How you can you improve your computational or logical thinking when programming?

Question

I struggle when it comes to programming mainly because of the fact that I forget it's not about the syntax or programming language, rather the problem solving that goes behind it. Does anyone have and suggestions on improving those programming problem solving skills.

Answer 1

I recommend that you solve the problem with at least three different inputs to make sure you really understand your solution and that it will work for more than one case.

I often use a Mathematical Induction approach if possible.  Using this approach I might try and solve for 1 first, then for 2, then for n.

Also don’t forget to look for corner cases and edge cases and do any examples for those kind of cases you can think of.

It’s very important that when you solve a problem manually, you recognize what your brain is actually doing to solve the problem.  You may need to write out all the things you are normally storing in your head.  You want to be aware of each step, it is easy to gloss over them.

Answer 2

let me tell you beforehand, that this ability will improve with practice. syntax is important, it's like grammar. but once you've learned it, it's time to do something meaningful with it. to continue with the analogy: writing a novel or poem.

the strategy is: divide and conquer. divide the problem into small manageable parts and then put the pieces together and optimize your code (look for ways to improve it).

like architects study masterpieces of architecture to become better architects, so do we have to study masterpieces of code to become good programmers and to learn how certain problems are solved in the best possible way.

Answer 3

Don't worry if you miss it during time slot.