I'm stuck. Really, when I saw that kind of statement in web development before, I would have laughed. I would say just make websites, what is so difficult about this. Now I realize the reason I thought this way was I had a plenty of experience in building web apps. I've always had projects to do and got paid really well.
But now I'm stuck in Android. I've completed 3 books and Udacity tutorials. I know about fundamental concepts. I can make apps if someone gives me instructions. The problem is there are no such instructions. When I worked on web, I had a clear vision of my project beforehand. I could see how much work to do and time to spend. When I want to start a new Android app I just stare at editor and have no idea what I am gonna do.
What do you do when you were stuck in learning new technologies? I would really appreciate your advice on how to pass that barrier and start making things.
Top comments (6)
Try taking the Agile approach to creating user stories...
As a < type of user >, I want < some goal > so that < some reason >.
For example...
As a guitar builder, I want an app to calculate fret spacing in imperial and metric values so that I can accurately place frets on a guitar neck.
As a cat owner, I want an app to remind me to buy cat food when I'm near/in certain stores so that I don't forget to buy my cats' food.
For more: mountaingoatsoftware.com/agile/use...
I've never considered Agile as an approach for personal projects. Definitely try to use it in my next app.
I probably have the worst advice for this... I just continue to build and build and if I get stuck again, I just keep going.
Keep building and take notes
I second this. As Anne Lamott says, take it bird by bird.
Find the problem you want to solve: and what will the answer look like? Break it down from there - I need X, Y, and Z to display it.
Write what all you know. I am sure there are many aspiring young devs who might want to learn. Write and help your fellow learners.
Writing might open up or give some ideas for you to develop.