If someone asked me to describe my early days of coding, I wouldn’t talk about IDEs or debugging in front of a computer. No, my journey began with something way simpler—a pen, a notebook, and a confused look on my face as I tried to figure out what the heck an algorithm was.
Back in pre-university, C++ was part of the curriculum, and as much as I loved the idea of coding, the reality was... complicated. Theoretical classes didn’t click. Concepts felt abstract, and I just couldn’t connect them to anything real. I’m the kind of person who needs to know why something works and how to use it before I can actually learn it. (Spoiler alert: I’m still like this.)
Then one day, during a mandatory study hour, something clicked.
The Day It All Started Making Sense
Picture this, I’m bored out of my mind, sitting in class with my C++ textbook, pretending to study. Instead of revisiting the same concepts I didn’t understand, I decided to flip through the pages ahead. And then—lightbulb moment—I started seeing patterns in the example programs.
What if I wrote down what the program was doing, step by step? Suddenly, I wasn’t just reading the program; I was extracting its pseudocode (I didn't even know what they are called ). From there, I started writing the algorithms and drawing flowcharts to visualize the process.
Without realizing it, I was reverse-engineering the programs. And just like that, the chaos started to make sense.
Why I Still Swear by It
Even now, years later, I still go back to pen and paper. It’s not about being “old-school.” It’s about clarity. Writing things out forces me to slow down and think critically about what I’m trying to accomplish.
In a world where everything moves so fast, taking a step back and simplifying things feels… grounding.
How It Helped Me
The pen-and-paper approach changed everything. Suddenly, concepts clicked. Debugging felt less like guesswork and more like solving a puzzle. Writing down pseudocode on paper became my secret weapon, helping me untangle even the trickiest problems.
Encouragement for Beginners
To every beginner out there don’t rush to the IDE. Take a step back, grab a notebook, and map out your thoughts. This approach may feel slower at first, but it builds the kind of foundation that will serve you for years.
Remember, coding isn’t just syntax—it’s logic, creativity, and problem-solving. So, start with pen and paper and experience the magic.
Coding Isn’t Typing. It’s Thinking.
Here’s the thing no one tells you coding doesn’t start with firing up an IDE and smashing your keyboard like a hacker in a Hollywood movie. No. Coding starts with your brain… and, in my case, a cheap ballpoint pen and whatever notebook I could grab. Writing code on paper first wasn’t just helpful—it was a sanity-saver. Why? Because IDEs are mean. They’ll yell at you with errors the moment you mess up. A notebook, though? It’s quiet. Kind. Patient. It won’t judge you if your “algorithm” looks like a shopping list.
I had the best mentor—a man who saw my cluelessness and didn’t run the other way. Instead, he handed me the tools to figure things out on my own. He’d guide me when I was stuck but never spoon-feed me answers. That’s how I learned that struggling is a feature, not a bug, in coding. He made me realize that coding is 20% writing code and 80% trying to figure out why it doesn’t work.
Why I Still Use Pen and Paper
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “This is 2024, not the Stone Age. Why use pen and paper when there’s ChatGPT?” First, ouch. Second, because it works.
Writing pseudocode and algorithms forces me to slow down and actually think. It’s like stretching before a workout—you don’t want to skip it unless you’re okay pulling a mental muscle. Plus, there’s something satisfying about crossing out bad ideas on paper. It’s cathartic.
I mean, it'll be 2025 soon. And while ChatGPT is a total lifesaver (seriously, it’s like having a coding partner who never sleeps), there’s something about the simplicity of pen and paper that still helps me cut through the noise. It’s like the ultimate balance—combine the mental clarity of paper with the genius of ChatGPT. It’s the best of both worlds.
Conclusion: Coding is a Journey
Coding is more than typing lines of code; it’s about thinking critically and solving problems. By starting with pen and paper, you’re setting yourself up for success. I’d love to hear your thoughts—have you tried this approach before? Share your experiences in the comments or reach out to me on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Let’s learn and grow together! 🚀
PS: A Quick Thanks to My Mentor
If my mentor ever happens to read this, huge thanks for not giving up on me during those frustrating moments when my code refused to cooperate. You didn’t just hand me the answers—you made sure I learned how to find them myself. I’m pretty sure you’ve saved me hours of confusion, and I definitely owe you more than just a coffee for all the guidance!
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