What fundamental knowledge is needed?

Question

Java

I am a 2nd year student of programming. In general, in programming only 1.5 years. Now I'm learning java and android. There is basic knowledge, but still, it feels like something important has been missed, a feeling that there is no solid foundation. Now, taking a course on android, it would take me 2-3 hours to complete a seemingly elementary task, such as "create a menu" or "remake the code so that ... etc." And in the end it seems that I spent 3 hours on some simple task. So maybe there is some kind of foundation that is needed? Or was it like that for everyone?
Because of this, there is a lack of confidence in their knowledge and unwillingness to go on an elementary internship.
Let's say this is a list of books, I think these are the topics that everyone should know:
Well, not all, well, about a few books can somehow structure everything!? I know the books are huge!

Answer 1

This feeling will never leave you, given the pace of technology development in the last 20 years. As soon as you thoroughly study and learn how to work with one technology, another one will immediately come to replace it and you will have to study it in the same way in order to remain a technically in demand and competitive specialist on the labor exchange. Come to terms with this feeling. Or just thoroughly study a certain classic technology stack and work with it if your level of development suits you.
Regarding literature and manuals, I can say that in our business the main thing is not theory, but practice. We do, we don't teach. Our job is to help others with advice or experience as much as possible. We will not be able to describe many years of practical experience, a developed mindset and all our skills in a thoroughly understandable language in another book so that, after reading it, another person can reach the same level. It is obvious. Practice, develop, study, experiment, do not be afraid of seemingly unsolvable tasks, more practice, less reading. Fill in the theoretical gaps you need by reading so that your practical skills improve. This is the main thing that I can say, based on my own ten years of experience in our field of work.

Answer 2

It would take me 2-3 hours for a seemingly elementary task

It does not depend on knowledge, but on experience.
Each employer has different requirements, but the vast majority of programmers will definitely never need a "dragon book". Many and without "kormena" perfectly manage.

Answer 3

One and a half years of experience in educational programming is negligible. I have written about this many times, but I repeat: programming is like a sport, if you did not start at the age of 12, but only started at the university, you are behind those who came to the university with four or five years of experience. Why is this experience important? Not because someone spent five years sitting on their pants for books, but because they got their hands on solving practical problems and algorithmic thinking. You have to think about every step, and they only have to put the knowledge in order. Whoever says that fundamental knowledge is not needed, but only the requirement of the employer is important, is disingenuous, because in this way only shitcoders are obtained.