What’s the Best Way to Follow a Project Tutorial?

Try both methods on smaller projects and see which feels best for you! Just copying what's shown in the tutorial won't help you retain much. Adapt it to your interests to deepen your understanding.

Follow along with the tutorial as you go! Imitate the steps to get it under your fingers. Just hopping from one tutorial to another won't really solidify what you've learned. After one tutorial, take that knowledge and create something of your own, even if it's a small project.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Sometimes, you might want to lean on the tutorial a bit while you’re learning, while other times, you may want to challenge yourself to tackle the project independently. It’s okay to follow the tutorial closely at first to avoid frustration, then branch out when you feel more confident.

I really believe you should do the work as you go. If you’re reading a book or documentation, try every example and tweak them. It’s crucial to engage hands-on; that’s how you really learn. There comes a time when you can watch a video or read just for understanding, but initially, actively participating is key to your growth.

I suggest using the tutorial as inspiration and try writing your own code. This way, you maximize your learning experience. Only use the source code if you're really stuck and need it as a last resort.