Rustful Struggle - Days 2, 3, and 9

Advent of Code 2024 has been a rollercoaster ride for me. Starting with great enthusiasm, I set out to solve each puzzle in Rust, the language I’ve been learning for a while. However, this journey has humbled me more than I expected.

Progress so Far

Days Completed

• Day 2: Fully solved!
• Day 3: Fully solved!
• Day 9: Managed to figure it out after hours of debugging.

Half-Way Through

• Day 4: Got halfway through but hit a roadblock.

Yet to Solve

• The puzzles in between remain untouched, staring at me from the leaderboard like unscaled mountains.

Struggles and Learnings

Advent of Code is supposed to be fun, but it has felt more like a test of endurance. Rust’s strictness, while its greatest strength, can also be its most frustrating feature for a learner. I often found myself spending more time battling the compiler than solving the puzzle.

Looking Ahead

As of now, I’m considering taking a break from Advent of Code. This journey has taught me a lot, but it’s also shaken my confidence. Rust is an incredible language, but perhaps not the best companion for a high-pressure puzzle challenge.

To all those crushing AoC this year—hats off to you! And to those who, like me, are struggling—let’s remind ourselves that learning is a journey, not a race.

Will I continue my journey tomorrow?

Only time will tell.

Thank you for reading my musings on this turbulent adventure. Until next time!