Is it normal to feel like an idiot when first learning?

[m1kesanders]

I started learning programming last year, and what everyone made seem easy is actually not so easy, and honestly I feel like a complete idiot every time I code, because whenever I create a program or do anything there's always someone who says "you could've made that in 10 lines instead of 25" now don't get me wrong I love and appreciate the help, well I guess my question is how long did it take you until you stopped feeling stupid or did you feel stupid in the first place?

[ande]

Yes its normal. Idd say its a good sign. It will take a long time, if ever to not feel like an idiot from time to time.

[Matriplex]

Yeah.

Everyone still feels like an idiot every once and a while even if they're experienced. Totally natural.

[lucid]

Is it normal to feel like an idiot when first learning?

No. You suck and everyone is better then you..... 

I think you're fine.

[bluechill]

I started learning programming last year, and what everyone made seem easy is actually not so easy, and honestly I feel like a complete idiot every time I code, because whenever I create a program or do anything there's always someone who says "you could've made that in 10 lines instead of 25" now don't get me wrong I love and appreciate the help, well I guess my question is how long did it take you until you stopped feeling stupid or did you feel stupid in the first place?

It's not normal to feel like an idiot.  It is normal, however, to feel like you're missing some of the big picture, if not most of it, and that what you're doing doesn't feel quite right and that the compiler is some native speaker teacher who complains at every mistake you make until you get something which works good enough, whether it says what you intended though is another thing.

Basically learning a programming language is like learning another language irl.  You feel like you're missing a lot, and you are, but over time you improve and you eventually feel competent in the language.  Oh, and that native speaker teacher who always seemed like she/he hated you for being so horrible? They become your best friend and you can regularly talk about whatever and it will actually mean what you say.

[Architect]

Just don't be like bluechill and actually talk to your compiler.

[Teapot]

Just don't be like bluechill and actually talk to your compiler.

I cuss my compiler out all the time... my lappy however is a part of the family and has a first and last name
Kila *My Last Name* we have regular conversations and gossip about the compiler.

[proxx]

I started learning programming last year, and what everyone made seem easy is actually not so easy, and honestly I feel like a complete idiot every time I code, because whenever I create a program or do anything there's always someone who says "you could've made that in 10 lines instead of 25" now don't get me wrong I love and appreciate the help, well I guess my question is how long did it take you until you stopped feeling stupid or did you feel stupid in the first place?

I feel like an idiot just about every day.
For me rewriting code teaches me a lot.
I run stuck at some point only to discover I could have done it in half the lines and old decisions dont make sense.
First you try to patch it but often the delete key does miracles.
Any problem you encounter is created by yourself

[Architect]

Any problem you encounter is created by yourself

Life.

[kenjoe41]

I would also say you will get the hang of it with time as the language gets deeper in you subconscious. I mean you start thinking clearly and know which lang constructs will save the day.

Yell at that compiler/interpreter but the more you yell, the less you shout. <== thas my line.