DEV Community: Dougie Hawes

React Native Crash Course+ | Build a Mobile App In 3 Hours

Dougie Hawes — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 12:46:00 +0000

I've always admired @bradtraversy for his clear, plain-English explanations, and this video is no exception. His breakdown of ReactNative is a game-changer—no fluff, just practical insights. Every time I watch his content, I walk away with more confidence in my coding skills. 🎯

If you've ever struggled to wrap your head around asynchronous code, this is a must-watch!

👉 Check it out: React Native Crash Course+ | Build a Mobile App In 3 Hours

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCpFbERgj7s&t=1854s

Midweek grind? What's your weirdest comfort habit? 🧘‍♂️☕ I’m talking about the unique (or embarrassing) ways you recharge when the week hits hard. Share your best Hump Day hacks—I’ll go first!" #HumpDayHacks #SelfCareForCoders #ProductivityBoost

Dougie Hawes — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:55:48 +0000

A brief guide to debriefing. 6 questions to ask yourself after every coding session

Dougie Hawes — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:40:15 +0000

Productivity isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. As developers, we face an endless barrage of distractions, from notifications to mindless scrolling, that can derail our flow. Instead of just trying to “power through,” what if we took a more strategic approach? By asking ourselves the right questions, we can pinpoint inefficiencies, recognize our biggest focus-killers, and refine our workflow. Here are six simple but powerful questions to help you eliminate distractions, boost efficiency, and become a better coder every day.

1. What did I do repeatedly? What could have been done once to prevent that?

Repetition isn’t always a sign of productivity—it can be a sign of inefficiency. As programmers, we follow the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle in our code, but do we apply it to our workflow?

Did you find yourself manually performing the same task multiple times? Automate it.
Were you answering the same questions over and over? Create documentation or templates.
Did you waste time setting up your work environment? Streamline your process with scripts or shortcuts.
Identifying repetitive tasks and finding ways to optimize them will free up time and mental energy for more meaningful work.

2. When did I "sin" (give in to a distracting habit)? What better could have fulfilled that need?

Distraction isn’t just about lack of discipline—it’s about unmet needs. Charles Duhigg, in The Power of Habit, explains that habits form because they satisfy cravings, whether for stimulation, relaxation, or social connection.

Did you scroll endlessly on social media? Maybe you needed a mental break—try a short walk instead.
Were you watching YouTube instead of coding? Perhaps you needed a structured learning break—watch something relevant.
Did you keep switching tasks? You might have been avoiding something difficult—break it down into smaller steps.
By identifying what you really needed in the moment, you can replace distractions with more effective habits that support your goals.

3. Did I beat my greatest rival (you yesterday)? Your biggest competition isn’t someone else—it’s the version of you from yesterday. Progress isn’t always dramatic; sometimes, it’s about small, consistent wins.

Did you write better code today than yesterday? Even a small refactor counts.
Did you spend less time distracted? A few extra minutes of focus is a win.
Did you learn something new? Growth, no matter how small, keeps you moving forward.
Rather than chasing perfection, focus on daily improvement. One step at a time, you’ll outpace the old you.

4. What slowed me down, and how can I remove that barrier?

Distractions, inefficiencies, and friction points in your workflow can quietly steal hours of your time. Identifying them is the first step to eliminating them.

Did you spend too much time searching for files or fixing errors? Streamline your setup.
Did notifications, social media, or emails pull you away? Set boundaries.
Did unclear requirements or lack of focus lead to wasted effort? Plan better upfront.

Each day, remove one small obstacle, and over time, your workflow will become a well-oiled machine.

5. Did I use my energy wisely?

Productivity isn’t just about time management—it’s about energy management. Your brain isn’t a machine; it needs the right conditions to perform at its best.

Did I schedule deep work for my peak energy hours?
Did I take breaks to refresh my mind instead of pushing through exhaustion?
Did I fuel myself with rest, food, and movement instead of burning out?

Work with your natural rhythms, not against them. When you use energy efficiently, you get more done in less time.

6. What do I need to reset to be ready to do it again?

Sustainable productivity isn’t about sprinting—it’s about pacing yourself. Ending each day with a reset ensures you start fresh tomorrow.

What lingering tasks or thoughts need closure? Write them down.
Does my workspace need tidying to prevent friction tomorrow?
What mindset do I want to bring into the next day?

A reset doesn’t just prepare you for tomorrow; it tells your brain the workday is over, helping you switch off and recharge.

Wrapping Up

Productivity isn’t about squeezing more tasks into your day—it’s about making intentional choices that create flow, minimize distractions, and sustain your energy. By reflecting on these questions daily, you’ll build habits that make deep, meaningful work feel effortless. The goal isn’t just to work faster; it’s to work smarter, with purpose and balance.

What’s one small change you can make today to improve your focus and efficiency?

Productivity #Neurodiversity #SelfImprovement #DeepWork #Focus #CodingLife #MindsetMatters #Efficiency #WorkSmarter #MERNStack #Developers

Build a MERN stack app (without over complicating it)

Dougie Hawes — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 09:35:13 +0000

Setting Up a Basic MERN Stack Project

This guide aligns with an upcoming video on my YouTube channel, where I'll walk through setting up a basic MERN stack project from scratch. Let's get started!

1. Initialize the Project

Start by creating a project directory and navigating into it:

mkdir mern-app && cd mern-app

2. Set Up the Backend (Express + Node.js)

Create a backend folder and initialize a Node.js project:

mkdir backend && cd backend
npm init -y

Install necessary dependencies:

npm install express cors dotenv

Create an index.js file in the backend directory and add:

const express = require("express");
const cors = require("cors");
const app = express();
const PORT = process.env.PORT || 5000;

app.use(cors());

app.get("/api", (req, res) => {
  res.json({ message: "Hello World!" });
});

app.listen(PORT, () => console.log(`Server running on port ${PORT}`));

3. Set Up the Frontend (React)

Go back to the root directory and create a React app:

cd ..
npx create-react-app frontend

Navigate into the frontend directory and install Axios to handle API requests:

cd frontend
npm install axios

Replace the contents of src/App.js with:

import { useEffect, useState } from "react";
import axios from "axios";

function App() {
  const [message, setMessage] = useState("");

  useEffect(() => {
    axios.get("http://localhost:5000/api").then((res) => {
      setMessage(res.data.message);
    });
  }, []);

  return <h1>{message}</h1>;
}

export default App;

4. Run Both Frontend and Backend Simultaneously

Install concurrently in the root directory:

cd ..
npm install concurrently --save-dev

Modify package.json in the root directory to include a start script:

"scripts": {
  "start": "concurrently \"cd backend && node index.js\" \"cd frontend && npm start\""
}

Now, run the entire project with:

npm start

Your backend will serve "Hello World!" to the frontend, which will display it in an <h1> tag. Stay tuned for the video where I demonstrate this process in action! 🚀

mern #react #node #express #webdevelopment #javascript #fullstack #tutorial #coding #programming

Finding Productivity Through Coding: A Neurodiverse Journey

Dougie Hawes — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 11:54:17 +0000

My name is Doug, and I am a neurodiverse creative. Diagnosed with being on the autistic spectrum at the age of 20, I’m now 42 and have had a long journey of self-discovery and overcoming challenges that many people may never fully understand. I live in Cambridgeshire, UK, with my bearded dragon, who is quite the character and often an excellent companion during my late-night coding sessions.

Growing up, I didn’t hear the word "intelligent" directed at me often. In fact, I was only called intelligent twice before I was 20. Before that, my experience of school was one of intense bullying and ridicule. As a socially awkward, eccentric individual, I didn’t quite fit in with my peers. This often led to feelings of isolation, and at times, a sense of frustration about how others saw me. Despite these challenges, I always found solace and freedom in my creative side — particularly through singing and comedy. Performing in front of people became a safe space, an outlet where I could express myself without fear of judgment.

Yet, even though I found a creative outlet, something deep inside me was always intrigued by the more logical and technical aspects of life. I have always been naturally drawn to the way things work — mechanics, electronics, and of course, computing. The left-brain thinking of problem-solving, the way systems fit together, and how everything has a purpose or function within a larger framework — all of these ideas fascinated me.

About five years ago, I took a leap into the world of coding. It wasn’t a smooth transition or even something I had planned, but rather a hobby that evolved into a passion. It all started when I heard a story — the comical scenario of a time traveller. The idea was that this time traveller would enter the past and amaze people with futuristic technology, explaining how it works and captivating the crowd. However, when someone inevitably asked the question, "So, how does it work?" the time traveller would be left dumbfounded, unable to explain the mechanisms behind the magic.

This concept, though fictional and humorous, sparked something in me. It made me wonder — how could anyone truly be a part of shaping the future if they didn’t understand the fundamental workings behind the technology they used every day? And so, driven by a curiosity for how things worked at a deeper level, I decided to give coding a shot.

I signed up for Codecademy, and what began as a casual exploration quickly snowballed into something much more. It wasn’t just about learning to code — it was about unlocking creativity through problem-solving and technology. Over time, I became increasingly obsessed with the idea of creating something new and building systems that could positively impact people's lives. Before I knew it, I had trained as a MERN stack web developer (MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js) and started to apply these skills to real projects.

Productivity Through Neurodiversity and Coding
For me, the journey to becoming a web developer wasn't just about acquiring technical skills. It was a way of channeling my neurodiverse thinking in a productive and positive direction. There’s a misconception that autism or being neurodivergent is something that makes us “less” capable of achieving in certain fields, but I’ve found it to be a strength. The way my brain processes information — with precision and attention to detail — has proven incredibly valuable in the world of development, where logic and structure reign supreme.

In fact, coding became my secret weapon for improving my productivity. Before diving into web development, I had struggled with maintaining focus and staying productive in other areas of my life. Neurodiversity brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to staying on task and managing time effectively. But coding, with its clear problem-solving framework, allowed me to develop a sense of structure. The satisfaction of solving problems and building something functional gave me a sense of accomplishment that I hadn’t experienced in quite some time.

As I delved deeper into development, I started to incorporate strategies that helped me maintain productivity while still embracing my creative side. Here are a few practices I’ve found helpful in balancing both:

Breaking Tasks Into Smaller Chunks
For a neurodiverse individual, tasks that feel too large or vague can become overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Coding has taught me to break down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. For example, when working on a complex project, I might break it down into smaller features (e.g., building the front-end user interface, writing API endpoints, testing, and debugging). This allows me to focus on one thing at a time, making it easier to stay on track.
Establishing a Routine
One of the biggest productivity challenges I faced early on was staying consistent. As a creative, I’ve often found it difficult to stick to rigid routines. However, I've learned that establishing a flexible but consistent routine can drastically increase productivity. This involves setting aside specific time blocks for coding, learning, and self-care. Over time, this has helped me create a rhythm and maintain momentum in my projects.
Leveraging Passion for Problem-Solving
When you love something, it’s much easier to stay motivated. For me, the logical flow of coding provides a sense of satisfaction that fuels my productivity. Whenever I’m stuck, I treat it as a puzzle to solve rather than a roadblock. This shift in mindset has made coding less of a chore and more of an exciting challenge. It’s become my own form of creative expression, and that drives my focus.
Tracking Progress and Reflecting
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of how much progress you’ve made. I’ve started keeping a journal of my coding journey, noting down tasks completed, problems solved, and new skills learned. Reflecting on my progress, no matter how small, gives me a sense of accomplishment and fuels my drive to continue learning and improving.

The Future of My Coding Journey
Looking forward, I hope to continue expanding my skills, particularly with React, Node.js, and full-stack development. I’m currently working on a social media app where users can share their stories through photos, videos, and audio. It’s a thrilling project, and each new feature I build brings a wave of excitement and learning.

I believe that the intersection of creativity and technical ability is where some of the most exciting things happen in the world of computing. As I continue this journey, I want to encourage others — especially those who are neurodiverse — to explore their potential in the world of coding. It's a space that welcomes unique thinking and diverse perspectives, and there’s a place for everyone in this field.

Whether you're just starting or have been coding for years, I urge you to stay curious and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Coding is not just about writing lines of code; it's about creating something new, solving problems, and, ultimately, making a positive impact. For me, it’s been a transformative journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.