Why I suggest building a full stack application when learning to code

Summary

This video offers practical advice for beginner developers, encouraging them to focus on building a full-stack application instead of numerous small projects. By working on one comprehensive project, like a to-do list app, you’ll gain experience in both front-end and back-end development. The key is to break the project into manageable tasks, such as handling DOM elements, working with APIs, and learning about authentication. Rather than following tutorials blindly, the video emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and understanding the process. Additionally, choosing a project based on personal interests will keep you motivated while learning new skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on building one full-stack application to gain a well-rounded understanding of coding.
• 😀 Solving real-world problems through projects like a to-do list application helps develop problem-solving skills.
• 😀 Learning both front-end and back-end development enhances your overall understanding and makes you a better developer.
• 😀 A portfolio with multiple small projects may not be as impressive as a single, well-developed, full-stack application.
• 😀 Choose a project that aligns with your interests or hobbies to stay motivated and engaged while learning.
• 😀 Breaking down a big problem into smaller, manageable tasks makes it easier to approach coding challenges.
• 😀 Using vanilla JavaScript for the front-end allows you to understand the underlying technologies like DOM manipulation.
• 😀 Developing a full-stack app exposes you to various aspects of development, such as HTTP methods, REST APIs, and databases.
• 😀 Avoid relying too much on tutorials; solving problems by yourself helps you learn how to break down and tackle challenges.
• 😀 Keep adding features to your project over time to deepen your knowledge and experience in coding.
• 😀 It's better to focus on a single project and continuously enhance it rather than spreading yourself too thin across many small projects.

Q & A

Why is it recommended to focus on building a full stack application when learning how to code?

Focusing on building a full stack application helps you learn a variety of essential skills, such as front-end development, back-end development, interacting with APIs, working with databases, and understanding the complete flow of a web application. It also provides real-world problem-solving experience and gives a better foundation compared to focusing on smaller projects.

What key skills can be learned when building a full stack application like a to-do list app?

Building a full stack application allows you to learn about manipulating DOM elements with JavaScript, working with arrays, handling user interactions with event listeners, sending requests to a back-end API, and managing HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. You'll also understand how to work with a database and build out the back-end server.

How does building a full stack application help a front-end developer?

Even if you're focusing on front-end development, understanding the back-end enhances your skills. Knowing how to interact with APIs and databases allows you to build more effective and dynamic front-end applications, as you'll understand the data flow and the back-end processes involved.

What are the advantages of working on a single, big project over multiple smaller ones?

Working on one large project allows you to build deeper understanding and expertise. It demonstrates your ability to tackle complex problems, add multiple features, and maintain a project. A big project also gives you more to talk about in interviews and showcases your ability to handle the full stack of development.

Why is it not advisable to create a portfolio website with just simple projects like tic-tac-toe or connect four?

While small projects show that you can follow tutorials and build something, they don't highlight problem-solving skills or deep understanding. Employers are more interested in projects that demonstrate critical thinking, real-world application, and an understanding of the full development process.

How can building a project related to a personal interest increase motivation?

Building a project based on a personal interest keeps you motivated because you're working on something you care about. Whether it's a workout tracker or a website related to a hobby like BMX biking, you're more likely to stay engaged and enthusiastic, which makes the learning process more enjoyable.

How can you break down a large problem, like building a to-do list application, into smaller tasks?

To break down a large problem, start by identifying key features needed for the application. For example, for a to-do list, first focus on displaying a list, then add functionality like adding and deleting tasks. Solve one small problem at a time, like handling click events or updating the UI, before moving on to the next.

What are the steps to handle the delete functionality in a to-do list app?

To implement a delete button in a to-do list app, you need to add an event listener for the click event, then write a callback function to remove the clicked item. You'll also need to update the array of tasks, either using methods like splice or filter, and re-render the list on the front-end.

What is the importance of understanding HTTP methods when building a full stack application?

Understanding HTTP methods is crucial because each method (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) dictates how data is sent and received between the client and the server. For instance, GET retrieves data, POST adds new data, PUT updates existing data, and DELETE removes data. These methods are used to interact with the back-end API.

What are the benefits of learning to solve problems without following a tutorial?

Solving problems on your own, without following a tutorial, is essential for developing problem-solving skills. It encourages you to think critically, break down tasks, and find solutions independently. This process strengthens your understanding of concepts and helps you connect the dots, making you more confident in coding.