Is Apex code easy to learn?

I've heard a lot about Apex code and how it's being used in the Salesforce ecosystem. But I'm wondering, is Apex code really easy to learn? I mean, I'm no stranger to programming, but I've never worked with Apex before. What kind of skills do I need to have before diving into Apex code? And are there any common pitfalls or challenges that beginners tend to face when learning Apex? I'd love to hear from someone who's been through the process and can give me a realistic idea of what to expect.