- PPF Points
- 193
I frequently felt overpowered by coding problems when I first started learning to code. Uncertain of where to start, I would gaze at the question. But as time went on, I created a straightforward method that enables me to approach practically any issue piecemeal.
I started by carefully reading the problem. Before I even consider writing code, I make sure I understand the request. I occasionally read it two or three times. I underline or write down important details, such as the input, the desired output, and any limitations that are mentioned.
Before I write any code, I then attempt to solve the issue in plain English. "What would I do if I had to do this manually?" I ask myself. For instance, I picture writing down each letter from the end one at a time if I'm supposed to reverse a string. I can better grasp the reasoning before I write the code thanks to this step.
I write pseudocode, or a rough draft of my solution using straightforward steps, after I have a firm understanding of the logic. It resembles a blueprint. I could write, for instance: "loop through the list, compare values, store the largest one." I can divide the issue into smaller, more manageable components with the aid of pseudocode.
I then get to work coding. At first, I don't care about perfection; I just want something to work. I test it with small inputs and print variables to see what happens if it doesn't work. I can now see where things go wrong thanks to this. Dividing the code into manageable chunks and testing each one makes debugging much simpler.
I occasionally create diagrams as well. I can see how data moves or changes over time by drawing if the problem involves arrays, trees, or anything else visually. This is particularly useful for sorting and path-finding issues.
After I've come up with a workable solution, I review it and make improvements. Is there any way it could be quicker? Can I shorten or clean up the code? Reviewing my writing and asking how it could be improved is how I learn the most.
I'm no longer as afraid of coding issues as I once was. I approach them as though they were puzzles. Even if I don't figure it out right away, I'm confident that with a little patience and reasoning, I can break it down step by step and solve it.
I started by carefully reading the problem. Before I even consider writing code, I make sure I understand the request. I occasionally read it two or three times. I underline or write down important details, such as the input, the desired output, and any limitations that are mentioned.
Before I write any code, I then attempt to solve the issue in plain English. "What would I do if I had to do this manually?" I ask myself. For instance, I picture writing down each letter from the end one at a time if I'm supposed to reverse a string. I can better grasp the reasoning before I write the code thanks to this step.
I write pseudocode, or a rough draft of my solution using straightforward steps, after I have a firm understanding of the logic. It resembles a blueprint. I could write, for instance: "loop through the list, compare values, store the largest one." I can divide the issue into smaller, more manageable components with the aid of pseudocode.
I then get to work coding. At first, I don't care about perfection; I just want something to work. I test it with small inputs and print variables to see what happens if it doesn't work. I can now see where things go wrong thanks to this. Dividing the code into manageable chunks and testing each one makes debugging much simpler.
I occasionally create diagrams as well. I can see how data moves or changes over time by drawing if the problem involves arrays, trees, or anything else visually. This is particularly useful for sorting and path-finding issues.
After I've come up with a workable solution, I review it and make improvements. Is there any way it could be quicker? Can I shorten or clean up the code? Reviewing my writing and asking how it could be improved is how I learn the most.
I'm no longer as afraid of coding issues as I once was. I approach them as though they were puzzles. Even if I don't figure it out right away, I'm confident that with a little patience and reasoning, I can break it down step by step and solve it.