Following a Tutorial

How much can you really learn following a tutorial?

Picking up a class on Udemy is easy. Starting said class is challenging. Finding time and motivation to finish it in your free time is almost impossible. Is the trouble even worth it?

I often look for classes and online tutorials when I learn about a new technology that sounds interesting, but I do wonder the hours spent completing this class is worth it. I find I retain way less information than if I just read the docs and make something myself, but often have a hard time coming up with an idea that is exciting to work on to completion.

You're probably better off watching "[NEW TECHNOLOGY] in 100 Seconds" from Fireship, decide if you like the technology, and just sit down and use it. Recently I watched a video from Anthony GG where he talked about goals for developers, and where many devs find their enjoyment. He thinks a lot of us find enjoyment in the technologies that we use, configuring new tools, learning a new language, and generally always assuming the grass is greener somewhere else. I've been falling into that trap as well.

So I want to try a new approach. Pick a project that excites me, look at technologies that I want to work with, and stick with it. Hedging my bets isn't going to get me the best payoff, meaning I'll be a more efficient programmer if I have 5 projects using Laravel, than if I have 9 projects using .NET, Gin, Nest.js ++

I'm not going to stop looking at new technologies, there's always a benefit in keeping your eyes open for better opportunities. But finding your niche can be very exciting too. A "jack of some trades, master of one" type of thing.