The Better Way to Learn Coding: Solve a Single Problem or Study Five Already Solved Ones?

Choosing between solving a single coding problem on your own and studying five already solved ones can be a pivotal decision for beginner coders. In reality, a combination of both methods can provide a comprehensive approach to mastering coding skills. This article explores the merits of each strategy and how to strike a balance between independent learning and studying existing solutions.

Combining Independent Problem-Solving with Studying

Let's start with the assertion that some combination of both methods is often the most effective. Coding is a vast and intricate field where every problem you solve can provide valuable insights. However, it's also crucial to learn from others' solutions and their thought processes. There are instances where your initial solution might be correct but might be overly complex or lengthy. Taking the time to think through a problem before looking at someone else's solution is a valid approach.

Participating in Coding Forums is a valuable practice. Posting in such forums can expose you to varied perspectives and solutions, helping you gain a deeper understanding of a problem from multiple angles. Additionally, using Compilers to practice and get familiar with the coding environment is essential. Regularly working on problems online and solving them daily is highly beneficial for skill development.

Improving Logical Thinking

Improving logical thinking plays a crucial role in becoming a proficient coder. The initial step towards learning a programming language deeply is to cultivate an interest in programming. Interest transforms a difficult task into something enjoyable, making the learning journey much smoother. To enhance your programming logic skills, it's recommended to read more about How to Improve Your Programming Skills.

The Quality of Teacher Matters

It's important to be careful about who you learn from. Just because a problem has a solution doesn't necessarily mean it's the best approach. How would you know if a more efficient solution even exists? There's always the possibility of a better solution out there. This principle leads to the conclusion that solving a single problem on your own is often the better method for learning.

Don't dismiss looking at existing solutions entirely. However, remember that true learning comes from doing. Other solutions might have gone through significant iterations or challenges to reach their final form. Therefore, while you can take inspiration from others, the real learning happens when you solve the problem yourself. Reflecting on the process and the solutions that others have used can provide valuable insights and experiences.

A Case Study: My Optimization Problem

Let's delve into a specific scenario. A few years ago, I was working on an optimization problem. I studied various solutions, but none seemed to be the ultimate solution I was looking for. Some solutions were too theoretical, while others were practical but time-consuming. I had a solution that was clever in some ways, but it was also very time-consuming.

The key to solving the problem was to pause and allow the problem to incubate in my mind. Overtime, the problem began to fade in and out of my conscious mind. I resisted the urge to jump back into solving it too soon and instead filled numerous pages with diagrams and notes. After a week or more, I played with different code snippets, and suddenly the solution I was seeking presented itself. This solution was more elegant and significantly faster than any of the previous ones.

The entire problem-solving process was incredibly enriching, and many people asked me how I found the solution. While some of the existing solutions did spark ideas, the real learning came from my own process. Solutions often evolve through independent problem-solving, offering unique insights and a deeper understanding.

Key Takeaways

A combination of solving a single problem on your own and studying existing solutions can provide a balanced approach to learning coding. Improving logical skills and developing an interest in programming is essential for effective learning. While you can learn from other solutions, true learning comes from solving the problem yourself. Allowing the problem to incubate and reflecting on the process are crucial parts of the solution-finding journey.

In conclusion, the better way to learn coding is often to start by solving a single problem on your own. This method encourages independent thinking, problem-solving, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of the subject matter. However, the lessons you learn from studying existing solutions can also enrich your process and provide valuable insights.

To enhance your coding skills, consider joining coding forums, practicing regularly with online resources, and using compilers to familiarize yourself with the coding environment. By combining independent problem-solving with studying existing solutions, you can develop a well-rounded skill set and become a more proficient coder.