Should I Focus on Learning or Building Projects as a New Developer?

If you're still in the foundational phase, I'd lean more towards learning right now. It's vital to make sure you have the basics down before jumping into projects. Consider the challenges you face at work; think about how you'd solve them using C#. Try to find an issue that resonates with you and tackle it! That kind of application can really solidify your knowledge.

I’d say do both! When you finish a lesson, apply it to a different problem right away. That way you can create more connections between what you've learned and practical applications.

I think finding a good mix between learning and building is crucial. As a student myself, I'm motivated to create projects that showcase my skills. It's easy to forget what you learn, so applying concepts right after learning them can really help reinforce your understanding.

I began my professional journey working with VBA and it opened a lot of doors for me, eventually leading to C#. While I'm not certain how much learning you’ve done, starting with smaller projects can be beneficial—like asking a user for input, calculating sales tax, and displaying the result. Even if these projects feel small, they often lead you to new challenges, which can help build your confidence and experience.

Don't hesitate to take breaks from learning to work on small projects! Using the knowledge you've acquired in practice helps you remember it better. Build something expansive when you feel prepared, or get creative and dive into something scrappy right away!

Honestly, you should start building as soon as you feel comfortable. There's no harm in mixing learning with small projects that let you apply what you've learned! It's a great way to anchor your knowledge and retain more information in the long run. When you're ready, tackle something bigger that excites you.