Beginning

Problem sets are short programming challenges that help you practice the skills we are learning in class. A problem set is like a puzzle: you’re given a task, some requirements, and then you need to use your own knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving skills to create a working solution.

Problem sets are important because they give you a chance to:

1. Strengthen your understanding of key concepts through practice.
2. Learn how to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps.
3. Gain confidence by seeing your own code work successfully.
4. Make mistakes in a safe environment—and then fix them, which is one of the best ways to learn.
5. Prepare for larger projects and assessments, including the IB Internal Assessment.

One important rule: you should not use large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT or AI code generators to directly solve your problem sets. These tools can write code for you, but if you skip the thinking process, you’ll miss out on the deep understanding and skills that you’ll need later—especially for assessments where AI isn’t allowed.

Instead, you should:

1. Struggle a little (that’s part of real learning).
2. Work step by step and test your code often.
3. Use feedback from me, your classmates, and your own testing to improve.

When you begin working on problem sets, don’t worry if they feel challenging at first—that’s exactly how they’re supposed to feel. Start small, experiment, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Each problem you solve will make you stronger, faster, and more confident as a programmer. Think of it like learning a new game: the first few rounds might be tough, but with practice you’ll notice patterns, develop strategies, and start enjoying the challenge. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. Every attempt is a step forward.

Problem sets are where you’ll do the hard work that makes the exciting projects later in the course possible. Treat them as practice for building your skills, not as tasks to “get done quickly.”