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Ask HN: How to stop learning and start coding?

by mazeway on 5/27/14, 11:16 AM with 6 comments

Hello HN, I'd like to ask you for some advice. I'm currently building the MVP for my startup. I'm also quite motivated to improve my skill in programming, but since I decided to do this project I spent a lot of time learning the language and framework I'm using via various materials. I read books like Javascript Ninja, Effective Javascript and learned a lot about Closure and Prototypal inheritance. I also read Discovering Meteor and even dug into the source code of meteor to learn about DDP protocol. While I enjoyed the learning, whenever I started to code, the main task I'm supposed to do, I procrastinate and rationalize my self to learn more. As a result, I've got little done for the MVP.

I really want to get out of this vicious cycle.

Should I get a accountability partner or a mentor to keep me on track? Any advice for my predicament? Thanks in advanced.

  • by sgdesign on 5/27/14, 12:20 PM

    Author of Discover Meteor here, thanks for reading our book!

    Here's an idea, what if you set aside separate time slots for working and learning?

    This way whenever you come across something interesting during your "working" time, you can set it aside for later without being distracted.

    In other words, just consider working and learning as too completely separate activities, like working and e.g. playing video games.

  • by saluki on 5/28/14, 12:10 PM

    For your MVP pick the first piece of functionality and set a goal to get that up and running.

    Initially don't even focus on a flashy UI/UX just code it to work. You can polish it up later.

    Pick a framework like Rails or Laravel that will meet the needs of your MVP and stick with it. Then start coding that initial feature. There will be plenty of learning along the way.

    Once the first feature is complete move on to the second one. The best way to learn is tackling a real world project.

    When you get stuck google, stackoverflow and forums are your friend. A mentor you could email/skype with questions would be a plus as well as someone you can send your MVP to for testing/feedback.

    Start completing features one by one and you'll be making progress.

    While you're coding give StartUpsForTheRestofUs.com a listen.

    Good luck with your MVP.

  • by jacquesm on 5/27/14, 11:22 AM

    You're fascinated by the tech, which is great but not the most productive. I have a similar affliction (and have simply turned that weakness into a strength by hiring myself out to people that want to have a piece of technology evaluated), and I find it hard to stay on track.

    What helps me is to set a very clear goal for myself before I'm allowed to 'deviate' again. As long as that goal brings the main project one step closer and I allow myself enough time in between to satisfy the hunger for more knowledge I get stuff done and learn. Not as fast as I probably could but I'm not unhappy with the compromise.

  • by runjake on 5/27/14, 4:38 PM

    Pick a technology and stick to it, and stop chasing the stack du jour. You can do one or the other, but not both.

  • by phektus on 5/28/14, 5:00 AM

    Since you have been reading a lot, you may want to try the old method. Just start a new project (with new technology) and learn along the way instead of picking up a book first.