Ask HN: How do I optimize learning to code to build my MVP? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: How do I optimize learning to code to build my MVP?

4 pointshellohacker6 comments

This is a question for technical founders who can hopefully point me in the right direction...

In order to bootstrap a MVP by myself, I am learning to code.

I have been attending a bootcamp where they recommend grinding through leetcode to pass interviews... which obviously in my case doesn't really apply, as I am looking to build something, not get hired. It would take me ~6 months to get comfortable doing easy/mediums. But the problem is, those skills don't help me build a MVP! Learning to build a project helps me build a MVP.

So if my goal is to quickly build a MVP as a startup founder—should I bother grinding leetcode?

I want to bootstrap the first version myself. I don't have a cofounder. And most importantly, I want to know my product in deep and eventually, when I have revenue and/or funding, hire senior engineers who can take over - who I can actually talk to in deep about the code.

Any thoughts? And specifically, how do I optimize my learning to build a MVP?

Don't bother with leetcode. I recommend you get the minimal knowledge required and start building the MVP right away. That way you will have the motivation to learn.

1. choose a popular language, and familiarize yourself with the basics so you can at least read simple code

2. choose a web framework (assuming you want to build a web app), and watch/read a tutorial that uses that framework to build a web app

3. start building the MVP and search stackoverflow for everything you want to do

Yeah crash courses on YT fast way to get an intro/feet wet in some language. About an hour long eg. Traverse Media.

It depends entirely on what your MVP is. A simple CRUD app? Are you doing some ML?

Web app? Mobile app?

No, doing LeetCode is a waste of time for your MVP.

No ML at all (until it's big enough to be ever needed, but then seniors engineers can take over since I'd have money). I'm still trying to find a product market fit.

But let's say a web + mobile app like Gumtree, AirBnb and Uber, as examples.

What you think? Something like Uber seems much more challenging.

Don't optimize.

Work hard and build.

Start building.

Learn along the way.

Nobody will die if your code is crummy.

Nobody will even care.

But if you are really lucky, someone might care about what you built.

Good luck.

I would also recommend looking into no-code tools for your mvp and problem validation.

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