This has happpened a few times lately while learning and using Javascript. I would say a memorable time was definitely while working on the gradebook challenge in this sprint. The problem was basically that I had to make an object and fill it with the values of two already existing arrays. I tried to pseudocode but I couldn't wrap my head around the logic behind the problem. I found myself using console.log a lot through trial and error and just hoping to strike a right answer. It was extremely frustrating because I thought I finally had a decent understanding of objects, loops and arrays. I spent way too long on a specific problem and I had found myself having to take many breaks to keep my mind fresh. I turned to videos and articles to basically reset my understanding of objects, loops and arrays. I also asked my peers and facilitators for help through discord. I didn't want to get the straight up answer but some advice and direction to approach the problem. I did find the guidance I was looking for. I was also sent a video on bracket notation which really made it all click for me. I would say I learned the importance of using all the available resources around me to better my knowledge. Also it can be important to look back at the foundation of a concept when I'm stuck because it can open my mind to how I may use this concept.
I experienced this when I was working the fizzbuzz problem. I had to create a function to check wether a number parameter was divisble by 3 seperate numbers. Depending on the which number the parameter was divisble by, it would return a unique word. I primarily used pseudocode to visualize my initial approach to the problem. Based on the knowledge I had, I already had a plan on how I thought the problem would be solved. When I started to actually code I felt that it flowed really well and I was really thinking of how I could solve it efficiently. I knew I had to use the remainder operator because I had used it before on a similar problem. I used console.log a few times through the code to check if everything was working. I ended up solving it relatively quickly and it felt great and satisfying. I learned that it's important to try to remember past problems where you used a similar logic. It really does help the new problem make sense and it makes feel me more confident solving it. I also learned to take some time before coding to try to establish some sort of an approach and to try and visualize the problem in seperate sections.
I need to make this more of a habit. a lot of the time these just stay in my thoughts or I instantly just start coding.
This is probably my bread and butter. My first response to most problems is to give it a try using just my initial thought process.
I use it occasionally when I really want to hammer down a concept and test how well I really understand something. While coding I use it when I'm stuck and need to visualize each line of code.
This has proven to be really helpful. Whenever there is an error message I immediately check what line the error is present on. This always helps fix any syntax errors.
This has pratically become second nature by now. Every time I've needed to check wether something is working I've used console.log . It's been an essential part of my learning process and programming.
If I've forgotten some syntax, need to remember a concept or structure, I'm turning to google. Many websites have been really helpful at providing useful information on a number of topics. I'm very accustomed to using google to better my understanding and seek guidance.
I'm definitely no stranger to sharing on the discord group. I know there is a lot of people trying to solve the same problems as I am solving so I like to see their approach, open my mind and check if I'm on the right track
The facilitators are great. They are usually the first to reply to my call for help haha on the group chat. They are also very quick to reply and know exactly how to challenge us regarding setting us up to approach a problem. I'm very confident with asking for their advice and help when I feel I need to.
Each week this gets easier with all the reflections. I feel like now it's becoming more natural to reflect on situations and I'm not having to think about it as much.