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
Miran Smith
5,931 PointsI'm on the beginning python track working on python collections.
I'm starting to have a little trouble with the coding challenges. For the most part I comprehend the video instructions but it seems like the coding challenges don't match with the prior video lessons. My question is if I comprehend the lesson but have issue with the challenges would it be ok to move on? I've seen that a lot of elements learned are replaced as I continue so I'm thinking as long as I have a general idea of what's going on I should be alright?
3 Answers
Gav Cooper
4,261 PointsI've found some of the coding challenges in the Collections course rather more demanding than other coding challenges I've encountered when I've used Treehouse before. This is not a bad thing. Being challenged to apply your knowledge forces you to develop understanding, not just knowledge. Don't be afraid to re-watch the videos or use other sources of information as you work on the problems. As I write this I've got at least three other tabs open in my browser with further information on python dictionaries.
There are also absolutely loads of 'code challenge' resources online - maybe practice with those. One I particularly like is is https://edabit.com/ - they have lots of challenges to work on.
Keep on persevering with them - the satisfaction you'll get from solving a difficult code challenge feels absolutely awesome.
Eric M
11,547 PointsHi Miran,
You can certainly skip around and learn at your own pace! Treehouse allows for very flexible and self directed learning.
In my experience the coding challenges always relate to the video content. Some times the challenges ask you to take a concept from the videos and apply it to a slightly different case. I will admit to checking the Python docs, googling, and rewatching the videos in order to pass some challenges.
It's certainly possible to get a good grasp of Python from only watching the videos, but I don't think it controversial to say that your understanding will be deeper and your skills sharper if you've had to do the problem solving with Python that the coding challenges represent. If you're working on your own scripts, however, while going through the videos this could be a suitable substitute for, or useful compliment to, the coding challenges.
In short, while it's okay to move in I would hope that you eventually come back and knock them out :)
Best of luck,
Eric
Eduardo Valencia
12,444 PointsThe coding challenges are there to test if you can put into practice the knowledge you gained. If you choose to skip them in lieu of finding the solution, then how will you put into practice that knowledge? Keep in mind that unless you practice what you learn, you will forget it. I strongly recommend you go through those coding challenges.