Regarding learning a new paradigm and having to build an application with it, I think it’s possible within a reasonable time.

My approach, ironically was the incremental approach mentioned in the article. So the first step was for me to view it as one problem - build app using X. Then the steps might have looked like

1. Learn ABC

2. Apply ABC

3. Refine ABC

I always know enough to build something. Eventually, I know enough to refine it.

Now the author said this is slow and I agree but at the end of what would be a learn-first-build-later approach is an actual, built system. You can now solve the next problem, enhancements.

To any new developers, I should mention that a good foundation of fundamentals is key to this kind of approach and I admit, there are much better ways to learn and build.