I'm just starting to learn coding with the specific purpose of maintaining the Raspberry Pi-controlled Arduino boards that control our puzzles. I'm learning basics with Scratch 3, and I'm learning how to create a custom block and control its function, shape, and category. I've mostly worked in the service industry and maintenance/Demo since I left the Army Infantry, so I'm definitely kinda dumb; But I've also been selected for some of the more technical jobs involved in those fields, so I'm not stupid... Thank you for your input on the pros/cons.
I work primarily with the Microsoft stack but have worked with many other technologies over the years. I see that you are using Visual Studio Code which is a great choice since it has over 40k extensions covering most technologies and stacks. A good language to start with is Python. Python is easy to get started with but is also a powerful, widely used language. Download MySQL or Postgresql for a database. Write a program that takes inputted data and stores in the database. Download Azure Data Studio to connect to your database. Start with basic querying of the database.
If you want to work with the Microsoft stack, download the Visual Studio IDE Community version which is a powerful IDE.
Find simple sample projects to start with. Learn how to debug your code. As you debug, analyze what is happening with each statement. Learn how to examine variables and call stacks. You will learn a lot about the behavior of the code the more you step into the code and see how it unfolds. I used to get frustrated because I could not remember syntax off the top of my head but realized memorizing syntax is not important. It's concepts and how you put the pieces together and knowing where to find best practices and approaches to creating a solution.
Regarding your comment about "being dumb". I felt the same way you did about 30 years ago. I've had a very successful career as a developer. I had situations at that time where I felt that I was not smart enough to learn the development language (C language) being used. Well, I persisted and learned so much along the way. The process of wrestling and struggling will make you a better technologist. You go down paths that will not necessarily solve your issue but you will learn so much along the way. All the things you learn from failing will broaden your knowledge. Do not give up - put in the time - believe in yourself - you will get it!
When Einstein was asked how it felt to fail 1,000 times, he is credited with saying “I didn't fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”
Good luck - just stick with it and enjoy the trip.
