By Jesalyn Sual | 1st-Year BS Computer Science Student
Introduction
Hello, everyone! I am Jesalyn Sual, a first-year Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) student at PLMun. As a Computer Science student, I am beginning my journey into the world of programming and technology.
One of the programming languages I am learning is C++. At first, programming seemed difficult because I needed to understand new terms, symbols, and rules. However, as I continued practicing, I realized that programming is not only about writing code. It is also about learning how to solve problems, think logically, and become more patient.
In this blog post, I want to share my first impressions of learning C++ and the lessons I have learned as a beginner.
What Is C++?
C++ is a programming language used to create different types of computer programs. It allows programmers to give instructions to a computer using code.
C++ is interesting because it teaches me how computers follow instructions step by step. Although the language has rules that I need to follow, I believe that understanding the basics will help me improve my programming skills.
Some basic concepts I am learning include:
- Variables – These store information, such as names and numbers.
- Data types – These define the kind of information a variable can hold.
- Output statements – These display information on the screen.
- Conditional statements – These allow a program to make decisions.
- Syntax – These are the rules for writing code correctly.
Understanding these concepts is an important first step in learning how to create programs.
My First C++ Program
One of the simplest programs a beginner can create is a program that displays Hello, World! on the screen.
Here is an example of a basic C++ program:
include
using namespace std;
int main() {
cout << "Hello, World!";
return 0;
}
How Does the Code Work?
Let us understand the important parts of this program:
- "#include " allows the program to use input and output features.
- "using namespace std;" lets me use standard names such as "cout" without writing "std::" before them.
- "int main()" is the main function where the program begins executing.
- "cout << "Hello, World!";" displays the message on the screen.
- "return 0;" indicates that the program has finished successfully.
The expected output is:
Hello, World!
Even though this program is simple, it helps me understand how code works and how a computer follows the instructions I write.
The Challenges I Experienced
Learning C++ is exciting, but it also comes with challenges. Sometimes, I forget to put a semicolon, type a keyword incorrectly, or miss a closing brace. These small mistakes can cause errors when I run my program.
At first, these errors can be confusing. However, I am learning that mistakes are a normal part of programming.
To improve my skills, I try to:
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Check my code for missing symbols or spelling mistakes.
- Run the program and read the error messages.
- Practice writing simple programs.
- Ask questions when I do not understand a concept.
I believe that patience and consistent practice are important because programming skills develop over time.
What I Have Learned So Far
My first impressions of C++ have taught me that learning programming requires effort, focus, and determination. I am beginning to understand that even a small program involves following specific rules and organizing instructions properly.
I have also learned that problem-solving is an important part of Computer Science. When my code does not work, I need to find the mistake and try to correct it instead of giving up immediately.
As a beginner, I still have many things to learn, such as loops, functions, arrays, and more advanced programming concepts. I know that these topics may be challenging, but I am willing to learn them step by step.
My Goals as a Future Computer Scientist
As I continue my BSCS journey, I want to improve my coding skills and become more confident in solving programming problems.
My goals are to:
- Practice C++ regularly.
- Learn other programming languages in the future.
- Create useful programs that can help people.
- Improve my logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Build a portfolio that showcases my learning and projects.
I know that becoming a skilled programmer takes time, but I believe that every small step will bring me closer to my goals.
Conclusion
My first experience learning C++ has been both challenging and exciting. I have discovered that programming is not always easy, but it becomes more understandable when I practice and learn from my mistakes.
As a first-year BSCS student, I am still at the beginning of my journey. I look forward to learning more, improving my skills, and creating my own projects in the future.
How about you? What was your first experience learning a programming language? Do you have any tips for beginners who are learning C++? I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments!
Thank you for reading my first technical blog post.
Connect with me.
- LinkedIn Profile: [ https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings/ ]
- Canva Résumé or Certificates:[ https://canva.link/jza7le689j939i9 ]
Top comments (0)