I want to share my experience about my journey of programming. When I started programming, I was introduced to the ideas of variables, conditions, loops, functions—regular programming constructs. But I didn't understand much of what was going on, how the computer worked, or anything beyond just the syntax. I used to wonder: when I start my PC, how does it even know where to begin? I often felt insecure and anxious about all these unknowns. I was trapped in tutorial hell, thinking that just gluing pieces of code together was enough. It made sense for a while, but eventually, I wanted to quit. After some time, I searched online about how to improve, and people recommended learning data structures and algorithms (DSA). I didn’t know how to implement data structures on my own and struggled a lot—almost like going through hell. Nothing made sense. I couldn’t even get beyond linked lists.

Then I found a Reddit post saying I might have the wrong mental model. It said that even if you know some programming, without understanding how to think about structures and systems, you're stuck. I started searching for what 'mental models' meant, but due to my lack of experience, I didn’t find anything useful.

Later, I read a discussion on Hacker News about the book Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs (SICP). One commenter explained how the book starts with the concept of data and procedures. That really clicked for me. I had never thought of computation as just transforming input data into output data. The model of:

Input → Computation → Output

made everything fall into place. This idea carries through all levels of programming—whether it's assembly, mid-level, or high-level languages. It’s the fundamental notion. You need basic constructs to steer data through transformations into useful outputs. Computation is essentially about transforming one form of information into another.

After that realization, everything started to make sense—assembly, high-level programming, even operating systems. It was one of the best ‘aha!’ moments of my life."

What is programming? by George Hotz is also good one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2bXEUSAiTI

Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47791172

Points: 2

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Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47774496

Points: 1

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Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47712484

Points: 1

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Engineering drawings of small model engines used in model aircraft making. These designs are intended for manufacturing and practical operation, rather than merely for display, and can be used to build fully functional engines.

1. https://outerzone.co.uk/plans.asp?cat=Engines&Xcardsperpage=...

2. https://modelenginenews.org/midge/index.html

> http://www.model-engine-plans.com/otheritems/JEH_Catalog.pdf

> https://modelengineeringwebsite.com/Midget_gas_engine_1.html

> https://www.adriansmodelaeroengines.com/catalog/product.php?...

> Previous submission related to model engines: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46098655

Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47529239

Points: 2

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Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47529237

Points: 2

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Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47486975

Points: 2

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Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46954752

Points: 1

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Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46751383

Points: 1

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Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46687603

Points: 36

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Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46602740

Points: 2

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Some Machining related channels on youtube:

this old tony, Chronova engineering, cylo's garage, inheritance machining, breaking taps, blondie hacks, tarkka, dan gelbert, Jonesey Makes, Eric(with a K), Clough42, Alec steele, NBR Works, Not An engineer, Stefan Gotteswinter, oxtoolco, ROBRENZ, MrCrispin, Clickspring, Artisan Makes, MH Anything, Jellyfish machine,Maker B,

And also there is great course on precision engineering by Alex slocum:

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLksE8LDXGXl_MQHKr2DqhfD...

Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46170776

Points: 18

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1. Engineering drawings of small model engines used for model aircrafts. They are designed for manufacturing and working, not not like showcase item. We can actually build them.

https://outerzone.co.uk/plans.asp?cat=Engines&Xcardsperpage=...

2. https://modelenginenews.org/midge/index.html

Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46098655

Points: 155

# Comments: 37

Some Machinist channels on youtube:

this old tony, Chronova engineering, cylo's garage, inheritance machining, breaking taps, blondie hacks, tarkka, dan gelbert, Jonesey Makes, Eric(with a K), Clough42, Alec steele, NBR Works, Not An engineer, Stefan Gotteswinter, oxtoolco, ROBRENZ, MrCrispin, Clickspring, Artisan Makes, MH Anything, Jellyfish machine,Maker B,

Check out this video on small rotor design , it is beautiful

https://youtu.be/CVszJMlvZcA?si=MEdoo_sHZcXezZtj

And also there is great course on precision engineering by Alex slocum:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLksE8LDXGXl_MQHKr2DqhfDC6...

Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45925877

Points: 1

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1. PRECISION SPINDLE METROLOGY Pt. 1: Fundamental Concepts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt2gK-oxy5s

2. PRECISION SPINDLE METROLOGY Pt. 2: Sensitive Direction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR-OUdCzEb0

3. PRECISION SPINDLE METROLOGY Pt. 3: Measuring Error Motion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvFIJDv9GsQ

4. PRECISION SPINDLE METROLOGY Pt. 4: Error Separation and Measurement Demo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3BzMOeJX14