and online resources. There is NOTHING preventing you from learning for free. As others stated, if you learn one language, all you do from there is start changing syntax/words/etc. Loops are loops; conditions are conditions. Best advice if you truly want to learn? Think of something you WANT to do, then write code to do it. Then 'play golf' with it...that is, THINK about how your program works, and try to take as many lines out as you can (taking strokes off your game). The fewer lines, the more efficient and elegant things can be.
Quote:
Quick edit: I guess just to make this a little Linux themed, the course requires I use Eclipse on Windows, neither of which I like. I can't access the course from Linux, only Windows for whatever reason. So that might be part of the problem?
No...I think the problem is you're either in the wrong field, or are just lazy. Sorry to sound harsh, but blaming Windows/editor/games/youtube/etc., is nothing but an excuse. If you want to do something, you do it or you don't. And you're not.
Saying "neither of which I like" doesn't paint a good picture. What happens if you have a co-worker you don't like? Or an office you don't like? What then? You won't show up because you don't like it? Life doesn't work that way. Any successful person has had TONS of things they didn't like, but you overcome them to reach your goal. Do you think any professional athlete LIKES working out that many hours a day? Training? Eating certain things? Getting injured?? Nope...they do it because they have the goal of playing, and that's the price of admission.
Then 'play golf' with it...that is, THINK about how your program works, and try to take as many lines out as you can (taking strokes off your game). The fewer lines, the more efficient and elegant things can be.
For those who don't know: what TB0ne is referring to is literally called "code golf". It's a thing.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TB0ne
My motivation is my paycheck, and the fact I like the work. But honestly, I've got to go with rtmistler here....if you spent $400 on some sort of course and STILL can't be bothered to do it, there isn't a lot that will motivate you. And again, it's going to sound harsh, but if you truly have this attitude, I sure wouldn't want to work with you. Because even though it's your job/money related, I don't want someone to half-ass things, have delays, bad code, etc., etc., because they don't FEEL LIKE thinking or working. I don't want to babysit anyone...if you need to be poked and prodded to do everything, I have no idea what to say to you.
You can learn any language you want, for free. You have Linux; you have compilers, IDE's, libraries, endless amounts of documentation, sample programs/code, and online resources. There is NOTHING preventing you from learning for free. As others stated, if you learn one language, all you do from there is start changing syntax/words/etc. Loops are loops; conditions are conditions. Best advice if you truly want to learn? Think of something you WANT to do, then write code to do it. Then 'play golf' with it...that is, THINK about how your program works, and try to take as many lines out as you can (taking strokes off your game). The fewer lines, the more efficient and elegant things can be.
No...I think the problem is you're either in the wrong field, or are just lazy. Sorry to sound harsh, but blaming Windows/editor/games/youtube/etc., is nothing but an excuse. If you want to do something, you do it or you don't. And you're not.
Saying "neither of which I like" doesn't paint a good picture. What happens if you have a co-worker you don't like? Or an office you don't like? What then? You won't show up because you don't like it? Life doesn't work that way. Any successful person has had TONS of things they didn't like, but you overcome them to reach your goal. Do you think any professional athlete LIKES working out that many hours a day? Training? Eating certain things? Getting injured?? Nope...they do it because they have the goal of playing, and that's the price of admission.
I'm really not sure if this is the best forum to bring this up, but it's the best community I know of, so I'm hoping it fits in well enough.
I'm attempting to learn Java programming. I signed up for a class a few months ago online, and I've seriously having a lot of trouble forcing myself to do it. Part of it is because I don't particularly like Java syntax, but it's not that bad. I just don't have the motivation and attention span to get it done. Really, it's not even that hard. I was stuck at strings for weeks and didn't do anything, and after forcing myself through one lesson I got the hang of it pretty well I think. Should also mention it was 400 dollars and I really don't want it to go to waste, so learning another language isn't an option to me right now.
So, I guess to you other programmers out there, what do you do to stay motivated? What keeps your attention on the program and not YouTube or video games or something else? What really made you stick to learning whatever language you chose? At least, if programming isn't your job and you're not required to do it I guess. I'm really stuck. Any feedback/constrictive criticism is more than welcome.
Quick edit: I guess just to make this a little Linux themed, the course requires I use Eclipse on Windows, neither of which I like. I can't access the course from Linux, only Windows for whatever reason. So that might be part of the problem?
Do you already know how to program? I couldn't tell by what you wrote, but it sounds like you're on your first language.
I had a hard time programming when I didn't know how to program at all. It really seemed tedious because I couldn't yet express anything and I mostly just typed in example code for a long time before any of it made sense. The result of not giving up, though, is the ability to turn your ideas into working software. I've learned multiple trades and they all have that 'slow ramp up' phase before anything exciting happens.
I don't think you lack any cognitive ability (focus, attention). You write well, and one half or more of programming is expressing your human ideas to other humans.
I also don't think you're stuck, it just seems like you're not learning enough, fast enough, to do much.
Just keep going. Set aside 1 hour to do your programming studies a day, and do those before wasting time on movies and video games. If you can, maybe watch some Java or programming related videos when you're feeling more passive.
Programming is about experience of doing it, see result, change parameters, change style, see result again. Curiosity is a factor in motivation also.
For a long time, I never wanted to learn Java, I found it too heavy to get the job done. But recently I finally learn some of it to build a few android apps for my phone. I had fun doing this and the use of android studio was a great assistance in building java complex projects file structure (autocompletition, gui design tools were cool also). There is some satisfaction in making a product that works and tailored for precise needs. If you become a specialist, that can bring some money too
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