Chapter 1: The Quest for Coding Mastery

Hello, fellow developers! We're all striving to enhance our coding abilities, right? So, how can we transform into programming wizards? Here’s what many do:

• Diving into other people's code—because there's wisdom hidden in those brackets.
• Consuming programming articles—those that share insights, shortcuts, and maybe even a joke or two.
• Navigating through documentation—yes, those extensive tech manuals that can often feel like a labyrinth, but they contain vital information!

But here’s the twist: to achieve greatness, you must act like a detective and identify those signs that indicate a developer might be, dare I say, "average."

They don’t create prototypes; they simply build!

Let me share a little anecdote from my journey. I transitioned from being skeptical about code-centric prototypes to appreciating the value of design. Initially, I was all about code-based prototypes and couldn’t understand why anyone would bother with non-code versions. I often wondered:

“Why do we need a Figma prototype when we can quickly create a code-based one that mirrors real user interactions?”

I loved the idea of thoroughly testing features and addressing bugs early on. Plus, having something concrete to show clients was quite appealing. However, as I learned the hard way, this approach could be misleading.

Building a code-based prototype can become a time-consuming endeavor. Once you and your team are entrenched in coding, it’s challenging to pivot, especially in the early stages of a project. Making alterations to a code-centric prototype? Prepare for a tumultuous journey filled with numerous adjustments. And let’s not forget that customer requirements can change as unpredictably as a game of Jenga.

It’s much wiser to give clients a glimpse of a non-tangible product and gather their feedback upfront.

Consider this scenario: you’re developing a ridesharing app and decide to start with a code-based prototype. Your team invests significant effort into creating a system for booking rides and processing payments via a third-party API. The client is thrilled, and you proceed with full speed, adding more features. Then, you discover that the API is prohibitively expensive! You’d love to change direction, but you’re trapped by the time and energy already expended on coding.

Rolling back? You might as well wish for a time machine.

The first video explores what nearsightedness looks like, comparing myopic and normal vision, shedding light on the importance of clear sight for developers.

Understanding the distinction between a prototype and an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is crucial.

Had you begun with a non-coded prototype, you could’ve easily shown it to the client, discussed options, and made necessary adjustments promptly. No extensions, no drama.

The takeaway? After my experiences, I’ve realized that code-based prototyping isn’t the panacea it seems. Embrace non-code-based methods, and your project’s flexibility will thank you!

They believe they can just hit the ‘Undo’ button on life’s major decisions! (Like selecting the right tech stack)

In my early days as a self-taught programmer, I had some wild ideas. I thought I could tackle any project with any tech stack available. I was known for my erratic experiments. If I was building a blog site with Flask and stumbled upon someone extolling the virtues of Django, I’d switch without a second thought.

I would discard all previous code mid-project and transition to Django. If Django didn’t suit me, I'd effortlessly revert to my old stack.

This wasn’t limited to backend technologies either. I’d flip-flop between front-end frameworks, libraries, and payment processors more times than I can count.

What did these escapades teach me? I developed a bizarre belief that I could reverse any decision, at any time.

As I progressed in my career, I encountered seasoned developers lamenting their tech stack choices. They were frustrated about how their decisions complicated their lives.

But I thought, “Why are they complaining? Can’t they just switch back to their preferred stack?”

What I failed to grasp back then was the difficulty of making significant changes in a professional context. You can’t just pivot with a live product that has thousands of users, nor can you simply swap out major components.

When working on personal projects, you have all the time in the world to experiment. You can switch libraries and programming languages at will—it's all smooth sailing.

However, once you step into the professional arena, reality hits hard. Even if you adhere to best practices and write flexible code, it won’t protect you from the whims of higher-ups who might decide to alter a major design element. A single adjustment can derail timelines.

So, what’s the lesson here? In the real world, many decisions lack the option for reversal. Before you commit to that quirky, unsupported third-party library, take a moment to gather requirements, conduct thorough research, evaluate your choices, assess the risks, and perhaps create a prototype. Ensure you have a solid foundation before making significant decisions.

It’ll save you from future headaches!

They often overlook what lies ahead!

Sometimes developers seem to forget that the future exists! They claim to understand, but they repeatedly make the same mistakes.

When do they falter? It’s as if they become so engrossed in immediate deadlines that they neglect the long-term implications of their software. They abandon foresight for shortcuts just to complete the project.

Picture this: you’re coding an analytics tool for your company, and you spot a shiny new third-party API. You dive in without research. Later, you realize you need advanced features, only to find there’s no documentation! How would that feel? Like biting into a sour lemon, right? Welcome to Regret City!

The lesson? Trendy APIs may seem appealing, but they can be as fleeting as one-hit wonders. Opt for reliable tools with proven histories.

It’s like choosing a steadfast friend over a flaky acquaintance!

They attempt to create a full application in DIY mode!

I vividly remember the thrill of crafting a simple HTTP server in C without relying on any third-party libraries. That was exhilarating!

I felt like a tech wizard when I first launched my app. I thought, “I can build anything exactly the way I envision it!”

But here’s where I went astray. I became fixated on creating the ultimate product right from the start. I didn’t want to waste time on a simplified version.

I aimed to develop an app with 20 features, of which only 2 were essential. Instead of focusing on a basic version with those crucial features, I tried to create the ultimate app with all 20 features from the beginning. Ridiculous, right?

Convinced of my genius, I thought I could forgo client feedback.

Here’s a piece of advice for all developers: avoid this trap!

Many developers dream of building the perfect app from the get-go and resist “wasting” time on a basic version.

However, starting with a simplified prototype is the way to go. It allows you to identify issues early and gather feedback for improvement.

By developing a basic version, you can test your ideas and ensure everything functions correctly. Plus, you’ll catch potential problems before they escalate.

So, what’s the final takeaway? The next time you embark on a software project, begin with a stripped-down version of your product, concentrating on the most vital features. It’ll save you time and hassle in the long run.

And here we are at the end of the journey. If you enjoyed my story, please give it some applause and share your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful day!

The second video provides guidance on reducing your child's risk of developing myopia, emphasizing proactive steps for better vision health.