Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

Java

Posted by Ivan A.
Ivan A.
9,627 Points

I'm 33 and trying to learn Java...

I just started learning... Yeah I feel that I am getting somewhere, but almost all of "Java Object" lessons I could not pass NOT using google's help :( I mean is this normal, should I pass lessons using google's "ready to use" answers? The teachers Always say, that "...do not worry if you do not understand EVERYTHING, we will get there". So that's why I feel a bit down... I just can't make it to next lessont while not using any help. Should I go back and repeat again and again the same lesson course? Or what? P.S. I'm not wyning and I do understant that "You will not get THERE in a day" :)

5 Answers

Jennifer Nordell
seal-mask
STAFF
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
Jennifer Nordell
Treehouse Teacher
Jennifer Nordell
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
Jennifer Nordell
Treehouse Teacher

If you feel that that there's a specific thing you didn't quite catch, then by all means, go back and review it! Many of us I'm sure, have gotten something right on the challenges without exactly understanding why it was correct. I will tell you that many of us (very likely) have repeated challenges and videos and had a "light bulb" moment where one tiny little example or one sentence suddenly makes everything make sense (at least up until that point).

I'd point out also that while I have somewhat of a background in programming earlier, I was forced to not do it for many years for health reasons. But now that I'm back in the game, I'm learning every single day. And... I'm older than you. Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks after all? :)

tobiaskrause
tobiaskrause
9,160 Points
tobiaskrause
tobiaskrause
9,160 Points

Do you use google to search for the java documentation or for answers from older TH threads? I would recommend:

  1. Install and Editor and follow the instructions of the teacher (or even and IDE...you wont user the Workspace later anymore for your java code)

  2. Read the stuff in the teachers notes.

  3. Read a lot of the stuff in the documentation

  4. Search for answers of your questions first on google (f.e. with Stackoverflow.com)

  5. Use our forum if you dont get an answer to your question

  6. Write your ownl little documentation where you try to explain the stuff in YOUR words (but first be sure it is correct)

Also dont delete your code from old courses...save it and use comments to explain the code.

You should always use comments and explain what you are doing (comment after code)...or what your code should do (first comment then code). Dont try random stuff be sure what the program should do and try to get there. Also you should watch the video again if you have the feeling that you have to do it.

And as always google.com and https://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/ and stackoverflow.com are your friends :)

Edit: Also: These challanges are very specific...just to learn/repeat the stuff of the videos...some of them have strange solutions or solutions you wont use in the practice (because there are better/newer ways). There are most likely always other ways to solve a problem. But you have to follow the challange instructions to pass.

Try to make a simple project (like text based console game) to repeat the stuff.

YOU WONT learn spanish in one week...and you wont learn Java within some month ;) Even someone with 10 years of (instert random programming language here) experiance will still learn new stuff...)

Miguel de Luis Espinosa
Miguel de Luis Espinosa
41,279 Points
Miguel de Luis Espinosa
Miguel de Luis Espinosa
41,279 Points

I am 45.

Now, forget about being too old or too young. It might be a typo, a misplaced semicolon, a trailing space, or that you did not understand, exactly, precisely, what little thing they asked for the challenge. We've all been there, and yeah it is frustrating

lambda
lambda
12,556 Points
lambda
lambda
12,556 Points

If you are a new to programming, I recommend starting with an "easier" language like Python or Javascript. Once you have a stronger grasp of programming concepts like variables, operators, functions/methods, etc. you can come back to Java with a more solid foundation of principles.

The introductory level videos cover a lot of material in a short amount of time (about 1 semesters worth of material condensed into 1-2 hours), which can be a little overwhelming for people who haven't been exposed to this type of stuff before.

Ivan A.
Ivan A.
9,627 Points

Thank you all for all the comments. I have a question. The teacher on JavaScript CLEARLY says that Java is NOT JavaScript. Those two are different. So my logic is that - Initially I wanted to learn to make Android apps, THERE the Teacher said - I should go and learn Java, it appears JAVA is a bit too hard for me and I should go and learn JavaScript.... Oh God... what's next??? :) Kill a dragon? :D

Carl Nenni
Carl Nenni
2,443 Points
Carl Nenni
Carl Nenni
2,443 Points

I am 55 and learning Java is a struggle for me too. Glad to hear others supporting here.

I try the challenges first on my own, even review screen shots I took from the class. I piece things together the best I can. But sometimes when I get down to just a few errors & still can't solve it, I resort to a google search. Most of the exercises from TTH are searchable on google.

Many times my code is very similar to the google search results, so it makes me happy :) I realize I am on the right track and I keep trying.