go back and do the reading ... things like time complexity are foundational concepts

Other foundational concepts I should focus on? Doing online really f***ed me up tbh

If you're starting out with an introductory course in CS- common ADTs, their various implementations, and the time complexity associated with each operation. You should have a grasp of all of those things, and an understanding of how to implement them in a language of your choice (in this case Java).

That's good enough to start with. From there, look into well-known algorithms in the realm of sorting, graph theory, pattern recognition, etc. Plenty of resources online that can help with this.

From there, you focus on formal training in advanced algorithms, theories of computation, and other rigorous topics.

niggas think a CS degree is a cake walk to a high paying job.

in this economic climate, what is though? I'd rather a person struggle through the competition/grind of CS then major in communications or whatever and have zero job prospects

Esp given student loans and s***

they'd be better off doing something like information systems mixed with business if they are not technically gifted, and move into the policy/risk/ management side of IT.

I disagree, those jobs have poor career growth and compensation, unfulfilling work, and are ripe for automation/obsolescence.

now, is actually getting a meaningful return out of a computer science degree incredibly difficult? sure. but nothing good comes easy.

no but lmk if u need beats

yeah but majoring in anything strictly for the money is ass backwards, and doing it in CS is just torture if they aren't a computer nerd who was messing with tech as a hobby outside of schooling.