The best strategy to learn and actually get good at any programming language or technology

In the fast-paced world of technology, the quest for knowledge and skill enhancement is an eternal journey. With an ever-expanding array of programming languages, frameworks, and technologies, staying relevant and proficient can seem like a Herculean task. However, there exists a hidden gem in the world of learning, one that offers not only knowledge but also invaluable experience, community collaboration, and a gateway to mastering any language or technology.

We're talking about open-source projects, the beating heart of innovation and shared wisdom in the digital realm. In this blog post, we'll explore why learning from open-source projects is, without a doubt, the most effective and rewarding approach to gaining expertise in any language or technology. Whether you're a seasoned developer seeking to expand your skill set or a curious newcomer taking your first steps into the tech universe, this guide will illuminate the path to success through open-source exploration, we are also going to learn how to learn and the best practices to do while learning from open source projects

Why open source projects are the best way to learn from

Applying Theories to Real-World Scenarios

Many of us start our learning journeys with tutorials, textbooks, and online courses. While these resources provide a strong theoretical foundation, they often leave us wondering how to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios. This is where open-source projects shine.

Learning Best Practices from Senior Developers

When you dive into these projects, you're exposed to code written by professionals who follow industry best practices. , It's like having senior developers as mentors, guiding you toward the best practices in the field, and ensuring that your code aligns with industry standards.

Discovering New Techniques in the language or technology

when you take a course in a programming language or a technology, you may miss some important techniques and strategies, so you will find these important strategies in that open-source project, you will also find new technologies that you have never heard of.

Understanding Large-Scale Project Structures

One of the most challenging aspects of becoming proficient in a language or technology is understanding how large-scale projects are built. Open-source projects, especially those with substantial codebases, provide a unique opportunity to explore the anatomy of complex systems.

The Opportunity to contribute to open source project

while you are diving into how the open source project is built, you may remark on some issues or bugs, or you may want to add new features to that project, by contributing to that open source project you are improving your skills and building your network as a developer

How to learn from the open source project

Pick the best project that aligns with your language or technology

use Google, Github, Linked In and other social media platforms to find the target open source project, the open source project should align with your target programming language or technology, you should invest a decent amount of time in searching about different open source projects to find your target one

Start understanding the file structure and the project anatomy

first, start understanding how the files are being organized, then try to understand how the project is working from start to finish if you find any challenges, feel free to search on Google or use AI tools if you have any questions

Search for any new technology or dependency that you find in that project

when you try to understand how the project is working, you may face new technologies or dependencies that you have not worked with before, this is a great opportunity to learn new technologies and expand your skills, feel free to use the technology documentation, youtube videos and other social media platforms to learn about this new technology

Write down the important things that you got from that project

try to write down all the important techniques and lessons that you will need in your development process, and try to organize them into your notes so it is easier for you to come back to them in the future

Implement what you have learned in your own projects

the best way to learn is by implementing it in a real project, after you understand the important techniques and lessons from the open source project, try to implement them in your real project and feel free to go back to the open source project when you feel stuck

Conclusion

Open source projects embody the convergence of theory and practice, offering a dynamic platform for active learning. They expose you to real-world applications, teach you best practices from seasoned developers, and introduce you to cutting-edge techniques and technologies. It's a hands-on education that transcends the boundaries of traditional tutorials and textbooks.