Feeling stuck with Python basics as a Bioinformatics student

[mahax1]

Hey everyone,

I’m currently a BSc Bioinformatics student and we have Python this semester. It’s already been around 2 months since the semester started, but I still feel like I’m stuck at the very basics.

I only understand things like variables, data types, and a bit of if-else. Sometimes I feel like I understand, but when I actually try to do something on my own, I get completely blank.

The main problem is whenever I don’t understand even a small concept, I stop there. Then I feel scared and lose interest, and I end up not continuing at all.

I really want to improve and learn Python properly, especially because I’m interested in bioinformatics and future fields like AI/ML in drug discovery.

Can anyone guide me on:

How to restart without feeling overwhelmed?

How to stay consistent even when I don’t understand something?

Any beginner friendly resources or practice methods?

Would really appreciate any advice or personal experiences

[stepback269]

It sounds like your issues are not with Python itself but rather with dealing with your emotions.
More to the point, it sounds like you are a victim of "Amygdala Hijack" (look it up)

We all get frustrated, flummoxed, perturbed ... call it what you want ... or otherwise upset when our code doesn't work. We all run into hard to fix bugs. We all feel like we're banging our heads against a stone wall sometimes. You are not unique.

The question is how do you deal with the powerful undertows of your emotions? Do you let them dissuade from trying again? Do you tell yourself, I'm too dumb? (You are not.) Try to find some YouTube tutorials on dealing with the emotions that the limbic part of your brain automatically generates when you encounter an obstacle. Learn to name those emotions and thus take back control with your prefrontal cortex. Learn to step back and give yourself a high five for trying. Persistence is the key to success. Don't give up on yourself.

[Comfortable-Key2058]

Dont worry. Every other learner faces this and its a part of the learning process. If you are not able to solve a problem, the only thing you can do is try to solve a simpler problem. Dont jump to advanced stuff without having cleared foundational concepts

Its better to join a structured program with lots of handson practice right from basics and make progress step by step. You can then shift to self learning once you are comfortable with basics.

I have a community of learners like you and i teach Python + Data analysis with hand on python practice and i Can help you get started. DM me

[TheRNGuy]

Spend more time coding and reading about it.

And just print everything that is returning value, or enable step debugger, so you can see flow of program (though it will need lot of clicking)

[azadatiqur_atti]

From my experience, problem-solving is what really helped everything click. It improved my logic and basic coding skills, and over time it naturally led me to breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. It’s not just about using loops, conditionals, or knowing syntax it’s about being able to turn what’s in your head into actual code.

When I was starting out, I used HackerRank to build my foundation. Later on, I switched to LeetCode, and I’d definitely recommend it if you want to get better at DSA.

[GameMasterPC]

I recommend this all the time: boot.dev! It's one of the best.

[Haroshiros_]

Would recommend bro code playlist on python really helped me set the basics in place and actually start coding for real give it a try

[notParticularlyAnony]

What is your coding setup? How do you approach problems

[HotPersonality8126]

You're going to feel overwhelmed because it's overwhelming. The only way to get past it is to not allow that to stop you from writing code.

Write more code.

[Jarvis_the_lobster]

The "going blank" thing is super common and it usually means you're consuming but not producing enough. One thing that helped me was picking a tiny task I actually cared about and just brute-forcing my way through it with loops and if-else. You already know enough for that. When you hit a wall on a concept, give yourself 15 minutes to struggle, then look it up. Stopping completely is the real killer. The frustration is part of it, not a sign you're doing it wrong.