My First Off-Script Project
Since July 17th, 2025, I’ve been fully immersed in structured coding courses. Codecademy, Boot.dev, Python, JavaScript, you name it, I’ve been working through it. And honestly? I’ve loved every minute.
But lately, I’ve hit what I’ve learned is called “Tutorial Hell.” That moment when you’ve gotten really good at following step-by-step lessons… yet when faced with a blank VS Code screen and no instructions, you freeze.
It’s not that I don’t know how to code. I’ve learned the basic syntax. I’ve built loops, functions, and even a few small projects inside course environments. But when I step outside those guardrails, it’s like someone hit “delete” on my brain.
Why This Feels So Strange
By most beginner measures, I can confidently say I’m doing well. I can comfortably navigate Python, and I’ve been deep into JavaScript lately while moving through Codecademy’s Backend Engineer path. But Python still feels like home—the ease, the predictability, the way it just… clicks.
So why does “just build something” feel so intimidating?
Because structured learning and creative building are two different muscles, and I’ve been overtraining one while ignoring the other.
My Way Forward
I’ve decided it’s time to go completely off script. No instructions. No checkpoints. Just me, a blank editor, and an idea.
My goal: build a functional, real-world app from scratch.
Is it ambitious for my current skill level? Absolutely.
Will I finish it? Yes.
Will I break it? Absolutely, Yes.
I’ll break the process into small, clear steps and document every stage here on the blog. Partly to stay accountable, partly because writing helps me process what I’m learning, and maybe it’ll help someone else avoid getting stuck in the same place.
The Project: An I-Ching App
I wanted something that’s both simple enough for a beginner and meaningful enough to me to keep me engaged. Enter: the I Ching.
The concept is straightforward:
• Ask a question
• Flip coins
• Generate a hexagram
• Look up its meaning
• Display the result in an easy-to-read format
But even a simple app has multiple moving parts… perfect for practicing problem decomposition and planning.
The Plan
Here’s how I’ll tackle it:
1. Mind Mapping & Planning
Define the app’s core purpose and main features (coin flipping, symbol generation, lookup table, reading display).
Sketch user flows and core screens
2. Research & Requirements
Translate the I Ching logic behind coin flips and hexagrams.
List technical needs (Android compatibility, offline use, etc.).
Choose a tech stack (I am thinking React Native or Flutter, if you have a better suggestion please leave them in the comments).
3. Design
Wireframe each screen.
Pick colors, fonts, and layouts.
Plan navigation and accessibility features.
4. Project Setup
Configure my development environment, version control, and project structure.
5. Development
Build features step-by-step: account creation, question process and validation, coin flip logic, animations, lookup tables, result display, navigation, and error handling.
6. Testing
Unit test each feature, then run full integration testing. Gather feedback. (This is one area I could really use some insight on, are there platforms for beta tests?)
7. Polishing
Optimize performance, fix bugs, refine UI/UX, add finishing touches.
8. Deployment
Prepare for release, test on real devices, and publish to the Google Play Store.
Why This Matters to Me
In the military, I learned that a 70% solution executed early and iterated on beats a 100% solution delivered too late. This project is my 70% solution for breaking into the tech career field. It won’t be perfect. It will break. I’ll have to backtrack, refactor, and rethink.
But it will be mine.
And when it’s done, I’ll have something tangible, a piece of software that started as a blank screen and became a working tool because I made it happen (… and a nice first project for my professional portfolio).
Final Thoughts
Tutorials are great for learning fundamentals, but at some point, you have to step outside the safe zone and start building your own roadmap. This is my first real attempt at doing that.
If you’re also in tutorial hell, maybe it’s time to pick an idea (any idea) and just start. The only way to learn how to build, is to build.
Here’s to getting unstuck: one function, one screen, one deploy at a time.
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