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I pretty much agree here. I am an example of someone who simply does not have the genes for it, so to speak. I have loved programming since I was a little boy b

I pretty much agree here. I am an example of someone who simply does not have the genes for it, so to speak. I have loved programming since I was a little boy but am horrible at it. I can learn a language's basic syntax just fine (and usually in very little time), and have written many little tools/small apps that I have personally found helpful in automating certain aspects of my life and work. So I certainly value what little bit I can do. But every time I've tried to study a serious book on data structures and algorithms, it's been a disaster. I simply lack basic problem-solving skills. I try but I'm just not good at it. I mean, I can usually come up with working code to do whatever I've ever wanted to do, and I'm certainly thankful for that since it's ok if my personal projects aren't terribly efficient. But professional programming would never be a possibility for me. I'd get laughed out of an interview b/c of the convoluted/entirely-too-complicated ways I solve problems. I just wish I had a good sense of what algorithms/data structures to use where. That would certainly help me a lot! But I'm just not sure I "have what it takes", if you know what I mean, to develop that skill.

stuartd 6y ago
> I can usually come up with working code to do whatever I've ever wanted to do Been working as a programmer for 25 years, and I’ve never read (or considered reading, or felt the need to read) a book on data structures or algorithms. Also, I’ve seen plenty of people who are employed as programmers who simply cannot come up with working code. I don’t see how you can write working code without problem-solving skills, as by definition you’re solving a problem by writing working code..? (I don’t really have a point, sorry, this just resonated with me)
- ExtremisAndy 6y ago
  Yeah, my wording wasn't great, so your confusion with my post is my fault for not being clearer. I obviously can solve problems to some degree otherwise I wouldn't be able to even create the simple tools I've made to solve some problems in my work. What I guess I'm trying to say is that I don't solve them WELL or efficiently. I'll use a DS/algorithm that, sure, technically works and gets the job done but is by no means the most efficient way to do it. Someone who has the common problem-solving sense I lack would have solved the problem more efficiently, more quickly and with more attractive code. That's what I was aiming for.
Consultant32452 6y ago
>I just wish I had a good sense of what algorithms/data structures to use where. That would certainly help me a lot! But I'm just not sure I "have what it takes", if you know what I mean, to develop that skill. I wouldn't worry about it. I had a guy I mentored who couldn't code his way out of a paper bag in spite of having had a programming job for 5+ years at that point. I taught him how to program and while he did improve significantly, he realized he wasn't going to make it as a programmer. Now he works in infosec where he's largely administering software with occasional scripting type stuff. He gets to do the scripting/programming bits he likes and makes a ton of money. He's actually my boss now. There's a lot of this kind of work that I think is really rewarding. I hope you find a good fit for you.

stuartd 6y ago

> I can usually come up with working code to do whatever I've ever wanted to do Been working as a programmer for 25 years, and I’ve never read (or considered reading, or felt the need to read) a book on data structures or algorithms. Also, I’ve seen plenty of people who are employed as programmers who simply cannot come up with working code. I don’t see how you can write working code without problem-solving skills, as by definition you’re solving a problem by writing working code..? (I don’t really have a point, sorry, this just resonated with me)

ExtremisAndy 6y ago
Yeah, my wording wasn't great, so your confusion with my post is my fault for not being clearer. I obviously can solve problems to some degree otherwise I wouldn't be able to even create the simple tools I've made to solve some problems in my work. What I guess I'm trying to say is that I don't solve them WELL or efficiently. I'll use a DS/algorithm that, sure, technically works and gets the job done but is by no means the most efficient way to do it. Someone who has the common problem-solving sense I lack would have solved the problem more efficiently, more quickly and with more attractive code. That's what I was aiming for.

Consultant32452 6y ago

>I just wish I had a good sense of what algorithms/data structures to use where. That would certainly help me a lot! But I'm just not sure I "have what it takes", if you know what I mean, to develop that skill. I wouldn't worry about it. I had a guy I mentored who couldn't code his way out of a paper bag in spite of having had a programming job for 5+ years at that point. I taught him how to program and while he did improve significantly, he realized he wasn't going to make it as a programmer. Now he works in infosec where he's largely administering software with occasional scripting type stuff. He gets to do the scripting/programming bits he likes and makes a ton of money. He's actually my boss now. There's a lot of this kind of work that I think is really rewarding. I hope you find a good fit for you.