I’ve learned the most from 1) taking things apart 2) fucking up putting them back together.
I generally agree with other comments to find a passion project and build it. But I think a lot of people, including myself, don’t even know where to start with _that_. I’m not a crazy inventor or creative type that’s teeming with original ideas, but I am extremely curious. When I don’t have a nice project idea to use for learning something, I just take something else apart and learn how it works. Or try to reproduce something in a new language or platform.
Last but certainly not least, there will never be enough help in open source projects. Pick one you use often or that you have decent working knowledge of and ask if you can help.
Sure, a passion project is going to be more motivating and interesting, but it’s not the only way to advance your knowledge or keep your tools sharp.
I generally agree with other comments to find a passion project and build it. But I think a lot of people, including myself, don’t even know where to start with _that_. I’m not a crazy inventor or creative type that’s teeming with original ideas, but I am extremely curious. When I don’t have a nice project idea to use for learning something, I just take something else apart and learn how it works. Or try to reproduce something in a new language or platform.
Last but certainly not least, there will never be enough help in open source projects. Pick one you use often or that you have decent working knowledge of and ask if you can help.
Sure, a passion project is going to be more motivating and interesting, but it’s not the only way to advance your knowledge or keep your tools sharp.