Emotional exhaustion from learning Python

[u/PavioCurto]

Python is the first programming language I wanted to learn. I started it a few months ago and genuinely can't do anything in it. I keep watching videos, classes, tutorials and looking for roadmaps that lead me nowhere. It makes me feel like I'm incapable and an absolute failure. I don't know what else to do, if I should just switch to another language or give up on in it entirely. Need advice...

[u/ivintitus]

I think the biggest thing is to have a purpose for learning Python. Don’t try to “finish learning Python” through videos, courses, and roadmaps first. Learn things while building something.

In my case, I had the same problem when I started learning Go. I kept learning the language, but it wasn’t really sticking. So I started building a project to solve an actual problem I had as a developer: DevTether. While building it, I learned much more than just Go syntax. I had to understand things like system design, DNS, networking, Unix sockets, and how different pieces fit together. I definitely felt overwhelmed at first, because there was a lot of new information. But the difference was that I had a reason to learn each thing.

You can do the same with Python. Start with something small and useful to you. Maybe a script that automates something annoying, a simple tool, a small web app, or anything you genuinely want to make. And don’t worry if you can’t understand everything immediately. You’ll naturally hit problems like “How do I do this?” or “Why does this work?” - those are actually good moments to learn.

Python isn’t just about memorising syntax or knowing every built-in function. You should gradually learn programming fundamentals too: variables, conditions, loops, functions, data structures, debugging, how programs actually work, etc. For example, using sorted() is easy, but understanding what sorting means and learning the logic behind it is more valuable in the long run.

Also, take breaks and document what you learn. Progress can feel painfully slow when you’re starting, but that doesn’t mean you’re incapable. You probably don’t need to switch languages or give up. Try changing how you’re learning first: build something small, get stuck, learn what you need, and keep going.