I won't say I'm very good, but relatively I've gotten better over time with sheer practice, nothing else.

Hey, "sheer practice" isn't bad.

I mean - if we look at the various ways of learning programming - I don't think many would argue that "practice" is in any way inferior to reading a book, going to a class or anything else.

In fact, many would argue practice is the BEST way.

(I'd personally argue it's best to do mostly practical work and mix in a hint of theory. But I'm talking like 92% practice and 8% theory. As the theory helps give you a wider perspective and perhaps gives you some details you might have missed.
But the opposite - 92% theory and 8% practice - would be way worse)