As developers, engineers, or hackers, we often find ourselves surrounded by a vast array of existing tools. Most of the time, it makes perfect sense to use what’s already available — it saves time, and it's battle-tested.
But what if you're working on a personal project?
Why should you rely only on what’s already built?
Why not create something of your own — tailored to your needs?
Let’s be clear: if you're working on a company project where time is critical, building a tool from scratch is usually not the best option. The cost of reinventing the wheel might be too high.
But when you're on your own time, learning and experimenting, building your own tool can be one of the most valuable things you can do.
We’ve become so focused on efficiency and productivity that we often forget the fun part of being a developer: the act of creating.
When you build something from scratch, you’re forced to understand the problem it solves deeply. You’re also free to pick the language, framework, and approach — and that’s where true learning happens. You’ll build your curiosity, grow your creativity, and maybe even come up with something useful for others.
So next time you want to learn a new language or skill, don’t just build a "hello world" or basic CRUD.
Build something you think is cool.
And don't be afraid to ask for help — from a friend, a mentor, or even AI like ChatGPT.
Make things. Break things. Learn things. That’s what being a developer is all about.
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