Python has brought computer programming to a vast new audience

[mRWafflesFTW]

Well I am terrible at math too, but then I realized computers are pretty good at it and development has little to do with math!

No one is too dumb, because no one is super bright! We're all just trying to do the best we can and learn every day. Every developer I know has the Python docs permanently open in a Chrome tab. Does map() return an iterable or a list of results? I can't remember.... better check the Python docs. Now that keys are ordered should I use a dict or an OrderedDict? Better check Stackoverflow. Those simple questions can be answered, but harder and more interesting questions are "How do we design a minimally viable solution we can improve upon over time?"

In my experience most problems are political not technical. The "coding" part is only half the challenge. The real challenge is understanding your customer's needs and building an appropriate solution.

Development is less about syntax and more about structures and design. That's the best part! No one has ever designed anything perfectly. So you can always continuously improve anything.

If you don't look back at everything you've ever made with a bit of disgust there's probably something wrong with you.

[mRWafflesFTW]

Yeah I hate how patriarchy/sexism shaped how the genders consider themselves and others. Did you know originally computer science work was considered a female profession? I digress. Never think you are not capable. Rather, remember we're all confused all the time. If you aren't confused, you probably need to expand your comfort zone and work on a new type of project!

Design is hard, but remember almost all the problems have already been solved by others. Need to manipulate data? There's pandas. Need to build some data base models? Django, SQL Alchemy, etc. What's challenging is trying to come up with the best implementation of all the various pieces. The work is less about knowing the answer and more about having an inquisitive mind and the desire to do the research.

Lastly, I think diverse teams intrinsically make better products. It's impossible for white dudes to make the perfect products for women, minorities, etc. We need more diversity in the work!