How many tabs is too many tabs?

I am still on my journey into programming and deciding which area I want to go into. Now, I am leaning towards Data Analysis, but I am keeping an open mind.

Most recently, I completed a Python Coffee Machine Project like this one. I am still learning how to use GitHub, but I need to get into the habit of backing up my code. This project was not difficult per se, it just seemed to require A LOT of steps. I chose to work through each step methodically without thinking about how I could streamline the process. By the time I was on line 200 of code, I was going a bit crazy!

I went through some of the comments on that lesson of the course (100 Days of Python) and I was pleased to see that I wasn’t the only one with that issue. It was encouraging to see people say that eventually, things will click into place and coding will come more naturally.

The course has just introduced OOP – Object Orientated Programming – which I find very interesting. I particularly liked playing around with the Turtle library in Python and it has inspired me to actively look for new resources so that I can keep testing what I have learnt.

Here are some that I have come across recently:

• Python Turtle – suitable for kids and beginners. I haven’t used this one yet, but it looks so fun!
• Future Coder – an interactive learning platform for Python.

In terms of my overall progress, I am on Day 16 of the Python course, and working through the JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures Certification on freeCodeCamp.

The positives: enjoying learning a new skill, understanding the different concepts and being able to apply them in projects and exercises.

The negatives: feeling overwhelmed, lack of motivation when I can’t grasp concepts at the first time of asking, having a MILLION tabs open at once.

What helps me to overcome the negatives:

• Taking a break:
  • it’s easy to experience burnout when coding. Whenever I feel things are too much, I take a break or switch from Python to JavaScript or vice versa.
• Not comparing myself to others:
  • I know that some people enjoy watching coding YouTubers and Influencers, but I have avoided it so far. Sure, hearing how someone taught themselves how to code within three months and got a job is great, but….
  • Everyone is different. Our circumstances and backgrounds vary and what works for someone else may not necessarily work for me.
• Closing tabs
  • Seriously. Why is this so hard?