Have you often heard the saying that programming is only suitable for computer majors, and that non-computer majors cannot learn programming, or it is useless to learn it? If you are a non-computer science major interested in programming, I have good news for you: these statements are wrong!
In fact, college students who are not majoring in computer science can definitely learn programming well, and mastering programming skills will bring you many advantages and opportunities in the future society. Do not believe? Then let’s take a look together!
Why can non-computer major college students learn programming well?
First of all, we need to clarify a misunderstanding: college students majoring in computer science are not necessarily better at programming than college students not majoring in computer science.
why? Because programming is not a course that can only be learned in college, but a skill that requires continuous practice and self-improvement.
Think about it, most of the college students nowadays, how many of them listened well to the lectures and studied well during their school days? Many people are studying for exams, playing with their mobile phones, or skipping classes. Computer science students are no exception. If they do not listen carefully in class, do not actively conduct experiments, and do not take the initiative to explore new knowledge, then their advantage over non-computer major students is just that they have chosen a major.
Moreover, the courses currently offered by universities are actually somewhat out of touch with social work. They may teach more basic and theoretical knowledge first, and then teach practical techniques. But for non-computer major students, they can start with practical technologies and then go back to supplement basic and principle knowledge.
What are the benefits of doing this? On the one hand, it allows you to quickly feel the fun and sense of accomplishment brought by programming; on the other hand, it allows you to more easily understand the logic and meaning behind basic and principle knowledge.
You may ask: Then why do many people say that programming is difficult to learn? In fact, it is not that programming itself is difficult to learn, but that it is difficult to get started.
What are the difficulties in getting started with programming?
There are two main difficulties in getting started with programming: syntax and thinking.
Grammar is a set of writing methods and formats specified by a programming language. For example, in Python, if you want to output a sentence, you must write it as print("Hello, world!"); in Java, you must write it asSystem.out.println("Hello, world!");
The syntax looks simple, but it's easy to make mistakes. For example, in Python, if you forget quotation marks or brackets, an error will be reported; in Java, if you forget a semicolon or capitalization, an error will be reported.
Moreover, different programming languages have different grammatical rules. You have to learn not just one language, but multiple languages. This requires you to spend a lot of time and energy memorizing and practicing.
Thinking is a logical and abstract way of thinking required for programming. For example, in programming, you have to break down a complex problem into small steps, and then use code to implement each step; you have to encapsulate some commonly used functions into functions or modules, and then use them when needed When you call them; you have to combine some data and operations into objects or classes, and then use them to describe things in the real world.
Thinking seems very profound, but it is very important. Because programming is not just about writing code, but using code to solve problems. If you don't have clear thinking, you can't understand the nature of the problem and design effective solutions.
Moreover, programming thinking is an ability that requires long-term cultivation and exercise. You cannot master it all at once, but you must improve it through continuous practice and reflection. Therefore, getting started with programming is a typical process with a very steep learning curve. It was very difficult at first, especially for non-majors who had no computer training.
However, once you have overcome the darkest moment in the learning process and formed a certain programming thinking, you will have the feeling of opening up the two channels of Ren and Du, and being able to understand everything at once. Even, your whole way of thinking will change because of learning programming.
How can non-major students learn computer science courses on their own?
Now that we know that non-computer major college students can learn programming well, the next question is: How should they learn computer major courses on their own?
Based on my own experience, I believe that non-computer major students can start from the following three aspects:
Programming language
Data Structures and Algorithms
Computer Basics
These three aspects are the core content of computer major courses and the basis of programming ability. As long as you master these three aspects of knowledge and skills, you can cope with most programming scenarios and needs.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that you have to learn all three aspects thoroughly before you can start programming. In fact, you can use it as you learn it, and learn as you use it. This will allow you to enter the state faster and also allow you to better consolidate your knowledge~
College students who are not computer majors can definitely learn programming well. The key to learning programming is attitude. It may be difficult to get started, but as long as you overcome this stage, you will be able to enjoy the fun and sense of accomplishment that programming brings. Remember, programming has no major, as long as you are willing to learn, you can do it!
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