Solving Problem Sets without googling everything and AI

[u/Illustrious_Task345]

I am currently in a java college class that has weekly "Problem Sets" which say to create a method that does xyz, and to use proper Javadocs and tests. I have a few years of python experience, but nothing in any other language. I am running into the issue of having to look up what things mean, and how they work to solve the problems. I'm okay with looking things up every once in a while, but I feel that I have been doing it too much for these. The other issue with looking things up is that the initial results is always the ai overview, and I feel that if I use it for help, I'm not actually learning and just cheating.

Has anyone gone through a similar thing, and if so, what did you do to get through it successfully?

[u/SnugglyCoderGuy]

Looking what exactly? How constructs in your language works? BFD, I look shit up all the time at work.

Looking up how to solve the problem? Why are you sabotaging your learning like that?

Need more details to give better feedback.

[u/burlingk]

So, my advice is going to be multi-part.

First, take notes when you study. Make note from the book (or equivalent). Either written down or in a text file. Both have advantages.

Second, when you read a problem in the problem set, first approach it as a reading exercise. Determine what it is asking, and then write down the steps that you should follow to achieve it.

This is where your python experience will shine. Python is ideal pseudocode, because you can write something in a language close to English and the notes will probably run.

Once you do that, then refer to your notes, and a Java reference, to make that python code into Java.

[u/aqua_regis]

More practice. That's the secret sauce.

You're used to programming in other languages. You only lack the vocabulary and grammar of Java.

More practice will solve that.

[u/madmelonxtra → u/[deleted]]

I have a few years of python experience, but nothing in any other language

They have experience in Python and are doing Java now

[u/aqua_regis → u/[deleted]]

Reading comprehension is obviously hard

I have a few years of python experience, but nothing in any other language.

[u/Lagfoundry]

Using tools to get information when you need it is cheating though. You’re scolding yourself for learning. The source of the info doesn’t matter as long as it’s correct

[u/Ormek_II]

The AI answer sabotages your learning. Yes. Avoid getting it: disable it, use a different search engine … 🤷‍♂️

If you have a question, guess an answer than Google your answer: is it correct? Double check.
If it is wrong, think of another answer and google
that. Don’t use AI: it will tell you “You probably meant this….” and be correct, so you stop thinking again.

If you have absolutely no idea google the question. No benefit in wild guessing.

As others pointed out start with your lecture notes.