One of the most common challenges in the technology industry, in particular software development, is learning a new tech stack. Though it is widely accepted to learn a tech stack every so often to keep our toolkit expansive and varied. Building something on a tech stack is usually the next challenge after learning that said tech stack. Working with new technology because we find that it best fits are needs for a project, we should ensure that we know how it works before we implement it.
Now there may be a preference to this, and it only makes sense to do what works best for you. Some learn as they go, some learn as they read, some learn as they apply, and some learn as they watch. There are differing opinions about how to learn something, especially a new tech stack.
Begin by taking on a tech stack one at a time, it can be overwhelming to learn too many at once even though sometimes the work demands it, you’ll find it more effective dig into something one at a time. What seems to be most effective is to approach learning as a game or fun, often times it easier to learn something when we enjoy what we are learning. What’s even better is if we love to learn we will just love the process altogether.
Set clear goals, in otherwise make it a point to set aside an hour a day studying the tech stack you want to learn and build your momentum. Even if it’s just for 5 or 15 minutes it is better than nothing and really helps you get started. As Darren Hardy says in the book The Compound Effect: “Small, Smart Choices + Consistency + Time = RADICAL DIFFERENCE.”
Persistence like most things is key, and even though we don’t see the short-term gains right away, the long-term ones is what we should focus on. Even though most tech stacks follow the similar rules of computer science, there is some nuance and syntax that might not be straightforward right away and will take some consistent practice. The important thing is not to give up, no matter the falls we get back up and we try again. We will often hear people’s perceptions on how we are doing or tell us that we should try something different all together, but most times you have to ignore it and do what works best for you. It’s easy for others to project when they are at a different level then you or have had easier time learning a tech stack. Comparison is the thief joy, go at your own pace and find what works for you. I am cheering you on, keep going!
