Congrats and welcome. I'm a software engineer too and when I learned
to fly I realized something interesting to me, perhaps to you too.

In software we're required to always be learning new stuff, pretty much
constantly. But, we never have to actually remember all the details
continuously. After all, there's always reference books and the web
for that!

However in an airplane if you gotta know it, you really gotta know it!
All the way - not something to look up. There's no pause button. Or,
for that matter there's no reboot in case of crash either.

Also, knowledge in aviation is often exercised while doing something
else. Distractions happen. (Your instructor will simulate these later
in your training.) It's also more physical and exercised by your hands
and feet.

But, your background in software will be useful. You're used to
learning and used to technical detail.

Best of luck with your training, keep us posted!

-Malcolm