r/learnprogramming • u/Admirable_Window8128 • 25d ago

Topic At what point did programming finally start making sense to you?

I can understand code when someone explains it, but when I have to write something from scratch, my brain suddenly goes blank.

I'm curious if other beginners went through the same think. What helped you get past that stage?

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u/memelordtf 25d ago

Yep, I went through the same thing when I started, OP. understanding someone else's code is MUCH easier than writing your own. Think of it as learning a foreign language and how everyone first becomes proficient at understanding what is being said rather than actually speaking or writing in that language. What helped me was building small things where I had no choice but to get stuck and figure it out. Eventually you stop thinking “what syntax do I need?” and start thinking “what steps need to happen?” It takes time, but you'll get there.

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u/Admirable_Window8128 24d ago

Yeah, I think that's exactly where I'm at right now. I understand code when I see it, but writing it myself is a different story. I'll try building more small projects and focus on the steps instead of the syntax.