Robert Chen – Yes I Learned To Code in Java in 4th Grade! If a 4th Grader Can Do It…

Dive: Coder - Java
Description: Knows how to code using Java
Level: Level 1
Level Requirements: Can code in Java at a basic level
Certified On: Feb 23, 2019

Editor’s Note: On all dive certifications, we try to edit the writing as little as possible to preserve authenticity, personality, and writing style. We typically fix spelling errors, but minimally modify grammar and sentence structure (just enough to ensure readability).

Name: Robert Chen Break Diving Level: Level 1 Number of Certified Dives: 5 From: United States In: United States

1. When and Why Did You Decide to Pursue This Dive At This Level? What was your inspiration and motivation?

I started this dive when I was in fourth grade. One of my family friends started taking Java in school and convinced me to learn along with him. This was actually the first language that I decided to learn, and it was the start of my journey into the world of programming. It feels nostalgic remembering how I learned this language.

2. How Long Did It Take For You To Accomplish This Dive At This Level From The Day You Decided To Pursue It, And Why Did It Take That Long?

It took my around a year to accomplish this dive because I was so young when I started. It was hard at first to learn but it got easier as I got more experienced. One of the tricks I used was to work on projects that I sincerely enjoyed. This made practicing a lot easier.

3. What Was The Hardest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

Java is a very intimidating language to learn. The most basic program, “Hello World”, is at least 5 lines long and has lots of strange words that a beginner would not understand. However, as with any programming language, the key is to persevere.

4. What Was The Easiest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

It is very logical.

5. What Is Your Advice For Someone Who Is Pursuing This Dive And Level?

Don’t give up. Coding is difficult, but java especially can feel impossible at first. However, it gets a lot easier as you start to understand how the language works. It’s also helpful to find a project that you enjoy working on. It’s a lot easier to learn how to code if you are doing something that you enjoy.

6. What Are Some Of The Best Resources You Recommend to Those Pursuing This Dive At This Level, And Why Do You Recommend Them? Please Include Relevant Weblinks, If Applicable.

Here are some good Java resources:

Resource 1: Break Diving - I've mentioned this before, but there are a lot of coders there who can help you.

Resource 2: Java Download at Oracle - You'll need this in order to code in Java.

Resource 3: -

Resource 4: -

Resource 5: -

7. Tell Us A Story Of One Of Your Adventures While Pursuing This Dive (At This Level).

I once tried to remake a popular game, Spacetime, in Java with my friend.

It started out well. We quickly got the basic level structure written and ships created. However, we quickly found out that the project was getting harder and harder to manage every day. Code that used to work would break as soon as we implemented a new feature.

Soon the project started to buckle under its own weight. Progress slowed and we started arguing over responsibilities.

Unfortunately, this game is not finished. After a few weeks, we gave up on the project and moved on. If I have time, I would like to return to it someday.

Lessons learned: start with projects you can handle; make sure you have a good team structure; new code can make old code break; and don’t be scared to admit something is over your head

8. What Evidence Did You Submit to Prove You Met the Requirements for This Dive and Level?

I have passed the Advanced Placement Computer Science test at my high school (which tested java) and presented these results (5 out of 5 Score) to the dive certification committee. Here is the syllabus for the course and test: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-computer-science-a-course-overview.pdf?course=ap-computer-science-a

9. Will You Be Pursuing The Next Level For This Dive? If Yes, Why? If Not, Why Not?

Yes I will continue to learn Java, and am building an app to show off my skills.

10. What is the Break Diver's Creed?

No Rules. No Excuses. No Regrets.

Certificate photo:

And having made this post, and provided adequate evidence to the dive committee, Robert Chen is now hereby certified by Break Diving, Inc. as: Coder - Java - Level 1. Congratulations ! Thank you for being an inspiration to others!

Certificate number: 7

The author above wrote this WYSEguidance post as one of the certification requirements to become certified by Break Diving, Inc. for a dive completed. Would you also like to find greater success, happiness, and friendship, and make genuine supportive connections with others around the world pursuing your same dreams? Come join us at Break Diving and soon your story will be the next one you read about on this site!

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