It’s no secret that computer science can be a tough field to study. The concepts are often difficult to grasp, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged.
If you’re struggling with computer science, you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why you might say “I hate computer science” and how you can start to fall in love with it.
What exactly is computer science?
Computer science is the study of how computers work. This includes everything from the hardware that makes up a computer to the software that tells it what to do.
It’s a broad field that covers a lot of ground, which can make it difficult to know where to start. Computer science is also constantly changing, which can make it hard to keep up with the latest trends and technologies.
While it is an exciting and rewarding field for some, it can also be frustrating and stressful for others.
So why do I hate computer science?
There are many reasons you might claim “I hate computer science”. Below we will consider some of these concerns and start to think if and how it is possible to change perspective on your hate for CS.
The Concepts Are Difficult to Grasp
One of the biggest reasons why students hate computer science is that the concepts are often very difficult to grasp. This can be frustrating because it feels like you’re never making any progress.
If you’re struggling to understand the concepts, try breaking them down into smaller pieces and focusing on one concept at a time. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your professor or peers. There’s no shame in admitting that you need some assistance.
You Feel Overwhelmed and Discouraged
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re taking a computer science course. There’s so much material to cover, and it can seem like you’re never going to get through it all.
If you find yourself feeling discouraged, take a break and come back to the material later. Sometimes, all you need is some time away from the material to clear your head and approach it with fresh eyes.
You Don’t See the Usefulness of Computer Science
Another reason why students hate computer science is that they don’t see its usefulness. If you’re having trouble seeing how computer science will be useful in your future career, try thinking about how it can be applied in your everyday life.
For example, if you enjoy online shopping, consider how computer science is used to develop websites and protect against cybercrime. By understanding the usefulness of computer science, you’ll be more likely to appreciate its value.
Is it normal that I hate computer science?
The roots of the feeling of hate are complex and varied, but one thing is for sure: it is normal to feel hate toward computer science. The reason for the feeling of hatred can be traced back to our evolutionary past, when hating things that posed a threat to our survival was a key component of staying alive.
In the modern world, however, computer science doesn’t pose a physical threat to us like lions or tigers do. So why do we still feel this way? The answer lies in the fact that hating something doesn’t always have to do with what is actually happening in the present moment. It can also be a response to things that happened in the past, even if those things are no longer relevant.
For example, many people feel resentment and anger toward computer science because they had a negative experience with it during their school years. Maybe they struggled with programming classes or felt like they were constantly being compared to others who seemed to be “naturals” at it. Whatever the reason may be, these experiences can leave deep scars that affect how we view computer science even decades later.
But just because something bad happened in the past doesn’t mean it has to stay that way forever. Just like any other emotion, hate is something that can change over time. With enough effort and patience, it’s possible to eventually see computer science in a more positive light and even come to enjoy it. After all, it is one of the most fascinating and rapidly-growing fields out there, with something new to discover every day.
Reasons to love computer science
For every reason to hate computer science, there are even more reasons to love it. It is a truly unique field that opens a lot of opportunities, even if you can’t see it right now. Here are some of the reasons to love computer science:
1. It’s constantly evolving
Computer science is one of the most rapidly growing and constantly changing fields out there. There are always new technologies and advances to learn about, making it an exciting and ever-changing field.
2. It’s intellectually stimulating
Computer science requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s a field that challenges your intellect and allows you to learn and grow on a mental level.
3. It has real-world applications
Computer science is used in a wide variety of fields, from website development to cybersecurity. By understanding computer science, you can make a positive impact in the world around you.
4. It’s creative
Computer science isn’t just about numbers and code. It also involves creativity and imagination. You can express your creativity through coding or developing new algorithms and software.
5. It opens up a world of possibilities
Once you start to understand computer science, the sky’s the limit. You’ll have the opportunity to work in a variety of different fields and industries or even start your own tech company right at the tips of your fingers!
So if you find yourself hating computer science, don’t give up just yet. With time and right strategies, you may just find that you love it after all.
How to fall in love with computer science
If you currently hate computer science but are interested in changing your perspective, here are a few things you can do:
1. Start by learning more about what computer science is and what it involves. This can help you gain a better understanding of its value and how it can be applied in various fields.
2. Try taking a few introductory classes to get a feel for what it’s like to study computer science. Don’t be afraid to ask your professor for help if you’re struggling.
3. Get involved in computer science-related projects and activities. This can help you learn more about the field and develop your skills and interests.
4. Talk to other people who love computer science and ask them how they got interested in it. Learning about other people’s experiences can help you see computer science in a new light.
5. Be patient and keep an open mind. It may take some time before you start to appreciate computer science, but with effort, you can eventually come to love it.
Tips for struggling students
If you are currently struggling with computer science, it is normal to feel hatred toward the subject. In this case, you should try to focus on and implement the following strategies to pull yourself out of the cycle of feeling overwhelmed and hateful towards computer science:
- Start by focusing on the positive aspects of computer science.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your professor or peers.
- Try breaking down the concepts into smaller pieces and focus on one concept at a time.
- Take a break and come back to the material later if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.
- Understand the usefulness of computer science in your everyday life.
- Allow yourself time to adjust to the material and don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t understand everything right away.
- Make use of online resources such as blogs, forums, and articles to learn more about computer science.
How to get over the fear of failure
One of the main reasons why students struggle with computer science is because they are afraid of failing. This fear can be paralyzing and make it difficult to even start trying to learn the material.
If you find yourself struggling with this fear, it is important to remember that everyone experiences failure at some point. It is part of the learning process and should be seen as an opportunity to grow and improve.
Here are some tips to help you overcome your fear of failure:
- Acknowledge your fear: The first step is to acknowledge that you are afraid of failing. Once you realize what is holding you back, you can begin to address it.
- Set realistic goals: Don’t try to bite off more than you can chew. Set small, achievable goals for yourself so that you can gradually build up your confidence.
- Seek help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your peers or professors. They can provide guidance and support to help you through tough concepts.
- Practice, practice, practice: A great way to overcome your fear of failure is to practice, practice, practice. Get comfortable with the material by working on coding problems and doing practice exams.
- Remember that everyone fails: It’s important to remember that everyone experiences failure at some point. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it perfect the first time. Just keep trying and you will eventually succeed.
- Focus on the process, not the outcome: One of the best pieces of advice is to focus on the process, not the outcome. Don’t worry about whether or not you will get an A on the exam. Just focus on doing your best and learning as much as you can.
By following these tips, you can begin to overcome your fear of failure and succeed in computer science. Just remember that failure is part of the learning process and should be seen as an opportunity to grow and improve.
Resources for further study on how to get better at computer science
There are a number of excellent resources available to help you improve your skills in computer science. Here are just a few:
- Codecademy: Codecademy is an online platform that offers free coding courses on a variety of programming languages.
- edX: edX is a MOOC provider that offers online courses on a variety of computer science topics.
- Coursera: Coursera is another MOOC provider that offers excellent online courses from different universities.
- Udemy: Udemy is an online platform that offers affordable courses in many different areas of computer science and programming.
- Udacity: Udacity is a MOOC provider that offers online courses on a variety of computer science topics, as well as nanodegrees in specific areas such as data science and artificial intelligence.
- The Coding Train: The Coding Train is a great YouTube channel that offers free video tutorials on a variety of computer science topics.
These are just a few of the many excellent resources available to help you improve your skills in computer science. By taking advantage of these resources, you can gain a better understanding of the material and become a more successful computer science student.
Conclusion
Computer science can be a tough field to study, but that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to enjoy. If you hate computer science, try breaking down the concepts into smaller pieces, taking breaks when you feel overwhelmed, and thinking about how computer science is used in your everyday life. By understanding the reasons why you hate computer science, you can start to fall in love with it.
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.