Is It Normal to Rewrite the Same Function Several Times Before It Makes Sense?

A rough plan can help. Before coding, sketch the steps or draw a small diagram, then add comments describing the function’s purpose, inputs, limitations, and reasoning. Keeping the “what” and “why” separate from the implementation makes it easier to experiment with the code without losing the original goal. Once the design is settled, you can remove temporary notes.

That’s completely normal. A useful habit is to write one sentence explaining what the function should do before you start coding. If you can’t describe its purpose clearly, that usually means the problem needs more thought first. Defining the goal up front can make the later rewrites much smaller.

Rewriting isn’t necessarily wasted effort. Each version can deepen your understanding of the algorithm and the problem itself. Even experienced developers revisit code, and sometimes several rounds of changes eventually lead almost back to the original solution. The important part is what you learn during the process.

For optimization, it’s often useful to start with a straightforward version that lists the steps clearly. After it works, look for ways to improve the flow or reduce unnecessary work. That kind of iterative refinement is a normal part of developing a solution, not a sign that you failed the first time.