You're starting out in Computer Science. What hurdles will you need to overcome?

Computer science is very theoretical so you will have to learn some concepts that really take a lot of time to learn in such a short time. You have to understand what works for you and this helps but with changes occurring all the time you have to like learning

A strong foundation with these topics is extremely important in Computer Science, since like math, the concepts often build off each other. For example, understanding a linked list is necessary because it is the basic building block of many other data structures, like doubly linked lists and queues. One thing that's always helped me is visualizations and talking it through with others. Both of these can reveal where understanding may be fuzzy. Another thing that helped me was coding them myself in Java, as it showed me which edge cases to look out for and what happens at every step of the flow.

Understanding complex theoretical concepts in computer science, like algorithms and data structures, is indeed a significant hurdle for beginners. Taking the time to thoroughly grasp these foundational topics is crucial. One emerging change in this area is the increased use of interactive learning platforms and visual aids, which help demystify these abstract concepts. These tools offer a more engaging and accessible way to learn, making it easier to understand the 'why' and 'how' behind each topic. Embrace these resources to build a solid foundation for your CS journey.

For instance, one must make the notion of algorithms more understandable and apply it to actual scenarios. Then gradually expanding it to produce increasingly challenging tasks. When I first enrolled to pursue my bachelor's degree, I had no concept what an algorithm was, therefore I struggled to understand it. Writing the algorithm or the code based on the necessary concept was difficult at first. It took quite a good amount of time to understand, and it could be challenging to spend enough time during the course to learn these fundamental concepts. Therefore, to pursue computer science, it is best to self-learn the fundamental ideas like algorithms, data structures, etc. well in advance. This will ease understanding complexities in CS.

I think multiple perspectives and ideas discussed on a task can be hard to understand while starting in Computer Science and finding the one that actually works is tasking because of this.

For Example: During the first year of my Bachelor's degree, I faced a challenging experience with C++. I was tasked with implementing a data structure, such as a linked list. My program would compile, but it kept crashing when I tried to insert or delete nodes. After hours of debugging, I realized I was not properly handling pointers, leading to memory corruption. This experience taught me the critical importance of understanding memory management and pointers in C++. By working through this, I gained a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the language and the necessity of thorough testing. Patience and practice are key. Write code regularly, read others' code, and slowly you'll develop the proficiency to tackle more complex projects.

One of the most important skills in this field is your ability to adapt. While it does matter how much you know off the top of your head — the true value of a good computer scientist is one who can get a problem they don’t know how to solve and use tools at their disposal to figure it out. Problem solving is key, while there will be woes, keep a clear head and be the person who is excited to learn how to solve these problems instead of freaking out because they don’t know the answer.

Learning to code can be challenging, especially when starting with languages like Python or Java. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the syntax and logic. An emerging change is the rise of AI-powered code assistants, such as GitHub Copilot, which can help beginners by suggesting code snippets and identifying errors. These tools can accelerate learning and reduce frustration. Remember, patience and regular practice are essential. Continuously write and read code to build your proficiency and confidence, enabling you to tackle more complex projects over time.

Start a pet project! Not only does it give you a real world place to experiment and practice what you've been learning, but it also is a great start to building a portfolio! For instance, I've been working on developing Minecraft server software since high school. Not much has made it out into the real world but it has certainly taught me lots!

Evolution is the law of nature and only the fittest creature survives the same goes for the technical world. Everyday something changes whether it's some way to solve a problem or some new advanced in AI or some new extraction of data technology. You need to be updated in order to stay in the game.

To keep up with tech evolution, regularly explore new tools and trends by following industry blogs, joining tech communities, and attending relevant webinars. Engaging with real-world projects and experimenting with emerging technologies also helps you stay ahead and understand practical applications of the latest advancements.

The rapid evolution of the tech industry necessitates staying updated with the latest trends and technologies. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial. An emerging change in this sphere is the increasing accessibility of online courses and micro-credentials from top universities and tech companies. These platforms provide opportunities to learn new programming languages, frameworks, and advancements in AI and other fields. Engaging with the CS community and experimenting with these new tools will ensure you remain relevant and capable in this ever-changing industry.

To excel in practical application, start by using theoretical concepts to tackle real-world issues, beginning with your own problems. For instance, you might build a simple expense tracker and gradually add features. Additionally, consider what problems your friends or family are facing and try to solve those as well. This hands-on approach not only deepens your understanding but also shows how theories translate into practical solutions and their real-world value

Applying theoretical knowledge through hands-on projects is essential for a comprehensive understanding of computer science. One emerging change is the proliferation of collaborative platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow, which offer a wealth of resources and community support. These platforms enable you to work on open-source projects and receive feedback from experienced developers. Start with small projects that interest you and gradually take on more significant challenges. This practical experience not only solidifies your theoretical knowledge but also enhances your problem-solving skills and adaptability in real-world scenarios.

Why soft skills are important in CS field: - Communication: You need to talk with your teammates in order to understand their view and support on your blockage. - Teamwork: In a CS project, there are many works to do (planning, designing, implementing, ...). This skills will improve every time you communicate with your teammates. - Problem-solving: In CS, problem solving is essential to find answer for a problem in a limit time. You can improve this skill by practicing algorithms on Leetcode. Aside from these 3 skills, I think emotional management, planning and time management are important in CS.

As a computer science newbie, not only should you be able to get proficiency in the technical stack, but also develop soft skills. Soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving are equally essential and are often neglected by newcomers. In certain scenarios, you may find yourself in situations where you will need to explain the complex terms or procedures to non-technical individuals. This is one of the areas where your soft skills come into play. Apart from this, it is also noteworthy to be a good listener.

CS jobs are often team-drive which is why learning soft skills is just as crucial as learning coding skills! The key to soft skills is learning the "lingo" related to whatever you're working on. Having a common language helps you better communicate issues and blockers and also helps you resolve them faster.

Building resilience in Computer Science has been crucial in my journey. Once, while tackling a tough bug on a new technology stack, I felt stuck and frustrated. Instead of giving up, I sought help from online forums and colleagues, which eventually led me to the solution. This experience taught me the value of persistence and seeking help, and it reinforced my belief that overcoming challenges is essential for growth. Celebrating small victories along the way helped me stay motivated and positive, ultimately making me a more resilient and capable developer.