Just start building. 🛠️
Over the past 2 months I've been learning to code in SwiftUI. Outside of a single C++ course that I faked my way through in university, I am brand new to coding.
That said, when I first planned what I was going to build, I tried my best to stick to the basics that I thought my users (and myself) would need to get started. A very bare-bones MVP.
This would keep the project to a limited scope (since I am still learning to code), and would help me release something as soon as possible.
What I didn't know when I started, was how bare-bones the app could be!
I thought I had planned a stripped-down version of the app, and so I began to code. As I grow closer to completion, I've realized that I can start eliminating half-finished features. These can be release them in future versions.
I can't tell you how cool of a realization this has been.
I couldn't have figured it out until I started building.
If you're unsure of how to get started, or what to build, don't worry about this too much. Don't be afraid of wasting time, and forget about comparing yourself to others. Deliberate and consistent practice will get you to where you want to be.
What's important is that you are learning! Pick some constraints, and get to work.
You'll learn a hundred ways not to do the thing you want, but this is just sharpening your pencil.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you found this encouraging! Don't give up!
If you're curious to see what I'm up to, check this out:
I love your honesty about the C++ course! I got a good laugh out of the "faked my way through". I teach in a university but, honestly, the best way to learn coding is to dive in and develop project that excites you. That's how I learned many years ago. Courses are overrated.
Thanks!
You're right, I do think the best way to learn is to do it yourself. The difference between now and then is my intrinsic motivation to learn coding now, rather than the requirement to learn back in school.