• 0

Trying to learn Java but failed miserably in all attempts


Question

Hello,

 

I have started to learn Java about 1 year ago (I gave up... well... I rage quit after a ~6 months and wanted to get back to it almost instantly but my brain kept saying "nope").

In theory I can write some very basic things, also in theory I know what are the fields, classes, constructors, I know the data types, I can write tests, I even know some Spring  annotations and I think I understand them(!).

 

But in practice and in reality I never truly understood anything beyond hello world (strangely if you would show me some advanced code and say "finish it by adding Spring annotations" I will probably succed in doing it). I'm not able to write anything on my own as in reality I do not understand a thing. I tried to read the books and follow them in "practice mode", I tried some video tutorials for a very begginers, yet when it comes for me to write anything beyond hello world I change into mindless zombie. More about video tutorials - when I follow them everything seems to be cool and I feel the power, but as soon as I finish it and try to excersise on my own, my head is empty. I'm getting very frustrated about all of this as I'v always been a quick learner (I have an IQ of 136) and here I can't get a simple things.

 

 

 

  Quote

for(int i=0; i<10; i++)

Expand  

This for example. I know it is a part of the loop. And I know(?) it is some condition(?) for "for" statement. But thats it. I really don't know how the loop works, even though I wrote a lot of them when I followed the tutorials. Especially the "i++" part irritates me the most as always when I see it I'm like "what the hell is that i++, what is it doing, what does it means??".

 

Well, I simply can't understand the basics (the loop case is just one of the many) and no book, no video tutorial, and no practice helped me. I would really like to learn Java, and the most importantly I would like to understand at least the basics, especially since I have invested soo much time in it.

 

Could someone advise me how to learn all those things? Or how to understand them? (I tried to google my questions many times before but didn't find an answer) I would be really and eternally grateful.

 

Thank you in advance :)

Edited by SoapDish

5 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0

Consider for a moment how you end a line of code - with a semi colon (;) so what you have is essentially three little lines of code.

 

int i = 0;

i<10;

i++

 

You also know its a loop because of the for syntax so... you are creating a little integer that is your loop counter (int i) and setting it to 0.

Then you are saying while i < 10 meaning if i is less than 10 keep looping.

Finally i++. This means increment i by 1 ( i = i+1 ).

 

Does that help?

 

  • 0

It's never the goal to understand every detail of all code, it's more important to understand the architecture.

 

Following tutorials is a great way to learn how to make a calculator when it's a tutorial about making a calculator but it's not that easy to use the same tutorial to make a sudoku solver as example.

 

So how do we learn to realize ideas into actual code?

 

Divide it, then divide it again, and again and again till the steps are so easy that it's no longer an issue to realize those steps.

 

  1. Write your idea down.
    • e.g. Sudoku solver
  2. Think about the global steps needed.
    • Values input
    • Calculate solution
    • Show solution
  3. Divide those global steps in logical smaller steps and realise them, if needed look for solutions online.
    • Create a GUI with 9 input boxes
    • Get input values from GUI on button click
    • Look at algorithms for solving sudokus
    • Pick an algorithm
    • Realize this algorithm by dividing all logical steps and looking up the required code to realise each step and combining all the code.
    • Show the calculated values in the GUI by filling the empty input boxes.
  4. Put everything together and you've made a sudoku solver :)

 

So why is dividing problems into small steps so important?

 

When you google "how to make a sudoku solver" you will not get any actual answer or just another tutorial. 

But when you google "how to store values from a sudoku?" and "how to loop through a 2 dimensional array" you get actual specific answers with code that is explained and makes sense since it's just a few lines of code instead of a whole program.

 

That's great but what about more complex programs?

 

Thereare multiple programming paradigms that fit different scenarios. A very common paradigm is OOP which stands for Object Oriented Programming, this makes it easier to work with data and logic by defining objects like a Car that has a color and a numberplate and can drive() but also brake().

 

What to do when I don't know how to program my logic in Java, C#, Python etc?

 

As I said before: Write down and divide!

Write your logic down using psuedo code as example, this is code you can make up yourself, if you don't know how to do a certain step in logic just write down a sentence describing what should be done by the computer. Then divide this psuedo code in small steps and look each step up, in most cases the solution is found quickly if not you can always post questions on this forum or sites like Stackoverflow.

 

Making diagrams also helps in the progress, illustrate your logical thinking steps and the data used in the application using logic flow diagrams and entity relationship diagrams.

 

Finding clear and educating answers for very specific questions is hard, divide it and look for the answers for smaller questions instead.

 

Programming is like a journey, it's a matter of dividing the problem is smaller and smaller steps and solving those steps like a puzzle.

 

 

TL;DR

I type too much when I'm stuck in a train.

  • Like 2
  • 0

Sounds like someone tried to teach you programming by starting with classes and unit tests rather than basic control flow statements. I saw that before and it was a Java class indeed.

 

Try to find a course that does the opposite? You could even just use a more beginner-friendly language like Python; tutorials tend to be proceed more logically. It's highly popular in teaching institutions. https://www.python.org/

 

You can start coding right away without installing anything here: https://repl.it/languages/python

  • Like 2
  • 0

Something to keep in mind is that programming computers is NOT for everyone despite the attempts by various organizations to encourage everyone to do it such as "Hour of Code"

 

You can train a brain to do almost anything, but for most people, most things feel like lifting a weight up the hill and when they find their "thing" it becomes a welcome downhill relief. Programming may simply not be your "thing"

 

That being said most online education is terrible and most university education competes for the same "terrible" award. So if you feel it is something you really want to do then find a teaching style that matches your own learning style. From your example, you seem like you might be a "hands on" type of learner and would benefit greatly from some sort of Raspberry Pi type kit that turns lights on and off by using basic Machine Language (Assembly Programming) so that you can get a feel for exactly what the CPU is doing before you move up to all of the crazy Abstractions and Metaphors that "simplify" programming.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • "What's that? Microsoft recommends Intel CPUs? My next computer must have Intel then." - Nobody
    • Apple warns Australia against joining EU in mandating iPhone app sideloading by David Uzondu Apple has issued a warning to Australia, essentially telling the country not to follow the European Union's lead in making iPhone app sideloading a requirement. This communication comes as the Australian federal government considers new rules that could force Apple to open up its iOS ecosystem, much like what happened in Europe with recent legislation. Since iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 18, users in the EU have been able to get apps from outside the official App Store, a direct consequence of the DMA designating Apple as a "gatekeeper". The Australian government floated a proposal in a paper released late last year. The paper suggested "designating" digital platforms like Apple's App Store. Being designated this way means these platforms would have to follow new rules intended to keep them from limiting competition. The government pointed to Apple's in-app payment system, which usually comes with a commission, and the lack of sideloading as likely targets for regulation. Right now, apps like Netflix and Spotify can't let users subscribe through their iOS apps without giving Apple a big cut, and they're not even allowed to tell users where to find a better deal. Apple, in its response to this Australian paper, stated that Australia should not use the EU's Digital Markets Act "as a blueprint". The company's core argument is that the changes mandated by the EU's DMA, which came into full effect in March 2024, introduce serious security and privacy risks for users. Apple claims that allowing sideloading and alternative app stores effectively opens the door for malware, fraud, scams, and other harmful content. The tech company also highlighted specific concerns from its European experience, alleging that its compliance there has led to users being able to install pornography apps and apps that facilitate copyright infringement, things its curated App Store aims to prevent. Apple maintains that its current review process is vital for user protection, and that its often criticized 30% commission applies mainly to the highest earning apps, with most developers paying a lower 15% rate or nothing. It is worth noting that Apple's implementation of DMA requirements in the EU, which includes a "Core Technology Fee" for apps distributed outside its store, has already drawn scrutiny from European Commission officials who question if these measures truly comply with the DMA's idea of keeping the market fair. The Australian government has not yet detailed its next steps in this process, and the Treasury still needs to publish the full submissions to its proposal paper, including Apple's complete arguments. Source: The Guardian
    • Oh the Chinese crybabies who couldn't accept the fact that they lost GOTY to Astro Bot? Not interested
    • Download this SQL Essentials For Dummies eBook (worth $10) for free by Steven Parker FOR DUMMIES is a trademark of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. A right-to-the-point guide on all the key topics of SQL programming SQL Essentials For Dummies is your quick reference to all the core concepts of SQL—a valuable common standard language used in relational databases. This useful guide is straightforward—with no excess review, wordy explanations, or fluff—so you get what you need, fast. Great for a brush-up on the basics or as an everyday desk reference, this book is one you can rely on. Strengthen your understanding of the basics of SQL Review what you've already learned or pick up key skills Use SQL to create, manipulate, and control relational databases Jog your memory on the essentials as you work and get clear answers to your questions Perfect for supplementing classroom learning, reviewing for a certification, and staying knowledgeable on the job, SQL Essentials For Dummies is the convenient, direct, and digestible reference you've been looking for. Claim your complimentary eBook worth $10 for free, before the offer ends on June 17. How to get it Please ensure you read the terms and conditions to claim this offer. Complete and verifiable information is required in order to receive this free offer. If you have previously made use of these free offers, you will not need to re-register. While supplies last! Download the SQL Essentials For Dummies eBook (worth $10) for free Offered by Wiley, view other free resources The below offers are also available for free for a limited time: Winxvideo AI V3.0 Lifetime License for PC ($69.95 Value) FREE – Expires 6/8 Aiarty Image Enhancer for PC/Mac ($85 Value) FREE – Expires 6/8 Solutions Architect's Handbook, Third Edition ($42.99 Value) FREE – Expires 6/10 AI and Innovation ($21 Value) FREE – Expires 6/11 Unruly: Fighting Back when Politics, AI, and Law Upend [...] ($18 Value) FREE - Expires 6/17 SQL Essentials For Dummies ($10 Value) FREE – Expires 6/17 Continuous Testing, Quality, Security, and Feedback ($27.99 Value) FREE – Expires 6/18 VideoProc Converter AI v7.5 for FREE (worth $78.90) – Expires 6/18 Macxvideo AI ($39.95 Value) Free for a Limited Time – Expires 6/22 The Ultimate Linux Newbie Guide – Featured Free content Python Notes for Professionals – Featured Free content Learn Linux in 5 Days – Featured Free content Quick Reference Guide for Cybersecurity – Featured Free content We post these because we earn commission on each lead so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. Other ways to support Neowin The above deal not doing it for you, but still want to help? Check out the links below. Check out our partner software in the Neowin Store Buy a T-shirt at Neowin's Threadsquad Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: An account at Neowin Deals is required to participate in any deals powered by our affiliate, StackCommerce. For a full description of StackCommerce's privacy guidelines, go here. Neowin benefits from shared revenue of each sale made through the branded deals site.
    • No one is surprised. It goes both ways. Warhammer remake is not on the PS5, but Xbox/PC and Game Pass day 1 and it is NOT a Microsoft owned game (Sega). 100% Microsoft money deal. Timed of course. Sega wins because they get the Microsoft money now then when the deal ends they get the much larger PS audience to make money from. As far as Black Myth is concerned, the Chinese gaming platform market is very much PC then PS then everything else. Consoles were banned in China for years, then allowed and the PS is the console of choice. The release of Black Myth actually saw a PS5 console sale spike because of Chinese gamer's buying PS5's just to play this game. With the ever shrinking Xbox console market I can see a point where 3rd party games try to get Sony exclusive money because the ROI for Xbox console versions of those games is a shrinking endeavor.
  • Recent Achievements

    • One Month Later
      MoyaM earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      qology earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Year In
      Frinco90 earned a badge
      One Year In
    • Apprentice
      Frinco90 went up a rank
      Apprentice
    • Week One Done
      theevergreentree earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      448
    2. 2
      +FloatingFatMan
      247
    3. 3
      snowy owl
      234
    4. 4
      ATLien_0
      200
    5. 5
      Xenon
      146
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!