How do you approach reading documentation for a new framework or language?

Most documentation has a 'getting started' section, which is a great first stop. When I was working on an app with Electron for the first time, I jumped straight to their docs. They laid everything out clearly, and it helped me grasp how to implement it right off the bat. It paid off because everything worked as advertised!

I usually start by looking for examples of how to use the library or framework. I check out specific functions or classes that are highlighted in the documentation. Sometimes, if the documentation is straightforward, I might even read through it all at once. For instance, when I started using Typebox, its README was packed with information, so I went through the entire thing to get a feel for what I could do with it. It really helped me understand its capabilities better.

It's perfectly fine to use documentation as needed! Sometimes they include a quick start guide, which can be helpful. I usually prefer using other resources like video tutorials first, but if I'm truly stuck or need specific details, that’s when I turn to the docs. Whatever gets the job done for you is what you should stick with!

For me, it’s all about understanding the core concepts. Like with Godot, I initially thought a 'scene' was just a simple object, but diving into the docs revealed how much more complex and functional it really is. I’ve found that if you skip the documentation, you might end up using a framework incorrectly, leading to more fixes later. It's much better to know how a framework is intended to work right from the start!

Getting into documentation can be overwhelming for me. I often find myself unsure of where to start, so I’ll turn to tutorials or even ask ChatGPT for guidance before circling back to the official docs. It gives me a basic understanding first, then I feel more prepared to tackle the documentation.