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General Discussion

Alex Flores
Alex Flores
7,864 Points
Posted by Alex Flores
Alex Flores
7,864 Points

Do I need to learn how to program without using built-in functions?

This might be a silly question, but I have to ask it. Sometimes I'll do some challenges online at various sites to test my skill (e.g., reverse a string), but most of them ask me to perform the challenge without the use of built-in functions. Sometimes I can do the challenges without functions and sometimes it goes right over my head.

How proficient should I be at creating scripts without the use of functions? I mean, I can easily do these challenges with the built-in functions. I know that it's helping me become a better programmer in the sense of problem solving skills, but is this really necessary in a coding age where we're using SOO many different languages and help is usually accessible online?

Simon Coates
Simon Coates
28,694 Points
Simon Coates
Simon Coates
28,694 Points

I don't think there's a downside to being able to do that kind of problem solving (apart from not supplying good anecdotes for dinner parties). But in real world use, no one is going to want to pay you to do something that there is a robust, tested library already available for. I occasionally default into writing my own functions, such that i forget to look for existing libraries. Effective reuse, and knowing your libraries are skills also. you'd might want to put this question up at stack overflow or something similar. Someone will have asked the question before (if you can find it) and there'll be an answer from a better mind than mine. Hope this helps.