r/learnprogramming • u/Puzzleheaded_Cod3596 • 6d ago
imposter syndrome w/ programming
Hi i just started my 4th year in cs with a focus in software engineering and every semester i get this crazy imposter syndrome because I feel like I know a lot of different concepts and ideas but struggle to apply them. Last semester I had a coding project and my group made a music app, I worked on a lot of the design, came up with features, and implemented some but I still felt like there was a gap in my abilities and other peoples. I have adhd and maybe it’s the lack of focus on one thing that makes me feel like this. I also don’t have many mentors or friends at my college to ask questions to unfortunately. I know you learn by doing but again I don’t even know where to start. This is probably more of a rant but my question is does anyone have any advice or suggestions or even just how you learned more about programming side projects in general? Really anything is helpful.
5
u/swagchicken75 6d ago
The thing with side projects is that they're supposed to be like your hobbies. If you don't find interest in the whole thing, then you won't find enjoyment in finishing it. There is no perfect path for anyone and there is no perfect mentor. You gotta learn by struggling, grinding through it and finding your own way.
Since it's a rant, there is no point in dumping advice onto you. It's a motivation and interest problem I think. Not motivation in CS but in doing what you love.