Recently, I have been trying to learn programming and improve my ability in writing method level code through practices on websites such as Codingbat.com However in the recent weeks I have been stuck for weeks at the last 2-3 questions of String-2/Array-2 and early String/Array-3 problems. It feels really tempting for me to give up and google online for the solutions, but I'm afraid that by doing so I may end up not improving my ability at all. I wonder if this is common and when faced with such situations how long do 1 wait before giving up to look at the solutions or to continue spending more weeks on trying to solve the problems by yourself? How do 1 really engage in effective deliberate practice to improve programming ability and attain the necessary problem solving techniques? Any formal techniques available to tackle the never seen before problems?