What to do when you get stuck

Hi Tali,

If you ever run into trouble and you're just stumped, shoot us an email at help@teamtreehouse.com with a link to the Code Challenge you are on and a screenshot of the code you are entering and we'll gladly take a look and provide you some assistance! :)

Tali Walt I too started at Code Academy and still work a bit over there too! I agree that while I've learned more, quicker here, the link to jump into the forum for a code challenge on the Code Academy site is priceless when you are stuck. Usually what I was stuck on is what many before me were stuck on.

I think if Treehouse could more towards having a forum structure similar to that, or at least a directory based off off lessons where we can easily find forum topics about the same code challenge we are on, that would be awesome!!

Tali Walt - Here are my suggested steps for solving issues you are having while programming, not just useful for Treehouse but when you start making stuff on your own as well.

• Re-watch the video, this time put away the text editor and take notes
• Read through your notes

• Read through the instructions (again)
• Try answering the question again
• Read your code backward (starting at the end of the line)

• Explain what each line of your code does out load to a rubber duck or anything else sitting on your desk
• Write down the question you have about the issue you are currently experiencing, when you are done read it your rubber duck

• If you've been at this for about half an hour (atleast), post here on the forum

• Your forum post should include the question as you formulated for your rubber duck

• Also make sure you are helping us help here are instructions on how to ask good questions on the forum

Tali Walt - This article on Teaching programming to a highly motivated beginner offers an interesting perspective on learning to program as well.

Also, just to let you all know, the feedback about having context-aware help on the code challenges is heard, loud and clear!

What works best for me is taking a break from the challenges and trying different ones for a bit. Often taking a break lets your brain relax and find the right answer to the problem.

Charles Shores - I had a programming teacher in college that used to say:

Half of all troubleshooting issues can be solved by going to lunch

Great responses guys, I mean really great. Now all i need is a rubber duck.

In this particular instance I must have missed something dumb, because my answer was accepted when I retook the code challenge.

Thank you for taking my pains seriously, and for acknowledging that some sort of context-aware help system would be a huge boon to us learners. I also want to say how much I, and I'm sure other newbies like me, are loving this opportunity to learn web design and development. Your services are much appreciated!