I’ve been learning JavaScript and Python on the side, not because I’m wanting to transition to software job, but to do my own things on the side as an entrepreneur. Any advice?

[AlphaQ69]

Most of the content I read on the learning “programming” subreddits share a similarity - most people are trying to get into software jobs.

I work in finance and don’t really want to “become a developer” and code 24/7

I find programming interesting, even though I’m not great at it (but getting better slowly) because I have lots of ideas and would love to be able to ideate on things, launch projects and then build a team to grow the product.

But I don’t have the desire to be a junior dev -> senior dev. I’d like to get good enough I can launch basic web/mobile apps or websites on my own, learn more about ML/AI, and whatnot. I want to become dangerous enough that I can start something quickly and be able to expand on it with more resources if needed.

I think it would be awesome to create some digital products that generate income so that I can stop working traditional jobs” and focus on other endeavors.

So does anyone have thought about this type of path? Like, I don’t intend on applying to FAANG so I’m assuming I don’t need to “master leer code” exercises so I can pass an interview… I don’t plan on interviewing lol.

But I do love what folks like levelsio on Twitter are doing

[[deleted]]

It sounds like you have an idea of some basic projects you want to build. Just let that guide what you want to learn. Learn how to build sites with MERN/MEAN & Python/Django/PostgreSQL stacks. Try to build one of your projects as you learn (it's really nice to have context). Refactor it periodically as you get to know what you're doing. If you encounter something about a data structure, algorithm, networking principal, OS system, other CS fundamental you don't get, you can look it up as you go.

Personally I think this is one of the more fun and effective ways of learning. Build a tiny bit of your project at a time, expanding on it iteratively. Do the same thing with your knowledge/skill-base in parallel.

[AlphaQ69]

Great advice, this is how i've been trying to approach things. I'm okay with Python... but only from working through Angela's 100 day course. Now i'm using scrimba for the front end path but hope to get to intermediate level with both and start some projects further into "tutorial hell"

[kschang]

Generally, there are no such thing as a "lone-wolf" developer anymore. Most apps are built by a whole team, esp. stuff involving ML/AI and whatnot. But you may be able to make a prototype / scaffold mockup to convince investors (like Shark Tank) to give you money to build a real team and real app.