I've been coding for about four years now, and recently I've been working intensively on my app. The UI is mostly complete, but as I dive into the backend with FastAPI, I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. I'm realizing I'm going to have to separate my server into different services because there are so many webhooks, auth flows, and external systems interacting.
Although I've had some coding experience, most of my work has been on B2B projects or tests—this is my first real product where everything depends on me. I'm creative and capable, but the more I code, the more I feel like I don't know anything at all. Is this feeling normal? I feel stuck and it often feels like I'm not shipping fast enough. I also rely on AI tools for help, which makes me question if I'm good enough. At the same time, I realize that the more I code, the more I learn. How do others cope with these feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm?
2 Answers
Absolutely, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed when building something substantial by yourself, especially with all the integrations you're handling. The uncertainty of not knowing what your users will really want adds a layer of stress. Just remember, coding is a continuous journey—everyone feels out of their depth at times. I've been coding for nearly 20 years, and there are moments when I look back at my older code and cringe! It just means you’re growing. Try to focus on getting a working prototype out there rather than aiming for perfection; it’ll help you learn more in the long run.
I've been in your shoes—feeling stupid after years of experience is part of the journey. The creative process can be challenging, and handling failure is something every developer faces, regardless of their background. I've had to rewrite projects too; as you learn and grow, you’ll refine your work. Keep pushing through! Your harshest critic is often yourself.
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