Hey everyone! I recently learned the MERN stack and completed a few projects that I'm really proud of. However, after browsing Twitter, I stumbled upon some impressive websites created by others and started feeling a bit down about my own skills. I did some research and discovered a huge variety of libraries and packages that those sites are using, which sparked my curiosity. My question is: how do I find out about these trending libraries? I know it sounds a bit silly with so many options out there, but I'm looking for the best way to identify which libraries are cool or suitable for my needs. I'm not just looking for a Google search; I'd love to hear about the thought process from someone with more experience!
3 Answers
Keeping up with the ever-changing ecosystem is definitely tough! But is it even necessary to learn everything? Remember that most trends fade away over time. You'll narrow down to only a few libraries or frameworks because expertise in those will be more beneficial. It’s easier to follow trends but mastering just a couple with solid fundamentals is key. You can learn any new library or framework in about a week or two if you grasp the basics well.
You can check out other projects to see what libraries they are using—many developers share their source code. Before picking libraries, I suggest conceptualizing your site first. That way, you can choose libraries based on what you really need. Sometimes, it’s easy to go overboard; for instance, consider whether you really need a full animation library when some basic CSS might suffice. Avoid chasing trends as that might lead to tech debt and unwanted bloat in your project.
That's totally correct! Thanks man.
It's important not to choose your tech based solely on what's trending. The right tool for your project comes from experience. Usually, you'll discover the best tools by actually working on projects, facing challenges, and figuring out how others have solved similar problems with third-party packages—think routing, authentication, storage, etc. Just do a comparison of the main options, implement one, and see how it works for you!
That's some great advice, thanks man!
Thank you so much! Those are some great points; I'll definitely keep them in mind!