4 answers
Nicholas
Student
Albert Lea, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
1610 views
What is the hardest thing to get the hang of when majoring in Computer Science?
I'm a high school senior going to college in the fall, and I'm wondering what certain skill will be the best to have before I start classes.
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4 answers
Hemant Gupta
Software Engineer
8
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Hemant’s Answer
If you're majoring in Computer Science (CS) and want to get ahead before college, one of the hardest things to get the hang of is thinking like a programmer - which means problem-solving, debugging, and understanding abstract concepts rather than just memorizing code.
Top Challenges in CS & How Pluralsight Can Help:
1. Problem-Solving & Logical Thinking
- Many students struggle with breaking down complex problems into smaller, solvable parts.
- How to Prepare with Pluralsight:
- Take courses on Python, Java, or JavaScript for foundational skills.
- Practice logic-based coding challenges using Pluralsight’s coding exercises.
2. Understanding Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA)
- These are the backbone of CS and crucial for coding interviews.
- How to Prepare with Pluralsight:
- Enroll in the "Algorithms and Data Structures – Part 1 & 2" courses.
- Learn about arrays, linked lists, hash maps, and sorting algorithms with interactive content.
3. Debugging & Patience
- Writing code is easy - fixing it when it doesn’t work is the real challenge.
- How to Prepare with Pluralsight
- Use the "Debugging JavaScript" or "Debugging Python" courses to learn best practices.
- Get comfortable using debugging tools in VS Code or PyCharm.
4. Time Management & Avoiding Burnout
- CS courses can feel overwhelming, with tough assignments that take longer than expected.
- How to Prepare with Pluralsight:
- Take short, structured courses like "Time Management for Developers".
- Build a habit of daily learning with Pluralsight’s guided learning paths.
5. Version Control & Collaboration
- Many CS students don’t learn Git & GitHub until later, but it’s crucial for real-world development.
- How to Prepare with Pluralsight:
- Take the "Git Fundamentals" course to understand repositories, branches, and merging.
Best Skills to Learn Before College (with Pluralsight):
- Python or Java (CS courses often start with these languages) → Check "Python Fundamentals"
- Data Structures & Algorithms → "DSA for Beginners"
- Version Control (Git & GitHub) → "Git Fundamentals"
- Basic Command Line & Linux → "Linux Essentials"
- Debugging Skills → "Debugging JavaScript/Python"
If you start early with small coding projects and Pluralsight courses, you’ll have a huge advantage in college. The key is consistency - keep learning every day!
Top Challenges in CS & How Pluralsight Can Help:
1. Problem-Solving & Logical Thinking
- Many students struggle with breaking down complex problems into smaller, solvable parts.
- How to Prepare with Pluralsight:
- Take courses on Python, Java, or JavaScript for foundational skills.
- Practice logic-based coding challenges using Pluralsight’s coding exercises.
2. Understanding Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA)
- These are the backbone of CS and crucial for coding interviews.
- How to Prepare with Pluralsight:
- Enroll in the "Algorithms and Data Structures – Part 1 & 2" courses.
- Learn about arrays, linked lists, hash maps, and sorting algorithms with interactive content.
3. Debugging & Patience
- Writing code is easy - fixing it when it doesn’t work is the real challenge.
- How to Prepare with Pluralsight
- Use the "Debugging JavaScript" or "Debugging Python" courses to learn best practices.
- Get comfortable using debugging tools in VS Code or PyCharm.
4. Time Management & Avoiding Burnout
- CS courses can feel overwhelming, with tough assignments that take longer than expected.
- How to Prepare with Pluralsight:
- Take short, structured courses like "Time Management for Developers".
- Build a habit of daily learning with Pluralsight’s guided learning paths.
5. Version Control & Collaboration
- Many CS students don’t learn Git & GitHub until later, but it’s crucial for real-world development.
- How to Prepare with Pluralsight:
- Take the "Git Fundamentals" course to understand repositories, branches, and merging.
Best Skills to Learn Before College (with Pluralsight):
- Python or Java (CS courses often start with these languages) → Check "Python Fundamentals"
- Data Structures & Algorithms → "DSA for Beginners"
- Version Control (Git & GitHub) → "Git Fundamentals"
- Basic Command Line & Linux → "Linux Essentials"
- Debugging Skills → "Debugging JavaScript/Python"
If you start early with small coding projects and Pluralsight courses, you’ll have a huge advantage in college. The key is consistency - keep learning every day!
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
189
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hi Nicholas! One of the hardest things to get the hang of in computer science is thinking like a programmer so breaking problems down into smaller steps and learning how to solve them logically and patiently. Many students struggle at first with debugging code (I know I did) or grasping abstract concepts like recursion or algorithms, but that’s totally normal! Before you start, it helps to get comfortable with basic programming in Python or Java, and practice problem-solving through platforms like LeetCode or Codecademy. Most importantly, be ready to stick with problems even when they’re frustrating, persistence is one of your greatest tools in CS. Stay patient and determined and you'll succeed, best of luck!
Cuauhtemoc Medina Muñoz
Program Manager
3
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Cuauhtemoc’s Answer
Hi Nicholas!
Majoring in Computer Science can be incredibly rewarding and satisfying . However, there are a few challenges and skills that can be particularly important to master:
Abstract thinking:
Computer Science often requires thinking in abstract terms, especially when dealing with algorithms and data structures. This can be challenging at first but is crucial for problem-solving. So, start thinking outside of the box.
Debugging:
Finding and fixing errors in code can be frustrating and time-consuming. Developing a systematic approach to debugging is essential. You need to understand each step and each line of your work before anything. If you use IA as an assistant for coding, make sure that you understand what is happening and how everything works.
Mathematical Foundations:
Many computer science concepts are rooted in mathematics, particularly discrete math, calculus, and linear algebra. Strengthening your math skills can be very beneficial, but do not get frustrated by this. Just start with the basics like arithmetic's and you will be fine.
Basic Programming Knowledge: Familiarity with at least one programming language (like Python, Java, or C++) will give you a head start. Understanding basic concepts like loops, conditionals, and functions is very helpful.
Problem-Solving Skills: Practice solving problems logically and systematically. Websites like LeetCode and HackerRank offer great exercises to build these skills.
Time Management: College courses can be demanding, and managing your time effectively will help you balance coursework, projects, and personal life.
Majoring in Computer Science can be incredibly rewarding and satisfying . However, there are a few challenges and skills that can be particularly important to master:
Abstract thinking:
Computer Science often requires thinking in abstract terms, especially when dealing with algorithms and data structures. This can be challenging at first but is crucial for problem-solving. So, start thinking outside of the box.
Debugging:
Finding and fixing errors in code can be frustrating and time-consuming. Developing a systematic approach to debugging is essential. You need to understand each step and each line of your work before anything. If you use IA as an assistant for coding, make sure that you understand what is happening and how everything works.
Mathematical Foundations:
Many computer science concepts are rooted in mathematics, particularly discrete math, calculus, and linear algebra. Strengthening your math skills can be very beneficial, but do not get frustrated by this. Just start with the basics like arithmetic's and you will be fine.
Cuauhtemoc recommends the following next steps:
Efrén Osorio
Software design & development
1
Answer
Guadalajara
Updated
Efrén’s Answer
Hardest Thing
====
- Thinking abstractly and generalizing problems. This requires a different way of thinking than what you use daily.
- Remember that it's not just about gaming, hacking, or building apps. Computer science is a broad field with many areas, and in college, you need to study most of them.
Best Skills to Have Before
====
- Self-study. Computer science changes quickly, and requires tons of different tools, so it's helpful to teach yourself what interests you.
- Prompt engineering. You'll do a lot of searching and asking questions, so knowing how to use online search engines and AI tools is important.
- Analytical thinking. You'll face complex problems that need to be broken down into parts. Solve each part one by one, but keep them connected.
- Frustration tolerance. This skill is crucial for dealing with machines, people, work, sports, and more. Focus on building this skill.
====
- Thinking abstractly and generalizing problems. This requires a different way of thinking than what you use daily.
- Remember that it's not just about gaming, hacking, or building apps. Computer science is a broad field with many areas, and in college, you need to study most of them.
Best Skills to Have Before
====
- Self-study. Computer science changes quickly, and requires tons of different tools, so it's helpful to teach yourself what interests you.
- Prompt engineering. You'll do a lot of searching and asking questions, so knowing how to use online search engines and AI tools is important.
- Analytical thinking. You'll face complex problems that need to be broken down into parts. Solve each part one by one, but keep them connected.
- Frustration tolerance. This skill is crucial for dealing with machines, people, work, sports, and more. Focus on building this skill.