Typescript Debut Experience: A Coder’s Take on Learning Under Pressure
23 Jan 2025Javascript Newbie
My first exposure to JavaScript and TypeScript was just a week ago. I have experience with a few other programming languages, such as Python, C, and C++ so getting used to the basic logic of programming wasn’t very challenging. During the JavaScript and TypeScript modules, I learned that the syntax is very similar to C, which makes it relatively easy to write. I think TypeScript, compared to JavaScript, is a better language because it is easier to follow when declaring variables, as it allows you to specify types. Although we haven’t had the chance to use JavaScript for designing a website yet, I believe understanding how it works will be very useful.
Programming from an Athletic Approach
Working under pressure has never been something I am good at. Personally, I work best when I have time to think and brainstorm ideas on how to solve a problem. I really enjoy tackling programming challenges, especially when learning a new language, as it helps me get familiar with the syntax. So far, I’ve had a good experience with the first few practice WODs since the problems have been relatively easy. However, I find that stressing about the time limit makes me less productive. I’m curious to see what future WODs will bring, but for now, I’m unsure whether this learning style will work for me.
A Mix of Both
Combining my recent introduction to JavaScript and TypeScript with my personal approach to learning, I’ve noticed that both programming and athletics share similarities in developing a skill. Just like in sports, where repetition and understanding of fundamentals make you have better performance, mastering programming requires practice and patience. Although I find programming enjoyable, I’m still adapting to time-constrained challenges, a lot like adapting to competitive pressure in athletics. The structured nature of TypeScript is able to give me a way for problem solving (mainly in algorithms). While the time pressure of WODs feels daunting, I see them as an opportunity to strengthen my ability to perform under pressure, a skill I’ve worked on in sports but still working on in programming.
Resources: ChatGPT for grammar checking.