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I was wrong to make beginners memorize code before building anything
I used to insist that new coders should memorize all the basic syntax like loops and variables first. I thought it was the best way to learn, similar to memorizing math formulas. But then I saw people lose interest quickly because it felt boring and pointless. For instance, a friend I taught got frustrated just writing print statements for days without a real goal. Now I believe beginners should jump into a simple project, like a basic calculator or a todo list, even if they don't understand every line at first. Getting something to work on screen makes learning fun and shows progress. That hands-on approach keeps them coding instead of quitting, which is what really matters.
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leoreed6mo ago
Memorizing loops before any real project drove your friend away... What's the first concrete thing you have beginners build today? I've seen tutorials where people just follow steps without learning why... Figuring out how to blend fun projects with actual understanding seems like the next hurdle.
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skyler1906mo ago
Had my cousin build a dumb text game first, @leoreed.
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dylanfisher6mo ago
Yeah, I used to push for memorizing syntax before any real coding too. What changed for me was seeing friends get bored and quit when they had no goal. Now I start them with a simple guessing game or a text based adventure. It gives them a reason to care about loops and conditions. They learn why the code matters because they see it work in their own project. That mix of fun and function keeps them hooked long enough to really learn.
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