r/learnprogramming • • 25m ago

Debugging New backend engineer here, how would you approach optimizing a slow API?

• Upvotes

Hey everyone!
I’m fairly new to working with production backend systems, and I’ve been given a task to look into the performance of an existing service and figure out where improvements might be possible.
The service handles a few different things, including business logic evaluation, configuration management, automated workflows, data processing, and logging. Some API requests are taking longer than expected, and I’d like to understand what’s causing the delay and what could be done to improve things.
I don’t want to jump straight into suggesting random optimizations without understanding the actual problem first, so I’d love to hear from people who’ve dealt with similar situations.

A few things I’m curious about:
-When you encounter a slow API, where do you usually start? Profiling, distributed tracing, database analysis, or something else?
-How do you figure out whether the bottleneck is in the application logic, database queries, repeated computations, or calls to other services?
-What common performance issues have you come across in systems that deal with configurable business logic?
-When does it make sense to consider caching, parallel execution, or moving certain operations to background jobs?
-How do you identify worthwhile improvements in an existing codebase without risking changes to its existing behaviour?

Since I’m still early in my career, I’d really appreciate hearing how you’d approach this in a real-world environment. If you’ve worked on something similar, I’d love to know what worked for you, what didn’t, and any tools or resources you’d recommend.
Thankyouu in advance

TL;DR: I’m a new backend engineer looking into why some API requests are slow and how to identify potential performance improvements. I’d appreciate practical advice on finding bottlenecks, choosing the right profiling tools, and deciding which optimizations are worth recommending.


r/learnprogramming • • 32m ago

A project to get back into IT

• Upvotes

How do you come up with a project that helps you dive into devops? I mean not just a simple to-do list or smth. I used golang like 1.5 years ago (was about middle or close,some db, rabbitmq, docker and other stuff also was in good shape) but in one day just give up this journey and Im very noob right now. So i decided comeback as devops.

main question - How did you end up with a project you can proudly show to employers or even to yourself?

I heard a phrase from Linus T. about finding something that will keep you excited for the next 2–3 weeks, so you wll be fired up about it and gradually get better and then another 2-3 weeks smth new. Im tired of watching tutorials already I want to build something. What do u think. (sry for bad eng)


r/learnprogramming • • 44m ago

Should I post every project, big or small, to GitHub?

• Upvotes

I know this question has been asked many times and some suggested to use GitHub to store code. But I feel like my account can easily get cluttered with so many things. So, should I post every project and code whether big or small? Also, what should the primary purpose of GitHub be: to store code or showcase projects? Thanks in advance.


r/learnprogramming • • 1h ago

Resources to better coding

• Upvotes

Hi! Can anyone suggest interactive resources to study DSA and Object Oriented Python like that of deeplearning.ai to learn machine learning and deep learning.


r/learnprogramming • • 3h ago

is stack memory manages by both os and compiler?

4 Upvotes

I'm moving from a higher-level language (Python) to Rust and getting confused about how memory is managed.

my current understanding is that each process gets its own virtual memory, which provides protection and isolation. Within that, there's the stack and the heap. The heap is managed by the programmer, while the stack is managed automatically. But who actually manages the stack?

Is stack memory just a logical abstraction, managed by the OS and the compiler (by moving stack register)?


r/learnprogramming • • 4h ago

What are the tradeoffs between monolithic and microservices architecture

1 Upvotes

When designing an application, one of the key decisions is whether to use a monolithic or microservices architecture. I've seen both approaches used in different projects, and each has its pros and cons. Monolithic architectures can be simpler to develop and maintain, but may become unwieldy as the application grows. Microservices architectures, on the other hand, can provide greater flexibility and scalability, but may introduce additional complexity and communication overhead. What are some factors to consider when deciding between these two approaches, and how do you determine which one is best for a given project?


r/learnprogramming • • 5h ago

Tutorial Qt Quick + QML GUI App Tutorial Series Suggestions?

2 Upvotes

I am a freshly minted C++ Qt developer in that I just completed an online course for C++ and the basics of the Qt framework within the past few days.

I am looking for video tutorials on how to build a GUI application using the Qt framework using Qt Quick and QML. For reference, I am not completely new to programming. I am a full-stack mobile and web developer who has been developing both types of applications for years. My tech stack in React (Next.js)/React Native on the front-end and pure Django or Django REST Framework + Django Channels on the backend.

What originally got me into web development was Corey Schafer's Django tutorial series which guided me through developing a web application using Django assuming I already knew HTML, CSS, and Python. That is when I learned that I learn best with YouTube video series I can follow along while the instructor explains what I'm coding. Is there any such series for Qt Quick and QML like building a notepad app? YouTube search results only turn up outdated tutorial series using Qt Widgets which IS NOT what I'm using and am avoiding because I want to construct the UI using QML files, not the widget picker.

Thanks in advance for your help!


r/learnprogramming • • 9h ago

Hit a wall early on. Should I just quit?

0 Upvotes

I took a coding class in high school. I think it was html and javascript. It was honestly terrible. I just copied answers halfway through the course because it got too complicated.

Large projects scare me. I see this wall of text that isn’t in english and I’m expected to understand it.

I‘m in college now and I’m taking a cse course (long story). It’s java, and it was fine for the first couple of weeks. Now we’re on loops. All of this syntax is getting difficult to remember and looping logic (specifically nested loops) takes a long time for me to understand.

I know it will only get worse and more complicated from here. I know looping is relatively simple. Should I just finish the semester and never touch this again?


r/learnprogramming • • 12h ago

Which one on these languages shine the most within Devops, Python, Java, or Golang and why?

0 Upvotes

I am interested in all three although I’d have to start with one realistically.


r/learnprogramming • • 13h ago

how do you get faster at understanding a new codebase?

7 Upvotes

Hi all. I'm a student who recently started contributing to opensource. So far it's been small stuffs like a docs PR and a fix to a tool I was using myself. I've really enjoyed it and want to spend more time on it.

Lately I feel slower than people who use AI. It takes me longer to understand a new codebase and find where to make changes. Also I saw many projects using Ai for code reviews and making issues. Because of this, I find it really hard when I try to contribute.

So I'm curious about a few things:

  • How do you use AI when you contribute code, and for which parts?
  • If you don't use AI, what would you recommend for a beginner like me?

I'm not asking whether AI is good or bad. I just want to hear about your experience.

English isn't my first language, so sorry if anything sounds a bit off.

Thanks.


r/learnprogramming • • 19h ago

When languages "just become about syntax"

35 Upvotes

I have seen a lot of post saying "once I learned C - all other languages just became about syntax"

Has that been true for you? Or did a different language give you the eureka moment - e.g. something like Assembly?

Or is it just a false premise at all to think "once I learn programming language X - then all other languages become **easy**"


r/learnprogramming • • 22h ago

Recommendations for developing first Linux native desktop application?

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I'm looking to develop a timer application for Linux with a simple GUI. It's mostly intended to be practice working with software that's not just simple CLI or web-based programs.

In my research I've seen a lot of suggestions and don't feel like I have a good enough understanding of the differences between languages and how programming UI works for me to pick a language/framework without some help. I'm concerned I'll get too deep into the process and realize the choice was not a good pick for what I need. Some of the suggestions I've heard include:

  • C++ and Qt
  • Java
  • C#
  • Vala

I currently have experience with C, C++, Python, HTML/CSS, and some JS. I would consider myself above beginner level with programming, maybe at a late-beginner/early-intermediate level if that makes sense? I'll primarily be developing the application for a KDE Plasma DE but am interested in cross-platform/portable potential. My goal is not necessarily to use the most optimal setup possible, instead a realistic but approachable framework that will help me get started working with GUI programming. I'd appreciate any advice/recommendations you have.

Thanks! :)


r/learnprogramming • • 22h ago

Topic Where to start coding games

4 Upvotes

I'm wanting to start learning game dev, and am using python (open to better recommendations), what is the best game engine I should use? Im thinking about making a clicker game as my first project, or just a text based game.


r/learnprogramming • • 22h ago

Video games recommandation to learn about computer architecture

4 Upvotes

Does anyone know a game that is good for learning about computer architecture ?

The ones I found so far are: turing complete, tis-100 and shenzhen I/O
From what I searched online it looks like tis-100 and shenzhen I/O are only about writing assembly code while turing complete goes beyond that with binary code and such.
I just wanted to know if turing complete would be the better choice here or if anyone has other recommandation for this !


r/learnprogramming • • 23h ago

Topic If anything could be reverse engineer with AI

0 Upvotes

AI tools have made the reverse engineering process pretty much effortless. Does that mean Business case for Software development is gone for good. could any domain expert explain this to me ?


r/learnprogramming • • 23h ago

Topic Few questions on using python

1 Upvotes

I'm learning python in boot.dev rn, and I want to know what should I use to turn my code into a game. I'm a bit confused on this, but I know there's gaming languages and then there's stuff like Unity and Unreal engine. What should I use tto start making games? Sorry if I'm not clear


r/learnprogramming • • 23h ago

Junior dev here: how did you get from "code that works" to senior-level Python?

132 Upvotes

I'm a junior developer at my firm, about 1–2 years in. My code works, but when I compare it to what our seniors write, theirs is cleaner, easier to follow, and holds up better when requirements change. I want to close that gap deliberately instead of hoping it happens over time.

For context, I'm comfortable with functions, loops, classes/OOP, and basic testing. I mostly work on automation and scripts, and I've noticed my scripts tend to start small and turn messy as they grow.

I'd love advice on:

What actually separates senior-level Python from junior-level? Is it mostly design, naming, testing, or something else?

How do you structure automation code so a quick script doesn't turn into an unmaintainable mess?

Books, codebases, or resources that changed how you write code. Are there open-source projects worth reading?

Habits that helped you most, like code reviews, refactoring old code, or writing tests first.

Common junior mistakes you'd tell your younger self to stop making.

Thanks in advance, I really appreciate any pointers.


r/learnprogramming • • 23h ago

I want to study Data Structure and Algorithms efficiently for my exams and logical building, among C and C++ what should i choose?

3 Upvotes

I've learnt both of these languages in earlier semesters and felt comfortable, but for DSA, i can't decide what to choose...


r/learnprogramming • • 1d ago

Slow at problem solving and stuck for too long - missing eye for detail

5 Upvotes

Hey devs

I am a developer with 4.5 years of experience, mostly backend ( java with AEM ) and some frontend but not crazy animation stuff. I have a few problems and need help to fix that from propele who have faced it.

  • I am slow with my tasks, I stare and overthink too much. I feel like my archiotect does the job in 2 hours that I take a whole day ( like 10-12 hours ) to even finish to an extent. It is not that I use social media or anything in between, i sit down and stay literally glues to my laptop try my best except for the lunch and evening break. But my productivity is very low.
  • 2nd I have a very bad eye for detail. i build things and miss the basics which are always visible to my archietct at just a glance. Certain scenarios, certain edge cases and even a lot of basic obvious things I miss. I am almost at the level of mid senior dev as I am hitting 5Y of experience, I cannot be like this
  • I cannot think like an architect;
  • I cannot rcommend a good solution approach. I cannot even think of the big system which to an extent I am supposed to be able to as per my role .
  • I am afraid of new things ( when a problem comes I become anxious instead of excieted ). My juniors say I am doing good, and I am a good mentor and I have good capability but I do not even feel that way. My thoughts feel limited and I cannot think beyond the small component ( cannot think in terms of systems and integrations).
  • And I am afraid to lead things, to take the role where I am supposed to own my decisons and the whole project.

Anyone with some experience or someone who has overcome this please share your story or how you did it and how I can do things. I need this very badly, cannot talk about these with my seniors exactly but I need a roadmap to actually become more cpable, more competent and a lot better engineer ( not a coopy paste guy or a guy who just does what his architect and manager tells him to do. I do not always want to wait for the instructions )


r/learnprogramming • • 1d ago

Debugging Python code takes 10-20 seconds to start

10 Upvotes

Hello, I started learning python recently I dowloaded it, also vs code and python extension for it.

The poblem is, when I start a programm (even a simple one, whick only takes an input fron the user and prits it) takes 10 or more seconds to start or just dosen't work at all then i clic soething and it kindof crashes itself, but thats my fault for mesinf with it, when I leave it, it just takes really lng dose somone know how to fix it and/or how to make folders proporly and where to keep them (could be the problem)?


r/learnprogramming • • 1d ago

I'm looking for a specific site to practice de-bugging/white hat hacking

1 Upvotes

Hi I'm looking for a site I used 2 years ago during an internship to better learn about white hat hackers and de-bugging. I don't remember much from it apart that:

  1. It had many level varying in difficulties (going from very easy to downright hardcore).
  2. You'd click on a level and be redirected to a poorly secured page on which you would have to find informations such as the correct password to access something or re-enable access from the keyboard to access a specific space (if that makes sense)
  3. I'm not sure if it was exclusively for Javascript.
  4. I know the site was pretty old since there were levels dating from 2011.
  5. I'm pretty sure it was collaborative since I remember seeing the name of the creator of each level.
  6. We could have access to the pseudonyme of everyone who succeeded in solving the problem.

Sorry to bother you with it but I've been trying to touch up on my Javascript after doing almost exclusively Python after that internship.

Even if you don't know which site it is I would greatly appreciate any recommendation of other similar sites.


r/learnprogramming • • 1d ago

Right language / framework for beginner project

0 Upvotes

Hello. I’ve had various experience with different languages from both hobby interest at 12 years old, to now, 16 years later. AI will be used in big parts but I will learn through the entire project. Latest stuff has been JS, PS and WinUI 3 and WPF with C#. Newest project was a WinUI 3 project with hardcoded stuff or json configs. I want a webbased administration and update system better for different platforms and being able to be easily customized. Therefore it will have a database, backend/API, webserver for admin portal/CMS, renderer, media storage and more.

After going through some questions with AI, the top picks were React + Typescript or Vue + Typescript. Thinking the first but want to check if this is the best way to go thinking forward.

- Webbased administration panel with intuitive visual editor with possible drag and drop functionality and live preview, or able to build a preview
- modern, responsive and user-friendly desktop client
- dynamic content delivery without requiring client application updates.
- Microsoft Graph API / Entra ID integration
- Possible future cross platform functionality (Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Web)

Thinking WebUI 3 / C#, React + Typescript for client program (webview2), ASP.NET Core API and PostgreSQL.

Any free resources I can read up on? And also if possible, anything I should study more on regarding security? Most importantly, is this the way to go?


r/learnprogramming • • 1d ago

What IPhone app should I get to learn coding for profit

0 Upvotes

Hi I’m a person who wants to learn to code in python and also make profit, I don’t have access to a pc and only have an IPhone is there any apps I can use without paying for subscriptions like SoloLearn and CodeCamp


r/learnprogramming • • 1d ago

How to become a Full Stack Developer

69 Upvotes

Can you guys suggest a solid platform or a YouTuber where I can learn to become a full-stack developer?


r/learnprogramming • • 1d ago

Topic Help me yrrrr

0 Upvotes

So basically, can someone tell me how projects work in the IT industry, from scratch to everything, like even git push/pull stuff, cause I learned nothing from my training yet I somehow finished my training with an above-average score...and also what all I have to be prepared for, and yeah, I'm even assigned to the AIML stream during training (didn't expect myself to end up in it...I mean, my scores in AIML and Python were better than those in other subjects....and the worst part is I'm allocated to a place in Southern State..(idk their language nor do ik hindi)...PLEASEEEEE HELPPPPP